Indian football star Manisha Kalyan embarks on an exciting new chapter in her career. She joins Peruvian champions Alianza Lima Femenino. This move marks her first venture into South American football.
A Journey from Punjab to Peru
Manisha Kalyan, the 24-year-old midfielder, leaves European football behind for a fresh challenge in Peru. Alianza Lima Femenino officially announced her signing from Greek club PAOK FC. The club expressed confidence that Kalyan will significantly bolster their attacking options for the upcoming season.
"Kalyan brings exceptional dynamism and creativity to our attack," the club stated. "She has proven her quality at both club and international levels."
European Experience Paves the Way
Manisha arrives in Lima with valuable European experience. She spent the last three years competing at a high level abroad. Her journey overseas began in 2022 with a historic move to Apollon Ladies FC in Cyprus.
At Apollon, she made 36 appearances and scored an impressive 14 goals. More importantly, she became the first Indian footballer ever to play in the UEFA Women's Champions League. This groundbreaking achievement put Indian women's football on the global map.
She then transferred to PAOK FC in Greece. During her time there, she featured in 23 matches and found the net eight times. These stints honed her skills against top-tier competition.
Excitement for the New Challenge
Manisha shared her enthusiasm after completing the move. "I feel very happy to be here," she said. "I have followed this team and I truly admire their style of play. This new challenge excites me greatly."
She outlined her clear objectives for the season. "My focus remains on giving one hundred percent in every match. I want to help the team win games and achieve all our collective goals."
Building on a Strong Foundation
Alianza Lima becomes Manisha's third overseas club. Her professional career started in India with Sethu FC. She helped Sethu FC win the Indian Women's League, which brought her into the national spotlight.
She later played for Gokulam Kerala, where she consistently delivered goal-scoring performances. These experiences in India's domestic league prepared her for the international stage.
A Key Player for India
Manisha Kalyan stands as one of India's most accomplished footballers. She is a regular and vital member of the Indian women's national team. Her pace, technical skill, and versatility in midfield and attack make her a formidable player.
She has represented India in major tournaments, including the AFC Women's Asian Cup. Her development from domestic leagues to European competitions now continues in South America.
What This Move Means
Manisha's transfer to Alianza Lima represents another milestone for Indian football. Her experience across multiple leagues brings valuable quality and creativity to the Peruvian champions. The club expects her to make an immediate impact in their midfield and attacking units.
This move also highlights the growing global recognition of Indian football talent. Players like Manisha Kalyan are breaking barriers and competing in diverse football cultures worldwide.
