John Abraham’s Vision for Indian Football: To Produce Players of Lionel Messi’s Level within a decade

John Abraham, a well-known actor and football enthusiast, has always had a deep love for the sport, but his aspirations extend far beyond just being a fan. With a clear vision and a deep understanding of the challenges Indian football faces, Abraham is on a mission to elevate the sport in his country to new heights. 

Central to this mission is his admiration for global football icons like Lionel Messi and the desire to create a pathway for Indian players to reach similar levels of success.

Abraham, who has invested significantly in Indian football through his ownership of a club and his plans for a state-of-the-art football academy, believes that India has the potential to produce world-class players. His vision is driven by the dream of seeing an Indian footballer compete on the global stage, much like Lionel Messi has done throughout his career. “Look at Son Heung Min, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur, or my favourite player, Mohammed Salah, who’s at Liverpool FC,” Abraham said in TRS Podcast. “If that happens, the league will pick up.”

Abraham’s ambition is not just about winning trophies or making profits; it’s about creating a legacy. He sees Messi as the epitome of what Indian players should aspire to be—not just a great player but a global ambassador for the sport. “I own a club because I love India and I want to see one Indian player compete on the global stage of football,” Abraham shared. His dream is for Indian football to produce a star who can inspire the nation and put India on the football map.

To achieve this, Abraham is focusing on grassroots development, understanding that true change starts from the ground up. His planned football academy, which draws inspiration from European powerhouses like Ajax and Porto, is designed to nurture young talent from the age of five. By providing top-tier facilities and coaching, Abraham hopes to give Indian players the same opportunities that have allowed Messi and others to shine on the world stage.

“I aspire to send these future stars to the youth camps in the English Premier League, Bundesliga, and in Spain so that they can learn from the very best,” Abraham explained. He believes that exposure to the world’s top football environments is crucial for developing players who can eventually compete at the highest levels, just as Messi did in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.

Abraham acknowledges that the journey will be long and challenging, much like Messi’s own rise from a young talent in Argentina to a global superstar. “Rome was not built in a day and Indian Football will need time to develop,” he said. However, he remains hopeful, predicting that within the next seven to eight years, India could produce a footballer capable of making a significant impact on the global stage.

John Abraham’s vision is not just about building an academy; it’s about building dreams. By looking to Messi as an example, he aims to inspire a new generation of Indian footballers who can carry the nation’s hopes onto the world’s biggest stages. His passion and dedication reflect a deep commitment to seeing Indian football rise, driven by the belief that, one day, an Indian player might achieve the kind of global recognition that Messi enjoys today.