Kerala's icon finally gleams: IM Vijayan honoured with Padma Shri

"I am not sure how good I was as a footballer. But the love I received from the fans was the biggest achievement of my career."

These words, spoken by Inivalappil Mani Vijayan after receiving the prestigious Padma Shri award, emanated the humility and grace of a man who rose from poverty to become one of the most celebrated footballers in Indian history.

The journey of this football icon, affectionately known as "Karuthamuth" (Black Pearl), is one of resilience, passion, and an unyielding connection with the fans who supported him through every step of his career.

On the morning of January 25, 2025, Vijayan received a call that would etch his name in history. A senior government official informed him that he had been nominated for the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his immense contributions to sports.

As the official announcement was made, he started receiving endless phone calls by evening.

Messages of congratulations poured in from all corners of the country - from the Chief Minister and sports minister of Kerala to football officials, teammates, and countless fans.

But amidst the celebrations, Vijayan’s focus remained on those who had cheered him on from the stands, through rain, storm, and blistering heat.

“I dedicate my award to every football fan in the country. What I am today is because of them,” he said from his home in Kerala to AIFF.

From selling soda bottles to stardom

Vijayan’s humility is rooted in his childhood. Born on April 25, 1969, in Thrissur, Kerala, Vijayan grew up in abject poverty.

As a child, he sold soda bottles at the Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium to support his family.

He earned just 10 paise per bottle, but it was here that his love for football blossomed.

Watching local players on the field ignited a dream in him - a dream that seemed impossible for a boy from such a humble background.

His life changed when M.K. Joseph, the Director General of Police in Kerala, spotted his raw talent and brought him into the Kerala Police football team when he 17.

This opportunity was the launchpad for Vijayan’s career. By the late 1980s, he had emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Indian football, known for his aggressive playing style and impeccable skills.

A trailblazing career

Over the course of his illustrious career, Vijayan played 88 matches for the Indian national team, scoring 39 goals.

He became the heart of Indian football in the 1990s, forming a deadly strike partnership with Bhaichung Bhutia.

Together, the duo led India to numerous victories, including three SAFF Championships and a gold medal at the South Asian Games.

One of Vijayan’s most iconic moments came in the 1999 SAF Games, where he scored one of the fastest international goals in football history - finding the net against Bhutan just 12 seconds after kickoff. This achievement cemented his place among the legends of the sport.

At the club level, Vijayan’s career was equally storied.

Starting with the Kerala Police football club, he went on to play for some of India’s biggest teams, including Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, JCT Mills, and FC Kochin.

His skill and charisma made him the highest-paid footballer in Indian club football during his prime.

Indian football fans will never forget the iconic partnership between Vijayan and Bhaichung Bhutia.

The duo displayed a perfect blend of skill, aggression, and flair, leading India to three SAFF Championship titles and a gold medal at the South Asian Games.

Their performances electrified stadiums and inspired a generation of young players.

Delayed recognition

Despite his numerous accomplishments, recognition at the national level was not always timely. While he was named AIFF Player of the Year three times (1992, 1997, and 2000) and received the Arjuna Award in 2003, his nomination for the Padma Shri in 2010 did not result in the honour.

Now, at 55, Vijayan has finally been recognized with the Padma Shri, becoming the first footballer from Kerala to receive this prestigious award.

“Yes, I am happy, extremely happy,” Vijayan said. “You ought to feel satisfied when your services are recognized. I don’t know how much this award will help Indian football. But if it inspires even a single youngster in some part of the country to pursue the game, it will give me immense fulfillment.”

For Vijayan, football was not just a sport - it was a lifeline.

His rise from selling soda bottles to becoming a national icon is a testament to his unwavering determination and love for the game.

His journey is also a story of Kerala’s rich football culture, which has produced some of India’s finest players.

Life beyond football

Vijayan’s contributions to Indian football go beyond the pitch.

As a member of the AIFF Executive Committee and Chairperson of the Technical Committee, he continues to shape the future of the sport in the country.

He has also established a football academy in his hometown, nurturing young talent and ensuring the next generation has access to the opportunities he once struggled to find.

Interestingly, Vijayan’s excellence is not confined to football alone. He has also made a mark in the world of cinema, acting in several acclaimed films. His movie Mmmmm was even shortlisted as India’s entry for the 93rd Academy Awards, showcasing his versatility.

From the dusty grounds of Thrissur to the grand stages of international football, Vijayan’s journey has been extraordinary.

As he humbly accepts the Padma Shri, Vijayan remains grounded, attributing his success to the fans who stood by him through thick and thin. “The fans are the reason football has reached these heights in India,” he said.

For the boy who once earned 10 paise selling soda bottles in a stadium, the Padma Shri is not just an award, it is a celebration of his journey, a journey that has inspired millions to believe in the power of dreams.