During the announcement, Aryaman Vikram Birla, Director of Aditya Birla Group and Non-Executive Director of Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited (ABLBL), and John Abraham, Co-Owner, NorthEast United FC, unveiled the new seasons Jersey together, signalling a new phase of the alliance.

Aryaman Vikram Birla, Director, Aditya Birla Group, commented, “Sport is entering a defining phase in India, and sportswear is emerging as one of the most exciting opportunities within fashion and lifestyle. Reebok is uniquely positioned at the intersection of these trends, combining an authentic sporting heritage with ability to connect with a new generation of consumers, making it one of the fastest growing brands in our fashion portfolio. Our partnership with NorthEast United FC is a natural extension of that vision, bringing together an iconic sports brand and one of India’s most passionate football communities”

This partnership marks a new sports era for Reebok in India and mirrors Reebok’s global playbook: building credibility on the field, and showing up in spaces that resonate with each region’s sporting culture.

John Abraham, Co-Owner, NorthEast United FC, stated, “Reebok’s sporting heritage speaks for itself, and this partnership with NorthEast United FC is a special moment for us. This partnership reflects the ambition we have for the club, both on and off the pitch, and we’re excited about the opportunities this creates for football in the region.”

Arjun Ramamoorthy, Brand Head, Reebok India, added, “This partnership is about building Reebok’s relevance through sport, with a clear focus on where consumers are engaging and where the brand can add value. Football gives us an authentic platform to engage with a new generation of consumers, while NorthEast United FC provides a strong cultural and sporting connection.”

Mandar Tamhane, CEO, NorthEast United FC, added, “This partnership is a reflection of where NorthEast United FC is heading. We have always believed that the Northeast has the talent, passion and culture to make a much bigger mark on Indian football. Reebok and Aditya Birla Group shares that belief, and together we have an opportunity to connect that footballing identity with a new generation, while continuing to raise the standards for the club and the region.”

Reebok has a long-standing association with sport in India, having outfitted athletes and teams across cricket, football and running over the decades. The two-time Durand Cup winner NorthEast United FC (NEUFC), representing all eight states of Northeast India, has played a key role in bringing the region’s rich footballing culture and talent to the forefront of Indian football. Together, Reebok and NEUFC aim to build on that legacy, creating greater momentum for the sport and deepening engagement with one of India’s most celebrated football communities.

Aryaman Vikram Birla and John Abraham were joined by key members of the NorthEast United FC squad, including Mandar Tamhane, Gurmeet Singh, Buanthanglun Samte, Redeem Tlang and Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, as the club unveiled its new Reebok jersey.

Bringing the launch to life on the pitch, NEUFC players played a fast-paced 5-a-side exhibition match, giving fans and media their first glimpse of the new Reebok kit in competitive action. Prominently featuring eight stars, the jersey celebrates the eight states that make up Northeast India and the region’s deep-rooted football culture.

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The Highlanders were inspired by a sensational hat-trick from Alaaeddine Ajaraie, while Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales and Jithin M.S. also found the net as NorthEast United scored four times after the break to complete a remarkable turnaround and book their place in the semi-finals.

Heavy rain made conditions difficult from the outset, but NorthEast United adapted quickly and took the lead in the 11th minute. Ajaraie controlled a perfectly weighted long ball from Redeem Tlang, brilliantly worked his way past a defender and calmly finished to give the Highlanders an early advantage.

Shillong Lajong responded strongly and levelled the contest in the 20th minute. Figo Syndai found space in the final third before producing a composed finish to bring the home side back into the game.

The momentum then shifted towards the hosts. Jithin M.S. narrowly missed an opportunity for NorthEast before Shillong completed their comeback in the 34th minute. Jota led a rapid counter-attack, raced clear of the defence and rounded goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh before confidently slotting the ball into an empty net.

Shillong headed into half-time with a 2-1 advantage, having weathered NorthEast’s early pressure and made the most of their opportunities.

However, the second half belonged almost entirely to the Highlanders.

