Mizo sensation Lalrinzuala shatters I-League records with 15 goals

The football world stood witness as Lalrinzuala, hailing from Serchhip town in Mizoram, etched his name in history by setting a remarkable milestone in the I-League. With an astounding tally of 15 goals this season, Lalrinzuala surpassed the legendary Sunil Chhetri’s record for the most goals scored by an Indian in a single I-League season. The electrifying moment unfolded at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Mualpui, Aizawl, during a match where Aizawl FC triumphed over Churchill Brothers with a resounding 4-0 victory. Lalrinzuala, residing in Aizawl’s Republic Veng, showcased his prowess by netting two crucial goals against the formidable Goan side. As the crowd erupted in cheers, Lalrinzuala, adorned with the jersey bearing his name ‘Rinzuala 18’, celebrated his feat by waving it in jubilation.

Throughout the season, Lalrinzuala’s performance has been nothing short of stellar, with 15 goals and three assists in 18 matches. With four matches left to play, he stands just one goal behind the top scorer, Gokulam Kerala forward Alejandro Sanchez. Reflecting on his remarkable achievement, Lalrinzuala expressed his gratitude, stating, “Scoring goals in the I-League has always been a dream, but to break Sunil Chhetri’s record is truly surreal.” Acknowledging the unwavering support of his parents, teammates, and club owners, Lalrinzuala emphasized their role in his success and the progress of Aizawl FC.

Lalrinzuala’s journey to glory began with Bengaluru FC in 2016, where he showcased his talent in the youth teams before making a mark with Gokulam Kerala reserve team. Despite facing setbacks, including an appendix surgery, his determination never wavered. His remarkable stint with Chhinga Veng and subsequent signing with Aizawl FC further solidified his status as a rising star. With accolades such as the top scorer in MPL10 and numerous man-of-the-match awards, Lalrinzuala has cemented his place as a force to be reckoned with in Indian football.