Lion of Indian football Mohammed Habib passes away in Hyderabad; scored historic goal against Pelé's team

HYDERABAD: India’s Midfield maverick Muhammad Habib, who infused football fever in the country back in the 1970’s died on Tuesday. He was 74. History was created through Habib back in 1977 when he scored against football's greatest, Pelé's team New York Cosmos. He had been suffering from Parkinson's disease and memory loss for some time. Habib is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Habib, who played for top-tier Kolkata clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting, was a demigod-like figure for Indian football enthusiasts. He was also a member of the Syed Nayeemuddin-led team that won bronze in the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games.

Albeit receiving many lucrative job offers from various organizations, Habib remained engrossed in the field and continued work as a coach at TATA football academy. Later, he became a coach at the Indian Football Association Academy in Haldia.

The friendly match between Pelé's Cosmos and Bagan was played at Eden Gardens. In the historic match, Bagan matched the might of Cosmos to make the scoreline 2-2. After the match, Pelé particularly named Habeeb and rhapsodized the midfielder's game.