NorthEast restored parity in the 55th minute when Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales found the back of the net. Just three minutes later, Ajaraie struck again, clinically finishing another attacking move to put NorthEast United back in front at 3-2.

Shillong attempted to respond by throwing players forward and winning a series of corners, but NorthEast’s defence remained composed. The Highlanders also introduced fresh attacking options as Juan Pedro Benali looked to maintain the momentum.

Ajaraie then completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, finishing confidently after being released by Jithin M.S. The goal took the Moroccan forward’s tally to six in the competition and put NorthEast firmly in control at 4-2.

With Shillong unable to find a way back into the contest, NorthEast continued to threaten on the counter. Their dominance was rewarded once again in the 79th minute when Jithin M.S. capped his impressive performance with a goal of his own to make it 5-2.

The Highlanders comfortably managed the closing stages despite further pressure from Shillong, securing one of the most emphatic victories of the knockout rounds.

The result completes the Durand Cup semi-final line-up. NorthEast United FC will join Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi and East Bengal FC in the final four.

For Shillong Lajong, the defeat brings an end to an impressive campaign, while NorthEast United continue their pursuit of another Durand Cup title with Ajaraie and the rest of their attack firing on all cylinders.

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The visitors made an early impact, taking the lead in just the sixth minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse. Rahul KP was on hand to finish calmly and give Odisha the perfect start. However, NorthEast responded quickly, with Macarton Nickson finding the equaliser in the 10th minute after a well-worked move.

The game remained open with both sides creating chances, but Odisha regained control midway through the first half. A corner delivery caused chaos in the box, and debutant Subham Bhattacharya reacted quickest to slot home and restore the lead at 2–1.

NorthEast’s task became even more difficult in the 36th minute when Muthu Mayakkannan was sent off, leaving the hosts with ten men heading into the break.

With the numerical advantage, Odisha grew stronger in the second half. After withstanding an early push from the hosts, they extended their lead in the 65th minute. Rahul KP completed his brace with a composed finish after breaking through on goal to make it 3–1.

Just minutes later, Odisha added a fourth goal, as a dangerous attack led to an own goal by Bekey Oram, effectively putting the game beyond NorthEast’s reach.

Odisha continued to control proceedings, creating further opportunities while maintaining defensive solidity. NorthEast attempted to respond late on but failed to find a way back into the contest.

The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 4–1 victory for Odisha FC, with Rahul KP’s standout performance leading the way in a dominant display.

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Diego Forlan’s 55th minute penalty gets Mumbai their first home win of ISL 3

Mumbai named an unchanged squad that got them their first victory at Pune, with Forlan, defedrico and Leo costa manning the attack while Jackichand Singh once again left out at bench. On the other hand, NEUFC made three changes with Nicolaz velez, seityasen and Zokora starting the game.

Both sides started the game with caution with the first attempt on goal coming to the away side in the 11th minute through a Romaric free-kick that went wide. On the other hand, Matias Defederico saw his effort from distance failing to test Subrata Paul at the Highlanders goal.

Few minutes later, Romaric tried a volley from outside the box that saved by the Mumbai custodian, while at the other end Aiborlong Khonjee tested Paul through stinging shot from around 40 yards. In the 21 minute, Romaric took another shot on goal through a volley once again from out of the box that volpato saved comfortably.

At half hour mark, sehnaj denied Alfaro a shot on goal with a timely tackle. The best move of the first half came for the visitors at around the 40^th minute, when Velez crossed a shot for onrushing Yusa, who despite just keeper to beat and under pressure from defender shot the ball over. Minutes before half time, Velez once again beat his marker and crossed the ball for Alfaro whose shot was deflected for corner.

First half ended at the score 0-0 with the visitors looking threatening towards the end. Second half started at the similar fashion with defedrico lofting a ball for Forlan only for Zokora to head it wide. Zokora had his task cut out in the game, as the defender made sure Forlan didn’t end up with the ball at the attacking end.

