Kamal Ghorui
Raised in a sports-loving family, Soham Bhagawati’s journey into football began at an early age. Born in Guwahati and raised in Dubai, he grew up surrounded by sporting influence: his father was a tennis player and his grandfather was a footballer. This unwavering family support helped turn a childhood passion into a serious career pursuit. Now based in Spain, the young footballer is steadily building his path towards a potential India debut.Soham moved to Spain about two and a half years ago to improve his football skills and gain exposure at a higher level. At the same time, he is continuing his studies and pursuing a degree in sports management, which helps him learn more about the sport both on and off the field.
Soham was called up for trials with the India Under-19 team in 2020, a significant milestone in his career. He considers wearing the Indian jersey a major achievement and a moment of pride, further motivating him to push himself.The 22-year-old currently plays for Terrassa FC, representing the club’s B team in the second division of Catalonia, while the senior team competes in Spain’s fourth division.According to him, football in Spain has helped him grow both technically and mentally, and the competitive environment has been a valuable learning experience.Soham named Brazilian star Neymar as his early inspiration. However, with time and a deeper understanding of the game, he feels that every player brings something different to it. Today, rather than idolising one individual, Soham believes there is something to learn from everyone and focuses on improving by taking lessons from all players he watches and plays alongside.From Indian football, Soham calls Sunil Chhetri “the king” and draws inspiration from his achievements and leadership. He likes FC Barcelona and Argentina’s Boca Juniors, and he dreams of one day representing a club of similar stature through hard work and dedication.
Soham along with teammates during a practice session with Terrassa FC.
He hopes to represent his favourite ISL club, NorthEast United FC, one day. For now, however, his focus is on gaining experience and improving his game.According to Soham, the difference between players from India and Spain is not talent but exposure, which sets them apart. He, though, feels the level of young Indian footballers is steadily improving.“India has talented players and improving facilities, especially with ISL clubs now offering strong infrastructure. However, football does not receive the same level of investment and attention as other sports, which limits growth. Exposure to competitive environments is still the biggest gap,” Soham told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.Soham emphasised how crucial the ISL is for Indian football. He said it not only provides young players with much-needed exposure and professional experience but also keeps fans connected to the sport.“The ISL is the main league people associate with football in India in recent years. Without it, the sport loses visibility and structure. Even though the format and wages have changed, it’s good that players are back on the field — playing matches is what matters most for footballers,” he added.Soham’s short-term goal is to break into his club’s first team, while his long-term aim is to play at a higher professional level in Spain. Representing India at the senior level remains a clear dream — one he believes is achievable through consistent hard work, dedication and belief in his abilities.
Soham in action during a match.
“Representing India at the senior level is everyone’s dream. For me, it could happen very soon if I keep working hard towards it. Let’s see — it takes effort, but if it happens, it will be a proud moment,” Soham added.Soham is optimistic about the future of Indian football. He believes that, with proper focus and commitment, India has the potential to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.“We already have top-quality players like Sandesh Jhingan, Lallianzuala Chhangte and many more. If we focus well and give everything to it, I believe we can achieve it in the next few years,” he said.Beyond football, Soham is deeply spiritual and credits his faith for keeping him grounded.“I always pray every day and look up to God because He is the one giving us opportunities. We’re truly blessed to have everything we have. There will be bad times, but they always pass. The key is to stay positive, focus on the right things, and always be happy and smile,” he said.
