Viral meme to National Team: Ashutosh Mehta hopes for another ‘fairy-tale’ story with Blue Tigers

NEW DELHI: After sliding the ball past the goalkeeper and towards the goal line, FC Goa’s Ferran Corominas was already set to wheel away towards the corner flag in celebration in front of the partisan home crowd at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa.
However, the striker was left with his hands on his head in awe after FC Pune City defender Ashutosh Mehta slid in at the very last moment with a heroic challenge and sent the ball out for a corner.
Such last-second tackles are not a rarity in football but what happened immediately after the clearance made Ashutosh a worldwide internet sensation. As he got the ball away, he collided with the goalpost groin-first and the video of the incident went viral globally in an instant, back in 2018.
“I became really famous,” laughs Ashutosh. “People from all over the world — from Brazil to Spain to Nigeria — were messaging me on all my social media accounts. Some were making fun of me, trolling me. But people who really understand football appreciated the save I made and the effort I put in. I’m someone who’s always prepared to die for my team and I’ll do everything I can to contribute to my team’s victory.”
‘NATIONAL TEAM CALL-UP MEANS THE WORLD TO ME’
Suddenly, there is a brief pause over the phone call. Ashutosh understands that being part of the 27-member National Team contingent is big, but it isn’t huge for him as yet – for he believes a lot more is still to be achieved. This is his first-ever Blue Tigers call-up and one can imagine the sheer gravity of the moment for him.
He continues after a brief pause, “It was a long 12-year wait for this opportunity. Every single day, since I have started playing football — I have worked for this very moment! It definitely means the world to me. I’m all in to give my best shot and do whatever it takes to make my team and the nation proud.”
“It’s a feeling of pride to wear the National Team kit and jersey. I was so happy when I saw my name on the list of 35 players who were called up to the National Team camp. Immediately, the first person I called was my mother. My whole family is really happy and proud!” he added.
Commitment and character have been the hallmarks of Ashutosh’s game over the course of his career, right from his Mumbai FC days to his most recent season with NorthEast United FC, where he was a key figure in the Highlanders’ unforgettable run to the playoffs, which featured a 10-match unbeaten run at the end of the league phase.
“The season with NEUFC is always going to remain extremely special. The team showed a lot of character. We didn’t stop at setbacks and believed in our strengths as a team throughout. If we didn’t have the intent to do it, it would have been difficult to survive. The most important player in the team was the team. That was the key. All in all, we’re all really proud of how we finished,” he declared.
‘AIZAWL & MB TRIUMPHS NOTHING SHORT OF FAIRYTALES’
A right-back who is solid in attack, strong in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet, Ashutosh has been a consistent performer over the years at club level and has two Hero I-League winners’ medals in his locker — 2016-17 with Aizawl FC, and then 2019-20 with Mohun Bagan.
However, both triumphs have come with their fair share of setbacks and sacrifices, and according to the defender, they are nothing short of ‘two fairy tales’.
“Leaving my hometown Mumbai and going to Mizoram to play for Aizawl FC was the hardest decision I ever took. It was really, really difficult to adapt. Everything was so different from what I was used to — the food, weather, culture, language. But looking back now, we had the most incredible season and created history,” he recollected.
“Then came Mohun Bagan. After the season with Pune City (2018-19), I was injured and out of favour. It was a really tough period for me. I was struggling to find a team and when the opportunity to sign for Mohun Bagan came along, I grabbed it with both hands and set out with a point to prove. Looking back now, it was a really incredible season and the way we won it was amazing. What a team we had!”
Ashutosh continued: “Winning the Hero I-League with both Aizawl and Mohun Bagan will always remain special for me. It is difficult to put into words how I felt. Both championships are very close to my heart and they are something I will tell my children about. Both were like fairytales. The affection shown by the fans in both Aizawl and Kolkata is something I will always carry in my heart.”
‘RIGHT MENTALITY WILL NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE’
The Blue Tigers are set to face off against Oman and UAE in International Friendlies on March 25 and 29 respectively, and Ashutosh is gearing up to give it his all and secure a place in the final squad. At the same time, he wants to make the most of this opportunity to learn and grow as a player.
He expressed: “I’m a person who’s always willing to learn and improve. It’s something that makes me happy. Our Head Coach Igor Stimac has played football at the highest level and has the experience of coaching all over the world. So, I’m just looking forward to improving and growing under him and Venky-bhai (assistant coach Venkatesh Shanmugam). I want to convey my gratitude towards them for trusting me and giving me a chance to prove my mettle, and my club coach Khalid Jamil for his trust in me.”
“When I started I had never imagined any of this. The only thing I knew was my love for the beautiful game and the ability to work harder than anyone else around. Since then, I have not stopped. Now at this stage, I am convinced that hard work, consistency and the right mentality will never go out of style. I’m focused more than ever to be the best version of myself.”
“I have been a part of many fairy-tales and I hope this one is the most special of them all,” he chuckled.
CREDITS: AIFF MEDIA
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read:Defeat against Sudeva Delhi relegates NEROCA FC from the Hero I-League
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Feature / MFA / Youth Football
D’souza Football Academy leaves a strong mark in MFA Award Nights for YPL 2023-24 season
D’souza Football Academy has once again solidified its position as a leading force in Mumbai’s youth football scene picking up 17 nominations and 3 wins in Individual award categories during…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League 2024-25: A Season in Numbers
The Mumbai Premier League (MPL) 2024-25 concluded in spectacular fashion with India On Track FC (IoT FC) dethroning the defending champions MYJ-GM on the final day, ending an exhilarating season…
Game on! BigHit presents Bundesliga Dream India Nationals head to Mumbai
The second edition of BigHit presents Bundesliga Dream India U13 & U15 National Finals, in association with The Football League, is ready to bring the heat to the Palava Football…
Iker Guarrotxena hat-trick powers FC Goa into Kalinga Super Cup quarter-finals
FC Goa marched into the quarter-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 with a dominant 3-0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC courtesy of Iker Guarrotxena hat-trick. Spanish midfielder Iker Guarrotxena…
Punjab FC announces squad for Kalinga Super Cup ahead of their match against Odisha FC
Punjab FC, announced their squad for the Kalinga Super Cup ahead of their Round of 16 match against Odisha FC which will be played tomorrow at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Indian football mourns the loss of lives in Pahalgam terrorist attack
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) expressed condolences to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. A minute silence was observed in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 in remembrance On…
Kalinga Super Cup: Chhangte’s Magic, Jamshedpur’s Steel, and Ajaraie’s Hat-trick Headline Round of 16 Blitz!
From Lallianzuala Chhangte’s dazzling captain’s display for a vengeful Mumbai City to Alaeddine Ajaraie’s sensational hat-trick in NorthEast United’s emphatic victory, and Jamshedpur FC’s composed dismantling of Hyderabad, the knockout…
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…