10 best Indian football players of all time

#8 Peter Thangaraj

Peter Thangaraj is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper India has ever produced in its history. The tall and wiry custodian was often considered one of the best in the continent, let alone the country. Born in erstwhile Hyderabad state, Thangaraj started his career as a centre-forward at the Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) before finding his feet between the goalposts.

Thanks to his fine performances, MRC won the Durand Cup in 1955 and 1958. He made his debut for the national team in the Quadrangular tournament at Dhaka in 1955 and went on to be India’s first-choice goalkeeper for about a decade.

In an illustrious international career, Thangaraj played for India both at the 1956 and 1960 Olympics, and represented India at 1958 Tokyo, 1962 Jakarta (where India won the gold) and 1966 Bangkok Asian Games. After leaving Services, Peter Thangaraj would go on to play for the Kolkata giants – Mohammedan Sporting (1960–63, 1971–72), Mohun Bagan (1963–65), and East Bengal (1965–71).

Thangaraj, who was a huge fan of Lev Yashin, was named was named the Best Goalkeeper of Asia in 1958 and awarded the Arjuna Award in 1967. He twice played for the Asian All-Star team and was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper in 1967. He retired from football in 1971 after leaving a lasting legacy.