Also Read: ISL 3: Delhi Dynamos FC drowns Chennaiyin FC 3-1, Mumbai face inform NEUFC

However in the 54^th minute, Under pressure from Forlan saw Zokora pass the ball for Gustavo who passed it to Reagan singh, who while trying to shield the ball from Pronay lost his balance along with the control over ball and in the attempt to get it back tripped Pronay inside the box. The referee whistled penalty much to delight of the home fans. Forlan stepped up to take the spot kick and although Paul judge the direction couldn’t stop the ball from getting into the net.

The final part of the game saw Mumbai sitting back comfortably on their lead as the highlanders tried to look for the equalizer. Alfaro provided at good opportunity for unmarked Yusa inside the box only for the Mohan bagan striker to shoot at the keeper.

Despite numerous free kicks and set pieces at the end, Northeast failed to find the equalizer as Mumbai held on to their one goal lead and in the process win the second game on the row.

Mumbai City FC 1 (Forlan 55’) – 0 Northeast United FC

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The 24 year old striker has also played for Uruguayan clubs like Defensor Sporting and Racing Club de Montevideo. Apart from playing in Uruguayan league, Sasha also had a spell in Slovenia, Bulgaria and Croatia.

Sasha has also represented Uruguayan U-20 side, and has been described as strong, good in the air by his new coach Sergio Farias.

“Sasha is strong, good in the air and is always on hand to pounce in the box. It is important for the squad to have a balanced mix and he definitely has the attributes we are looking for,” head coach Sergio Farias said.

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Mumbai: Having made a statement of class in their opening home game last weekend, Mumbai City FC would be looking for another three points when they take on North East United FC in their third game of the Hero Indian Super League at the D.Y. Patil Stadium on Friday evening.

Mumbai City FC

The team co-owned by Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and Chartered Accountant Bimal Parekh, would be on a high after thumping state rivals FC Pune City 5-0 in their last league encounter. And it was not just the margin of victory that would have pleased Coach Peter Reid since the team showed that they have the required resilience to bounce back after a reversal that they suffered in Kolkata in the lung opener.

In both the matches, Mumbai City FC had adopted an attacking approach with the defence maintaining a pretty high line as the team aims to not just win matches but entertain their supporters with quality football.

While they are growing together as a unit as this is just the start of a long tournament, the likes of Andre Moritz and Subhash Singh have already shown what they are capable off.

The Brazilian born Moritz scored the tournament first hat-trick in his maiden start and the seamless blending of the foreign and Indian talent in the team can be gauged from the fact that the midfielder was the last foreign recruit to join the squad.

Among the Indians, goalkeeper Subrata Pal, winger Nadong Bhutia and striker Subhash have been impressive so far with the latter staking his claim as the future star of Indian football.

The 24-year-old Manipuri tormented the FC Pune City defence with his probing runs and also got his name on the scorecard as the first domestic player to score for the city outfit.

Against North East United FC, Reid would be spoilt for choice as the team’s marquee signing Freddie Ljungberg played the last 20 minutes after recovering from his injury and would be available to start on Friday.

The hosts would also look to exploit the difference in weather conditions between Guwahati, Assam, (home venue of Northeast United FC) and Mumbai. The visitors have played all their three previous games at home and have four points to show from their effort so far.

Mumbai City FC had a productive practice session at D.Y. Patil Stadium, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, tonight ahead of their Friday’s Hero Indian Super League match against visiting team North East United FC.

Coach Peter Reid and the young Czech junior international centre-back Pavel Cmovs addressed the Pre-match press conference before the training.

Coach Peter Reid commented “Last game with FC Pune City was terrific and would like the team to carry on that form. I intend to look how my team does and look at the positives of my side than bother much about the opponent. I know it’s going to be hard against them but if we get it right with number of attacking players in our team, we will win any game. Freddie Ljungberg is 100% fit and I am looking forward to Anelka playing soon. Syed Nabi is going to train and hoping he plays soon and he is one of the most consistent players. Subhash, when he scored grew visibly on the pitch and I have great confidence in the Indian players like him. Good performance and training sessions provide confidence to the players and the team as a whole”

Mumbai City FC definitely won’t be the accommodating hosts and only three full points would satisfy the team and their manager.

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