Football has always been the most popular sport in Kerala, and now football fans in the state have a new reason to celebrate.

While India is still waiting for its first appearance at the FIFA World Cup, a teenager with strong Malayali roots has emerged on the global football stage.

Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, a 19-year-old winger born in Qatar to parents from Kerala, has become one of the most talked-about young footballers in the Gulf after earning a place in Qatar’s national team setup and being associated with the country’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

His remarkable rise from a football-loving family to international football has made him a source of pride for Malayalis around the world.

Born on June 16, 2006, in Qatar, Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid comes from a family deeply connected to Kerala. His father, Jamshid, is a native of Thalassery in Kannur district, while his mother, Shyma, is from nearby Valapattanam.

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Football was a major part of Tahsin’s upbringing by his father, who was a former footballer for the University of Calicut.

Recognising his son’s talent and passion for the game at an early age, Jamshid encouraged and guided him throughout his football journey. Growing up in Qatar, Tahsin had access to some of the best football development programmes in the region, and his talent soon became evident.

Tahsin’s football education took a major step forward when he joined the prestigious Aspire Football Academy in Qatar. Widely regarded as one of the leading football academies in Asia and the Middle East, Aspire has produced several players who have gone on to represent Qatar at the highest level.

The academy provided Tahsin with world-class coaching, facilities and opportunities to compete against top young talents. His performances consistently impressed coaches, helping him establish himself as one of the country’s most promising young players.

His progress through the youth ranks was rapid. Tahsin represented Qatar at various age-group levels, including the Under-16 and Under-18 national teams.

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His pace, dribbling ability and attacking instincts made him a standout performer. As a winger, he developed a reputation for creating chances, taking on defenders and contributing in the final third.

His impressive displays at the youth level eventually earned him recognition from selectors overseeing the senior national team.

At the club level, Tahsin’s career reached a significant milestone when he made his senior debut for Al-Duhail, one of the most successful clubs in the Qatar Stars League.

He made his first-team appearance on March 31, 2024, in a league match against Al Rayyan. The debut was a historic moment, as it marked another important step in the career of a footballer of Indian origin competing at the highest level of Qatari football.

Playing as a left winger, Tahsin showcased the confidence and technical quality that had earned him his opportunity. His performances have continued to attract attention, with many observers believing he has the potential to become a key player for both club and country in the coming years.

The young footballer’s rise reached another landmark when he received his first call-up to the senior Qatar national team. He was included in the squad for FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against India and Afghanistan, a moment that carried special significance given his Indian heritage.

For football fans in Kerala, seeing a player with roots in Thalassery and Valapattanam wear the colours of a national team on the international stage was a proud moment.