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Lalengmawia Ralte

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Apuia Ralte
Personal information
Full name Lalengmawia Ralte
Date of birth (2000-10-17) 17 October 2000 (age 24)
Place of birth Aizawl, Mizoram, India
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[1]
Position(s) Central midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Mohun Bagan SG
Number 45
Youth career
2016–2017 AIFF Elite Academy
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2017–2019 Indian Arrows 13 (1)
2019–2021 NorthEast United 32 (1)
2021– 2024 Mumbai City 59 (4)
2024– Mohun Bagan 4 (0)
International career‡
2016–2017 India U16 1 (0)
2017–2021 India U17 8 (0)
2021– India U23 2 (0)
2021– India 21 (0)
Medal record
Representing  India
SAFF Championship
Winner 2021 Maldives
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:30, 13 June 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:00, 13 June 2024 (UTC)

Lalengmawia Ralte (born 17 October 2000), commonly known as Apuia, is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Indian Super League club Mohun Bagan and the India national team.

Club career

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Youth career

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Apuia started playing football at the tender age of 6. His first big break arrived when he was selected to play in his school team for the U14 Subroto Cup, an international inter-school football tournament that is held annually in New Delhi, India.[2] He spent a couple of years at the Regional Sports Training Centre football academy in Kolasib, Mizoram and trained under HC Zarzoliana.[3] In January 2016, he went to the trials for the 2017 Under-17 World Cup squad that took place in Mizoram and thus joined the AIFF Elite Academy, in Goa.[4]

Indian Arrows

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2017–18 season

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On 29 November 2017, Apuia was selected to play for the Indian Arrows, an All India Football Federation owned team that would consist of India under-20 players to give them playing time.[5] He made his professional debut for the side on 23 February 2018, against his hometown club Aizawl. He started and played the full match as Indian Arrows lost 3–0.[6][7]

In his debut season, Apuia made three appearances, including one in the 2018 Indian Super Cup for the Arrows.

2018–19 season

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On 13 January 2019, Apuia scored his first goal for the development club against Shillong Lajong, in a dominant 3–0 win. He made some space for himself and pulled the trigger from just inside the box to see the ball nestle into the top corner.[8][9] He featured in 11 matches of the 2018–19 I-League campaign and also once in the 2019 Indian Super Cup as he played well whenever he was called upon and contributed to the ideas head coach Pinto had in his mind.[10]

NorthEast United

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2019–20 season: Debut in the ISL

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On 23 May 2019, Indian Super League club NorthEast United secured the services of Apuia for the 2019–20 season.[11] On 18 December 2019, he made his professional debut for the club in the 9th matchweek of the 2019–20 Indian Super League campaign against Bengaluru, in a 2–0 loss.[12][13] This started of him being more involved in the starting XI following this match.

The 2019–20 Indian Super League season was yet another one to forget for the Highlanders as they finished second last in the table. Lalengmawia, though, was one of the few bright spots in NorthEast's gloomy season. He controlled the midfield, pulling the strings and managed the game like a seasoned pro. He impressed many with his passing accuracy, creativity and endurance in midfield.[14]

2020–21 season: The breakout season

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On 5 August 2020, NorthEast United extended contracts of 5 Indian players which included Apuia for the upcoming season.[15] On 30 November 2020, he captained NorthEast United for the first time in their 1–1 away draw against Goa, which made him the youngest player to lead a side in the Indian Super League, at an age of 20 years and 44 days.

It was the 2020–21 Indian Super League season in which Apuia had a breakout season with the Highlanders. They finished third in the league stages, qualifying for the playoffs for only the second time in their history.[16] On 26 February 2021, he finally managed to get his first professional goal for the club in the last game of the league stages against Kerala Blasters, in a 2–0 win.[17][18]

On 13 March 2021, his wonderful displays in the season won him the Indian Super League Emerging Player of the League.[19] He also won the FPAI Young Player of the Year, on 31 March 2021.[20]

Mumbai City

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2021–22 season

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On 13 August 2021, Apuia joined Mumbai City on a five-year deal for a record transfer fee of INR 2 crores ($280,000).[21] He was part of the team as they finished the season on fifth place and failed to qualify for the playoffs. Ahead of the 2022 AFC Champions League kick-off, the club went to Abu Dhabi for training and defeated Emirati giants Al Ain 2–1 in a friendly match, in which Apuia scored a goal.[22][23]

Apuia started all six of Mumbai's 2022 AFC Champions League group stage matches, as the club made history by being the first Indian side to win an AFC Champions League match, beating Iraqi club Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (also known as Air Force Club) 2–1, thanks to a winning goal from Rahul Bheke.[24] Mumbai went on to draw with Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira 0–0,[25] and beat Air Force Club again, this time with a 1–0 scoreline and Diego Mauricio scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot.[26] This meant Mumbai bowed out of the tournament as the second-placed team in Group B, with seven points and two wins.[27]

2022–23 season

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On 3 September 2022, Mumbai City officially announced that Apuia went to Belgium for a two-week training stint with First Division B side Lommel.[28] Due to this stint, Apuia missed most of the club's matches in the 2022 Durand Cup, but returned in time to play and score in the final, where Mumbai narrowly lost 2-1 to Bengaluru FC.[29][30] He made his first ISL appearance of the season away against Hyderabad FC, in a thrilling 3-3 draw on 9 October 2022.[31] He scored his first ISL goal for the club on 17 November 2022 against Bengaluru FC at home, scoring the second goal in an eventual 4-0 win for the Islanders, picking up the ball in the area and calmly slotting the ball past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.[32] On 16 December 2023, he scored his first-ever brace, netting in the 26th and 59th minute away against East Bengal FC.[33] He remained a key part of the Islanders' season, as they made history in the league with a stunning 18-match unbeaten run, which is the longest unbeaten start for any team in the history of the ISL. It is also the longest unbeaten streak in ISL history. [34] Mumbai lifted the 2022-23 League Shield, the trophy for the team finishing on top of the table. However, Mumbai were knocked out of the playoffs in the semi-finals, following a loss on penalties against Bengaluru FC.[35]

2023–24 season

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Apuia began the 2023-24 season with a 2-0 loss at home against F.C. Nassaji Mazandaran on 18 September 2023 in the 2023–24 AFC Champions League group stage.[36] His first ISL appearance of the season came in a 1-2 away win against NorthEast United FC on 24 September 2023.[37] His first goal of the season came against Kerala Blasters FC, the winning goal in a 2-1 win for the Islanders at home, where he outjumped Blasters goalkeeper Sachin Suresh to score a brilliant header.[38] As he did in the 2022 AFC Champions League, Lallianzuala once again featured in every game Mumbai played in the 2023–24 AFC Champions League. However, the campaign wasn't as fruitful for The Islanders, as they were knocked out in the group stage of the competition with zero points, with only one goal scored throughout the six matches they played.[39]

Mohun Bagan Super Giant

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On June 25 2024, Mohun Bagan announced the signing of Apuia on a five-year deal by triggering his release clause which is believed to be around ₹1.6 crore.[40][41]

International career

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On 2 March 2021, Lalengmawia got selected for the 35-man probable national squad camp ahead of India national team's friendlies against Oman and UAE.[42] On 25 March 2021, he made his international debut for India against Oman when he came on as half-time substitute for Rowllin Borges, which ended in a 1–1 draw.[43]

During the SAFF Championship held in October 2021, Sunil Chhetri, who was awarded the man of the match in the game against Maldives, handed over the award to Apuia.

Style of play

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Apuia is a part of a generation of players, who loves playing with the ball. His ability to get out of tight situations with smooth footwork and his positioning and confidence on the ball consistently make him stand out in the field. He is also adept in finding pockets of space and he's always demanding the ball, looking to direct play. He has impressed many with his ability to compete against more physical players and extremely intelligent game-reading. He is one of those players who covers every blade of grass on a football pitch.[44]

Personal life

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Apuia was born in Aizawl, Mizoram. His father works as a butcher. His parents had always supported his passion for football and were there for him throughout. In 2015, his parents asked him to skip the trials for the 2017 Under-17 World Cup squad that took place in Mizoram, and rather focus on his Class X board exams. He did appear in the next round of trials held in Mizoram, in January 2016.[45]

His favourite clubs are Barcelona and his hometown club Aizawl. He idolises Argentinian forward Lionel Messi, and current Real Kashmir midfielder Lalrindika Ralte is his favourite Indian player.[46] He also revealed that he chose 45 as his jersey number because of Italian forward Mario Balotelli.[47]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of 4 May 2024[48]
Club Season League National Cup League Cup AFC Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Indian Arrows 2017–18 I-League 2 0 1[a] 0 — — 3 0
2018–19 I-League 11 1 1[a] 0 — — 12 1
Total 13 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 15 1
NorthEast United 2019–20 Indian Super League 10 0 0 0 — — 10 0
2020–21 Indian Super League 22 1 0 0 — — 22 1
Total 32 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 1
Mumbai City 2021–22 Indian Super League 20 0 — — 6[b] 0 26 0
2022–23 Indian Super League 17 3 3[a] 1 3[c] 1 — 24 5
2023–24 Indian Super League 22 1 — 4[c] 0 6[d] 0 32 1
Total 59 4 3 1 7 1 12 0 81 6
Mohun Bagan SG 2024–25 Indian Super League 4 0 0 0 — — 0 0
Career total 108 6 5 1 7 1 12 0 132 8
  1. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in Super Cup
  2. ^ Appearance(s) in AFC Champions League
  3. ^ a b Appearance(s) in Durand Cup
  4. ^ Appearance(s) in AFC Champions League

International

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As of 13 June 2024[49]
National team Year Apps Goals
India 2021 10 0
2023 3 0
2024 5 0
Total 18 0

