Manisha Kalyan Embarks on Peruvian Football Adventure
Indian footballer Manisha Kalyan continues to chart her own unique path in the world of football. Her latest move from India to Peru represents another deliberate step in her evolving career. The left winger has transitioned from Gokulam Kerala's intense pressing style to the challenging rhythms of South American football. She describes this shift as entering the next level of her football education.
From Greece to South America
Peruvian club Alianza Lima Femenino announced Manisha's signing on Friday. The club secured her services from Greek side PAOK FC. This marks the third overseas club for the 24-year-old footballer in her professional journey.
Manisha began her career with Indian clubs Sethu FC and Gokulam Kerala. Her international breakthrough came in 2022 when she joined Cypriot club Apollon Ladies FC. During her time there, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian footballer to compete in the UEFA Women's Champions League. She impressed with 14 goals in 36 matches for the Cypriot side.
In 2024, she moved to Greek club PAOK FC before making her current transition to South America.
Rise to Prominence in India
Manisha gained substantial recognition during her tenure with Gokulam Kerala FC from 2018 to 2022. She demonstrated remarkable scoring ability during this period, netting 21 goals in just 24 appearances for the club. This performance established her as one of India's promising football talents.
A New Football Classroom in Peru
Having experienced European football in Greece, Manisha now finds Peru's football environment distinctly different. She describes it as more professional, more exacting, and considerably less forgiving than what she encountered previously.
The training sessions in Peru are longer and sharper, she explains. They incorporate detailed layers of instruction that demand complete attention. Fitness requirements are non-negotiable, while technical skills undergo constant refinement. The focus extends to tactical drills, ball positioning, precise timing, and spatial awareness.
For Manisha, this move represents more than a leap of faith. It constitutes the next logical step in her carefully constructed learning process. She speaks with the humility of a player still in her apprenticeship, showing no contentment with past achievements.
Educational Approach to Football
Manisha signed a one-year contract with Alianza Lima Femenino, viewing it as an opportunity to absorb football education in its purest form. There is still much to learn and improve, she states. I believe there's no better place for this development than here in Peru. Regarding technique and fitness, this environment aligns perfectly with my current career stage.
She specifically aims to enhance her understanding of spatial dynamics, learn how to stretch defensive lines from the left wing position, and improve decision-making under pressure. These skills form the core of her learning objectives in Peru.
Pride in Her Journey
Manisha carries quiet pride in her remarkable journey from Hoshiarpur in Punjab to European football and now South America. She embodies the growing ambition of Indian footballers seeking international exposure and improvement.
Gokulam Kerala helped shape her competitive edge and professional aspirations. Now, in Peru's demanding football environment, she believes she has discovered the ideal classroom for her continued development. The move represents both a personal challenge and a strategic step in her football evolution.
