#2 Jose Ramirez Barreto (1999 – 2004, 2006 – 2014)
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Barreto was the guardian angel from Latin America that invigorated the common Indian football fans’ imagination with his delightful play. The silky-footed, Brazilian was born to play football. One of the most versatile players to have graced an Indian pitch ever, Barreto joined the Mohun Bagan team in 1999. During his first five-year stint in Indian football, Barreto won everything that is there to be won in Indian football.
In the first four seasons with Mohun Bagan, he scored an amazing 126 goals but had to leave Kolkata amidst some administrative issues. Barreto came back to India in 2005, joining Mahindra United and had an immediate effect on his new team. Barreto became the top scorer of the Federation Cup in 2005, leading his side to victory. Combining with Yusif Yakubu (later), Barreto led his club to the only NFL title in the history of Mahindra United.
Barreto came back to Mohun Bagan as the prodigal son a year later, and the return was wildly celebrated amongst the fans. Barreto holds the record of being the only non-Indian footballer to score more than 200 goals for a single Indian club. He has scored 16 goals in the fiery Kolkata derby, another record for a Mohun Bagan footballer.
The Brazilian is one of those players who are gifted with skill and finesse. Adept to playing anywhere in the attacking third, