How young is ISL’s youngest Goal scorer?

Since yesterday, the talk around the Indian Football circuit is all about Gaurav Mukhi, the Jamshedpur FC youngster whose maiden goal in his debut ISL match brought the red miners back in to the game.
Just when it looked like Bengaluru FC would be coasting to victory and with Tim Cahill not working either, Jamshedpur FC brought in an unknown entity in Gaurav Mukhi as substitute with less than 20 minutes for play to end.
With less than 10 minutes left on clock, Mukhi outmuscled Serran to race into the box receiving Maria Arques’ chip before slotting it past Gurpreet Singh for the equalizer. There was more drama later on as Sunil Chhetri’s late goal was cancelled out by Cidecho’s injury time equaliser, yet the talk of the town was a certain 16 year old becoming the youngest ever to play and score in the Indian Super League. Indian Football had found a sensation or so it seemed??
He came off the bench to become the youngest player to ever play in the #HeroISL!
He left the field as the youngest goalscorer in Hero ISL history!
Now that’s one way to make a memorable debut! Gourav Mukhi, take a bow 👏👏👏#LetsFootball #FanBannaPadega #BENJAM pic.twitter.com/j4Pd1q8Gtp
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 7, 2018
As the Commentators and ISL Social Media handles began applauding the youngster with frequent youngest goal scorer post, one look at the so called 16 year old youngster with handlebar mustache and beard was all that needed to raise doubt. It didn’t take long for people to find this doubt worthy as multiple reports surfaced regarding the so called age discrepancy.
The first one was a telegraph article where the writer writes Mukhi to be a 28 year old Jamshedpur Reserves lad been promoted to senior side this season. This soon turned out to be unworthy source as the post was already claimed to have a typo back in September when it first came out. (Source: The telegraph report). However another article soon resurfaced that suggested that Gaurav Mukhi was one of the five players caught to be over-aged in Jharkhand’s U15 win back in the year 2015. Jharkhand was later stripped of their titled and fined Rs 1 Lakh. (Source: E.Pao)
Also Read: Jamshedpur, Bengaluru share spoils in an dramatic encounter
While Gaurav Mukhi doesn’t look like a 16 year old now he is not a 28 year old either, the above picture of the youngster was taken around 4 years ago.
Reports of Age frauds in Indian Football is not surprising anymore, Sport journalist have often come out with this news every now and then. However it is unfortunate that a lad, whose stellar performance in his debut game should have been the talking point as his age doing the same. Having born in poverty, there is a high chance of the boy not having any official documentation of his age and despite being caught by AIFF formerly for the same, ISL’s eagerness to promote its brand as the future of Indian Football as brought in an unnecessary attention.
The fact is Gaurav Mukhi is not playing any age group tournament and doesn’t look likes he would be anytime soon there was no need of ISL to push the lad as the youngest player without fact checking. It will be interesting to see what goes from here, surely ISL would not want to boast about it as frequently as they would have liked now that people are questioning its authenticity.
Nevertheless, one should not forget the performances of Gaurav Mukhi in yesterday’s game and what he could possibly promise to deliver in future
Also Read: Brilliant Goa gun down defending champions
Also Read: Probables for China friendly announced, 13 U23 players in the
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: India vs. Thailand – A Winner-Take-All Showdown!
The stage is set for a thrilling climax in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as India’s Blue Tigresses prepare to face Thailand’s Chabakaew in a…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The Quest for Redemption: Why Tomorrow’s India vs. Thailand clash transcends Qualification
As the clock ticks down to the monumental clash between India and Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn’t just…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Etched in History: Blue Tigresses Break the Hex, Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026!
When the final whistle pierced the air at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, it wasn’t just a sound; it was the echo of history being rewritten. Tears streamed…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
FIFA Women’s World Cup the next mountain to climb for the Blue Tigresses
It’s been four days since India’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. But the dust from the celebrations isn’t settling anytime soon, and the women’s football…
East Bengal to play Bangalore’s South United in opener as 134th IndianOil Durand Cup fixtures and groups announced
The 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, will kick off on July 23rd, 2025, with Emami East Bengal FC facing Bengaluru-based South United FC (SUFC) at the iconic Vivekananda…
Hon. President of India Flags Off 134th Durand Cup Trophies in a Grand Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, July 4, 2025: In a moment steeped in legacy and national pride, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / AIFF / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
AIFF has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand. The…
Football News / Indian Super League
Reebok Returns to Football with John Abraham’s NorthEast United FC
Kicking off a powerful new chapter in Indian football, Reebok, a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel, has announced a strategic partnership with NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC). Owned…
Durand Cup returns to Imphal with a grand trophy tour
Imphal welcomed the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup trophies with a grand trophy tour as Asia’s oldest football tournament returned to Manipur’s capital after a two-year hiatus. The three trophies of the…
India U20 women’s coach Joakim Alexandersson names 24-member travelling squad for Uzbekistan friendlies
The Indian U20 women’s team will play two friendly matches in Tashkent against Uzbekistan U20 women on July 13 and 16, 2025, as part of their preparations for the AFC…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
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…