- Age
- 57 yrs
- Birthday in 180 days
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- Career highlights
- Honours
- 3
- Most recent 2025
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I. M. Vijayan is a former striker and India captain from Thrissur, Kerala, who rose from selling soft drinks at football grounds to become one of the most celebrated players in Indian football history.
Biography
Early life
I. M. Vijayan grew up in severe poverty in Thrissur, Kerala, selling soda bottles at the Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium for 10 paise each to help his family. He studied at CMS High School, Thrissur. His talent caught the eye of the Kerala police chief M. K. Joseph, who got him into the Kerala Police football club at 17.
Club career
After starring for Kerala Police at the 1987 nationals in Quilon, he moved to Mohun Bagan in 1991 and went on to play for JCT, FC Kochin and East Bengal. Aggressive and skilful, he became the highest-paid player in Indian club football and attracted interest from clubs in Malaysia and Thailand, though he spent his whole career in India.
India
Vijayan formed a celebrated strike partnership with Bhaichung Bhutia and captained India from 2000 to 2004, scoring 30 goals in 72 internationals. He scored one of the fastest goals in international football, after about 12 seconds against Bhutan at the 1999 SAFF Games, and was named Indian Player of the Year three times.
After football
He founded a football academy in Thrissur, continued to serve with Kerala Police and acted in Malayalam films; one of them, Mmmmm, was shortlisted for India’s entry to the 93rd Academy Awards. He received the Arjuna Award in 2003 and the Padma Shri in 2025.
Legacy
Vijayan is regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players India has produced and a hero in Kerala, where his rise from poverty made him a symbol of what football could offer. The academy he set up in Thrissur trains young players, and he remains a frequent presence at matches, events and football development programmes in Kerala.
Timeline
-
1969
Born in Thrissur, Kerala
-
1986
Joins Kerala Police FC
Aged 17.
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1991
Joins Mohun Bagan
-
1999
Goal after about 12 seconds against Bhutan
SAFF Games.
-
2000
Becomes India captain
Until 2004.
-
2003
Arjuna Award
-
2025
Padma Shri
Awards and honours
-
Indian Player of the Year (three times)
-
Arjuna Award
2003
-
Padma Shri
2025
Did you know?
-
1
As a boy he sold soda bottles at the Thrissur stadium for 10 paise each.
-
2
His goal against Bhutan after about 12 seconds is among the fastest in international football.
-
3
He has acted in Malayalam films.
Gallery
Connections
Frequently asked
Who is I. M. Vijayan?
I. M. Vijayan is a former striker and India captain from Thrissur, Kerala, who rose from selling soft drinks at football grounds to become one of the most celebrated players in Indian football history.
How old is I. M. Vijayan?
I. M. Vijayan is 57 years old, born on 25 April 1969 in Thrissur, Kerala.
Where is I. M. Vijayan from?
I. M. Vijayan was born in Thrissur, Kerala.
What is I. M. Vijayan known for?
I. M. Vijayan is best known for One of India’s greatest strikers; one of the fastest goals in international football.
What awards has I. M. Vijayan received?
Notable honours include Indian Player of the Year (three times), Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2025).
References
- I. M. Vijayan — Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- I. M. Vijayan — IMDb. IMDb. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- I. M. Vijayan — Transfermarkt profile. Transfermarkt. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- I. M. Vijayan — Hindi Wikipedia. Wikipedia (Hindi). Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- I. M. Vijayan (Q3595329) — structured data. Wikidata. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
External links
About this profile
- Researched by the TrackFame editors; reviewed by Sanjay Sokal
- First published 26 October 2026
- Last updated
Cite this page
“I. M. Vijayan.” TrackFame, last updated 27 October 2026. https://trackfame.com/person/i-m-vijayan
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