Kerala Blasters FC is a professional football club based in Kochi, Kerala, India. Established in 2014, the club competes in the Indian Super League (ISL), which is the top tier of football in India. The team plays its home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, known for its passionate and vocal fan base.
Since its inception, Kerala Blasters FC has garnered a significant following and has become one of the most popular football clubs in India. The club’s colours, yellow and blue, symbolise the vibrant culture and spirit of Kerala. Kerala Blasters FC, founded on May 27, 2014, operates under Magnum Sports Private Limited, with industrialist Nimmagadda Prasad, film actor Chiranjeevi, Indian film producer Allu Arvind, and Nikhil Bhardwaj as co-owners.
It reflects the fervent support of its fans, known as the “Manjappada.” The Manjappada is renowned for their unwavering loyalty and passionate chants, creating an electrifying atmosphere during matches.
| Full name | Kerala Blasters Football Club |
| Nickname(s | Manjappada (Yellow Army) |
| Founded | 27 May 2014 |
| Ground | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, Kerala |
| Capacity | 80,000 (Limited to 41,000 by FIFA from 2017) |
| Owner | Magnum Sports Private Limited |
| Chairman | Nikhil Bhardwaj |
| Head coach | Ivan Vukomanović |
| League | Indian Super League |
| Website | Club website |
Kerala Blasters FC has enjoyed success in the Indian Super League, reaching the finals in the inaugural season in 2014 and finishing as runners-up. The club’s journey has been characterised by thrilling encounters, memorable goals, and the emergence of talented Indian and foreign players.
Off the field, Kerala Blasters FC is actively involved in grassroots development programs aimed at nurturing young talent and promoting the sport of football across Kerala. The club’s commitment to community engagement and social initiatives underscores its role as a catalyst for positive change.
As Kerala Blasters FC continues to write its story on the Indian football landscape, the club remains a symbol of hope, unity, and pride for football enthusiasts in Kerala and beyond. With each season, the Blasters strive to ignite the passion of their fans and uphold the rich footballing tradition of the state.
Kerala Blaster Home Ground
The Kerala Blasters play their home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the city of Kochi. This iconic stadium has been the battleground where the Blasters have showcased their skills and thrilled their passionate fans. Renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and enthusiastic crowd, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium provides an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators.
In recognition of its exceptional playing surface, the stadium was honoured with the Best Pitch of the Season Award during the 2018-19 season of the Indian Super League. This accolade highlights the stadium’s commitment to maintaining top-notch facilities and ensuring optimal conditions for high-quality football matches. With its vibrant ambiance and state-of-the-art amenities, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium remains a cherished home for the Kerala Blasters and a symbol of football excellence in Kerala.
Kerala Blasters Sponsors
Byju’s serves as the principal sponsor for the Kerala Blasters, lending their support to the club’s endeavours both on and off the field. Alongside, 1xbat stands as a presenting sponsor, further bolstering the team’s sponsorship portfolio. Additionally, Asian Paints holds the position of special partner, contributing to the club’s success and growth.
Furthermore, Kerala Blasters boasts a lineup of esteemed official partners, including Kalliyath TMT, ELANCE, Revv Up, Yakult, Croma, Near, Chupps, Kravin Banana Chips, Aifer, Club W, Chicking, Vaan, and more. These partnerships enhance the club’s reach and impact, fostering mutually beneficial relationships within the community.
Moreover, SIX5SIX proudly serves as the official kit partner of the Kerala Blasters, ensuring that the team steps onto the field with confidence and style. Through these sponsorships and partnerships, the Kerala Blasters continue to thrive as a prominent force in Indian football, supported by a network of dedicated organisations and brands.
Kerala Blasters ISL Standing
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Odisha | 15 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 28 | 14 | +14 | 31 |
| 2 | Goa | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 19 | 6 | +13 | 28 |
| 3 | Kerala Blasters | 14 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 19 | 15 | +4 | 26 |
| 4 | Mumbai City | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 12 | +9 | 25 |
| 5 | Mohun Bagan SG | 12 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 23 | 16 | +7 | 23 |
| 6 | NorthEast United | 14 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 17 | 21 | −4 | 16 |
| 7 | Bengaluru | 15 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 15 | 23 | −8 | 15 |
| 8 | Jamshedpur | 15 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 17 | 19 | −2 | 14 |
| 9 | Punjab | 14 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 15 | 20 | −5 | 14 |
| 10 | East Bengal | 13 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 15 | 14 | +1 | 12 |
| 11 | Chennaiyin | 13 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 15 | 23 | −8 | 12 |
| 12 | Hyderabad | 14 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 5 | 26 | −21 | 4 |
Kerala Blasters Squad 2024
Goalkeepers (GK):
- Karanjit Singh (India)
- Lara Sharma (on loan from Bengaluru, India)
- Sachin Suresh (India)
- Mohammed Arbaz (India)
Defenders (DF):
- Sandeep Singh (India)
- Hormipam Ruivah (India)
- Miloš Drinčić (Montenegro)
- Pritam Kotal (India)
- Prabir Das (India)
- Naocha Singh (on loan from Mumbai City, India)
- Marko Lešković (captain, Croatia)
- Aritra Das (India)
Midfielders (MF):
- Jeakson Singh (India)
- Freddy Lallawmawma (India)
- Vibin Mohanan (India)
- Danish Farooq Bhat (India)
- Saurav Mandal (India)
- Daisuke Sakai (Japan)
- Sukham Meitei (India)
- Korou Singh (India)
- Mohammed Azhar (India)
Forwards (FW):
- Rahul KP (3rd captain, India)
- Dimitrios Diamantakos (vice-captain, Greece)
- Mohammed Aimen (India)
- Justine Emmanuel (Nigeria)
- Ishan Pandita (India)
- Fedor Černych (Lithuania)
Trophies and Achievements
- Indian Super League Runner-Up (2014, 2016, and 2021–22): The Kerala Blasters reached the finals of the Indian Super League in the inaugural season of 2014, again in 2016, and most recently in the 2021–22 season. Despite finishing as runners-up on multiple occasions, their consistent performances showcase their ability to compete at the highest level of Indian football.
- Best Pitch of the Season Award (2018–19): The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, the home ground of the Kerala Blasters, received the Best Pitch of the Season Award during the 2018–19 season of the Indian Super League. This recognition underscores the club’s commitment to maintaining top-notch facilities.
- Fan Support and Atmosphere: Kerala Blasters FC boasts one of the most passionate and vocal fan bases in Indian football, known as the “Manjappada.” The club’s accomplishments make the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium a formidable venue for visiting teams thanks to the electrifying atmosphere the fans there create.
- Community Engagement: Beyond on-field success, Kerala Blasters FC actively engages in various community development initiatives. The club’s involvement in grassroots programmes and social projects reflects its commitment to football development and societal impact.
While Kerala Blasters FC continues to strive for greater success on the pitch, its achievements both on and off the field have solidified its position as a beloved and respected club in Indian football.
