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John Abraham has been going viral on the internet following a response that has impressed Indian football fans. The Bollywood actor and NorthEast United FC co-owner was asked about his favourite footballer, and his reply is something that is making the rounds on the internet.
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While many assumed that the names would be among the football greats like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Maradona or Pele, he had his own unique way to express his love for the Indian footballers. He named several Indian footballers, including NorthEast United forward Parthib Sundar Gogoi and goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh Chahal.
John Abraham’s strong response to favourite footballer goes viral; predicts football will become India’s ‘new cricket’
Further, John declared that football is set to challenge cricket’s dominance in India, starting with the upcoming Indian Super League season. Speaking at the club’s new jersey launch event in Mumbai on Saturday, Abraham said:
“Football will be the new cricket (in India) from this year because the club owners have taken over the league from this year and you will see a huge paradigm shift in football from this year. I’m one of the owners and I’m hoping to see that change.”
The event marked the unveiling of NorthEast United’s 2026-27 kit in partnership with Reebok, attended by Aryaman Vikram Birla of the Aditya Birla Group, club CEO Mandar Tamhane, and several first-team players. Abraham’s comments come against the backdrop of a major structural change in the ISL.
After prolonged negotiations, the All India Football Federation has handed greater commercial and operational control to the clubs under a new club-led model for the 2026-27 season, which is scheduled to begin on 10 October.
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