Yohaan Benjamin
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Yohaan Benjamin | ||
| Date of birth | August 29, 2007 | ||
| Place of birth | Maharashtra, India | ||
| Position | Winger | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | NK Bravo U19 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Minerva Academy FC | |||
| Football Academy of Bangalore | |||
| Conscient Football Mumbai | |||
| Shillong Lajong | |||
| 2025– | NK Bravo U19 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2025– | NK Bravo U19 | 4 | (2) |
| International career | |||
| 2025– | India U-19 | 4 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Yohaan Benjamin (born 29 August 2007) is an Indian footballer who plays as a winger for the under-19 team of Slovenian club NK Bravo. In 2025, he became the first Indian footballer to be selected for the UEFA Youth League.[1][2][3][4][5]
Early life and youth career
Benjamin was born in Maharashtra, India. He began his youth career at Minerva Academy FC, Football Academy of Bangalore and Conscient Football Mumbai. Later, he joined the youth academy of Shillong Lajong, progressing through their under-17 and under-21 teams. He was part of the club’s youth side that competed in the U17 Youth League.[1]
Club career
Shillong Lajong
Benjamin developed through Shillong Lajong’s academy system and represented the club in national youth competitions. His performances at youth level attracted attention from overseas scouts. He scored nine goals in 13 games for their under-17 sides, which included six goals in the U17 Youth League.[1]
NK Bravo
In 2025, Benjamin joined the under-19 team of Slovenian club NK Bravo, becoming one of the few Indian youth players to move to Europe.[6] He has appeared for the club in the NextGen Liga, the top-tier youth competition in Slovenia, making 4 appearances and scoring 2 goals.[7]
UEFA Youth League
NK Bravo qualified for the UEFA Youth League after winning the Slovenian youth championship. Benjamin was included in the club’s under-19 squad for their second-round tie against FC Porto U19, becoming the first Indian footballer to be selected for the competition.[1]
International career
Benjamin has represented India U19 at the 2025 SAFF U-19 Championship, appearing in four matches as India won the title.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e Sarkar, Uttiyo (4 October 2025). "Yohaan Benjamin set to become first Indian to play in UEFA Youth League". Khel Now. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
- ^ "From Shillong to Slovenia: Yohaan Benjamin signs for NK Bravo in Europe | The Sports Room". 2025-09-04. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
- ^ "Slovenia opens a new European window for young Indian footballers". The Times of India. 2025-09-26. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
- ^ "Lajong's Yohaan Benjamin makes cut for 25-member U-19 Indian football squad | The Sports Room". 2025-05-01. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
- ^ "After successful SPL, Lajong's Yohaan Benjamin features among 35 probables for India U-19 team | The Sports Room". 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
- ^ "From Shillong to Slovenia: Yohaan Benjamin signs for NK Bravo in Europe". The Sports Room. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
- ^ "Slovenia opens a new European window for young Indian footballers". The Times of India. 3 October 2025. Retrieved 5 October 2025.