Kannur local boy Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid set for dream FIFA World Cup debut

DOHA: For the first time in history, a Malayali will grace the pitch as a player in the upcoming FIFA Football World Cup. The 26-member Qatar team announced on Tuesday includes 19-year-old Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, a native of Kannur.

Tahsin is the second son of Jamshid, a former football player at Calicut University, and Shaima, a native of Valapattanam. Jamshid, who migrated to Qatar in 1996, is currently a chief accountant. Tahsin was born and raised in Qatar. Tahsin, who started playing football with his father, emerged as a striker through the Aspire Academy. After excelling in Qatar's junior and youth teams, he joined Al Duhail Club at the age of 17. He also earned the distinction of being the first Indian-origin player to play in the Qatar Stars League. Tahsin has also played for the Qatar national team in the Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 categories. Tahsin made his senior Qatar debut in a World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan in June 2024.

Kannur is in jubilation over knowing that their local boy, who used to play football in the lawns of Thangalvayal in Valapattanam and Payyambalam, will appear in the mighty FIFA World Cup.

Tahsin is the eldest son of the family from Changalamchalippuram (Kottakkanveedu), an ancient ancestral home in Valapattanam. When he returns home for the holidays with his father, Jamshid and mother Shaima, Tahsin never forgets to meet relatives and play football with friends. He last returned home four years ago when his grandmother Ramlath, died.

Jamshid, who had an injury-prone career, is fulfilling his dreams through his son. Jamshid was a former Kerala youth player and vice-captain of the Calicut University team. He played for the Calicut University team while studying at S.N. College, Kannur.