Honours

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India

Individual

References

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  1. ^ Lalengmawia Ralte at National-Football-Teams.com
  2. ^ "Who is Apuia Ralte? 10 things to know about ISL's Emerging Player of the Season". The Bridge. 31 March 2021. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  3. ^ "Meet Apuia, the great new hope of Indian football". Mint Lounge. 7 April 2021. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  4. ^ "Meet Apuia, the great new hope of Indian football". Mint Lounge. 7 April 2021. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  5. ^ "Matos Names 25-member Indian Arrows Squad for Hero I-league 2017-18". The All India Football Federation. 29 November 2017. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  6. ^ "Aizawl 3-0 Indian Arrows". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  7. ^ "I-League 2017-18: Aizawl FC 3-0 Indian Arrows - Lalkhawpuimawia brace breaks nine-match winless run for defending champions". Goal.com. 23 February 2018. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  8. ^ "Shillong Lajong 0-3 Indian Arrows". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  9. ^ "I-League 2018-19: Dominant Indian Arrows send Shillong Lajong packing". Goal.com. 13 January 2019. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  10. ^ "The development of the Indian Arrows project under Floyd Pinto – A complete review". KhelNow. 5 March 2019. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  11. ^ "ISL: NorthEast United rope in Lalengmawia from Indian Arrows". Goal.com. 23 May 2019. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  12. ^ "NorthEast United 0-2 Bengaluru". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  13. ^ "ISL 2019-20: Bengaluru FC get the job done against NorthEast United FC". Goal.com. 18 December 2019. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  14. ^ "ISL 2019-20 Season Review: NorthEast United FC". KhelNow. 19 March 2020. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  15. ^ "NorthEast United Retains 5 Indian Players For The Upcoming Season". IFTWC. 5 August 2020. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  16. ^ "Indian Super League 2020-21 Season Review: NorthEast United". KhelNow. 24 March 2021. Archived from the original on 4 August 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  17. ^ "NorthEast United 2-0 Kerala Blasters". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  18. ^ "Just too good - NorthEast United outclassed shambolic Kerala Blasters". Goal.com. 27 February 2021. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  19. ^ "Top-notch performers: Hero ISL 2020-21 season award winners". Indian Super League. 13 March 2021. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  20. ^ "FPAI Indian Football awards: Sunil Chhetri, Arindam Bhattacharya and other winners". Goal.com. 31 March 2021. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  21. ^ "Mumbai City FC Confirm Signing of Lalengmawia 'Apuia' Ralte from NorthEast United FC". News18. 13 August 2021. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  22. ^ FPJ Web Desk, 03:30 PM IST (27 March 2022). "Mumbai City FC defeat leaders of UAE Pro League Al Ain in friendly ahead of AFC Champions League". www.freepressjournal.in. The Free Press Journal. Archived from the original on 27 March 2022. Retrieved 30 March 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  23. ^ Guha, Sayantan (6 April 2022). "All you need to know about Mumbai City FC's AFC Champions League 2022 campaign". sportskeeda.com. Sportskeeda. Archived from the original on 6 April 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  24. ^ "Match Report: Air Force Club 1–2 Mumbai City".
  25. ^ "Mumbai City FC hold al Jazira in closely-fought encounter".
  26. ^ "Match Report: Mumbai City FC 1–0 Air Force Club".
  27. ^ "Mumbai City FC 1–0 Air Force Club (27 Apr, 2022) Game Analysis – ESPN (IN)".
  28. ^ "Apuia Ralte to travel to Belgium for Lommel SK training stint". www.mumbaicityfc.com. Mumbai, Maharashtra: Mumbai City Football Club. 3 September 2022. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  29. ^ "'You don't have time on the ball and must make quick decisions': Apuia after Belgium stint". The Hindu. 26 September 2022.
  30. ^ https://www.the-aiff.com/match-center/cms/13048 [bare URL]
  31. ^ "Match Report: Hyderabad FC 3-3 Mumbai City".
  32. ^ "Match Report: Mumbai City FC 4-0 Bengaluru FC".
  33. ^ "ISL 2022-23: Mumbai City FC tops standings after 3-0 win vs East Bengal". 16 December 2022.
  34. ^ "ISL: A look at the longest unbeaten starts in a season for each team". 2 December 2023.
  35. ^ "Bengaluru FC beats Mumbai City FC on penalties to enter ISL 2022-23 final". 12 March 2023.
  36. ^ "Mumbai City vs Nassaji Mazandaran, AFC Champions League Highlights: Islanders start ACL campaign with a 0-2 loss". 18 September 2023.
  37. ^ "ISL 2023-24: Mumbai City FC beats NorthEast United FC 2-1". 24 September 2023.
  38. ^ "ISL: Mumbai City FC beat Kerala Blasters FC 2-1". 8 October 2023.
  39. ^ https://olympics.com/en/news/afc-champions-league-2023-24-mumbai-city-navbahor-score-result#:~:text=AFC%20Champions%20League%202023%2D24%3A%20Mumbai%20City%20FC%20end%20campaign,losses%20from%20as%20many%20matches [bare URL]
  40. ^ "LALENGMAWIA RALTE JOINS MOHUN BAGAN SUPER GIANT ON FIVE-YEAR DEAL". Indian Super League. 25 June 2024.
  41. ^ "ISL: Mohun Bagan to register Apuia outside salary cap". The Times of India. 21 June 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  42. ^ "Bipin Singh, Ishan Pandita in 35-man probables list for Oman, UAE friendlies". scroll.in. 2 March 2021. Archived from the original on 9 March 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  43. ^ "India vs Oman highlights: Manvir goal helps Stimac's side play out 1-1 draw". Sportstar. 25 March 2021. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  44. ^ "Who is Apuia Ralte? 10 things to know about ISL's Emerging Player of the Season". The Bridge. 31 March 2021. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  45. ^ "Meet Apuia, the great new hope of Indian football". Mint Lounge. 7 April 2021. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  46. ^ "FIFA U-17 World Cup Indian team stars: 10 things to know about talented midfielder Lalengmawia". sportskeeda. 26 September 2017. Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
  47. ^ "Lalengmawia claims he chose No. 45 jersey because of Mario Balotelli, Balotelli responds". sportskeeda. 17 March 2021. Archived from the original on 4 August 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  48. ^ Lalengmawia Ralte at Soccerway
  49. ^ Lalengmawia Ralte at National-Football-Teams.com
  50. ^ "NorthEast United FC midfielder Lalengmawia wins Hero-of-the-Month award for February". Indian Super League. 6 March 2021. Archived from the original on 16 May 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  51. ^ "ISL 2020-21: From Lalengmawia to Roy Krishna - All the season award winners | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Archived from the original on 4 September 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  52. ^ "FPAI Indian Football awards: Sunil Chhetri, Arindam Bhattacharya and other winners | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
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