Nathan Rodrigues Shines in ISL 2024-25
A Success Story from Reliance Foundation Young Champs
The Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) is a leading initiative in India, dedicated to nurturing young football talent. This residential academy has produced several promising players now excelling in the Indian Super League (ISL). One standout graduate is Nathan Rodrigues, who has impressed with his performance for Mumbai City FC in the ISL 2024-25 season.
In just five appearances, Rodrigues has made significant contributions with four tackles, six aerial duels, eight clearances, and 10 interceptions, while also scoring in consecutive matches. He has become the youngest player from Mumbai City FC and the fifth-youngest overall to achieve this feat in the ISL.
Rodrigues is not alone in making an impact this season. RFYC alumni have collectively played 1,042 minutes, with 11 starts and 13 substitute appearances across 21 matches. Notable players include Mohammed Sanan (Jamshedpur FC), Muhammed Nemil, Yanglem Sanatomba Singh (FC Goa), Thoi Singh (NorthEast United), Franklin Nazareth, Supratim Das (Mumbai City FC), and Narendra Naik (Odisha FC).
Reflecting on his journey, Nathan Rodrigues emphasized the importance of discipline in his career. “I have learned a lot at RFYC, but most importantly, I learned discipline. It makes you a better player on and off the field,” he said. Rodrigues also shared his experience of moving from the U-19 team to the senior squad, highlighting the role of RFYC in his development.
Rodrigues’s story is a testament to RFYC’s impact on the future of Indian football.
Doubts Revealed
Nathan Rodrigues -: Nathan Rodrigues is a football player who has been performing very well in the Indian Super League (ISL) during the 2024-25 season. He is known for his skills on the field and is a graduate of the Reliance Foundation Young Champs program.
ISL -: ISL stands for Indian Super League, which is a professional football league in India. It is one of the top football leagues in the country where many talented players compete.
Reliance Foundation Young Champs -: Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) is a program in India that trains young football players. It helps them develop their skills and become better players, and Nathan Rodrigues is one of its successful graduates.
Mumbai City FC -: Mumbai City FC is a football club that plays in the Indian Super League. It is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and Nathan Rodrigues plays for this team.
Tackles -: In football, a tackle is when a player tries to take the ball away from an opponent. Nathan Rodrigues has made four tackles in the ISL 2024-25 season.
Aerial duels -: Aerial duels in football are when two players jump to head the ball in the air. Nathan Rodrigues has won six aerial duels in the ISL 2024-25 season.
Clearances -: Clearances in football are when a player kicks or heads the ball away from their goal area to prevent the other team from scoring. Nathan Rodrigues has made eight clearances this season.
Interceptions -: Interceptions in football are when a player stops the ball from reaching an opponent by getting in the way. Nathan Rodrigues has made 10 interceptions in the ISL 2024-25 season.
RFYC alumni -: RFYC alumni are former students or graduates of the Reliance Foundation Young Champs program. They have been trained in football and are now playing professionally, like Nathan Rodrigues.