GUWAHATI: As Indian Super League (ISL) continues to be a breeding ground for young talents across India, some promising players have stood out for their sheer skill, ball control and immaculate power to find the back of the net from a distance.
NorthEast United Football Club’s Parthib Gogoi is one such prodigy. Known for his flair, dazzling ball control and powerful long-range shots, the 21-year-old forward from Sivasagar in Upper Assam had become a fan-favourite at the Highlanders last season.
Parthib scored five goals, provided four assists in ISL 2023-24, and played a pivotal role in NorthEast United’s Durand Cup 2024 triumph, where he netted during the penalty shootout in the final against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, securing the first silverware in the club’s history.
After his brace against Jamshedpur FC in the ISL 2024-25 season at his club home ground on Saturday, Gogoi now has become the third-highest scorer for NorthEast United FC in the ISL (10 goals), with only Bartholomew Ogbeche and Deshorn Brown (12 goals each) having netted more for the Highlanders in the competition.
His early rise is supported by the fact that the forward has scored the most goals by any player in the ISL before turning 22.
Journey so far
The young man’s journey from watching the Highlanders from the stands of the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati to becoming a key player for the team is nothing short of remarkable.
According to ISL sources, NEUFC head coach Juan Pedro Benali sees a lot of promise in Parthib in the years ahead.
“Parthib Gogoi is a young guy, who has gotten a chance, and he is very good. He needs to go forward, because the sky’s the limit for him. He is a very nice boy. He needs to work harder every single day. I tell you, if he continues working hard, he will become the future Sunil Chhetri of India,” says NEUFC head coach Benali.
Parthib, who has signed a contract extension with NorthEast United FC until 2027, shares a deep connection with the club.
Reflecting on his journey, he says, “Every time I step on the field, it gives me goosebumps. I will never forget my first professional goal in the ISL against Mumbai City FC. From there to my first senior hat-trick against Shillong Lajong, scoring these goals here has been a privilege,” Gogoi said.
“This club feels like home. I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” he says.
But his journey had been an emotional one, from a desire to play for his home club to finally winning the prestigious Durand Cup against Mohun Bagan SuperGiants in Kolkata, where he played a key role.
“My father, Paban Gogoi, had back in 2005 started a football coaching centre where I (since 2008) and my elder brother learned the basics of the game. Thereafter, I started playing with senior players. From under-13 district level to the under-15 level, under-20 level, my soccer journey progressed smoothly. Subsequently, I played the I-League for Indian Arrows before sealing a berth in NEUFC in 2021-22,” Parthib says.
NEUFC philosophy
Benali also touched upon NorthEast United FC’s broader philosophy of scouting and nurturing local talent from the eight states of the Northeast. In a significant step this season, the Highlanders will also be playing a portion of their home matches in Shillong, Meghalaya – which will be a first for the club.
“The philosophy of NorthEast United FC is absolutely clear, that is, to go over and look for talent in each state. The staff and the management have done a lot of scouting and we have gotten a lot of talent. John Abraham and (CEO) Mandar Tamhane have a clear idea of getting those players, and the club tends to benefit from the same,” Benali signed off.
NorthEast United FC have won and drawn twice each in their six matches so far. With eight points, they sit at the fifth spot in the standings.
The Highlanders will return to action against Odisha FC on November 3 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.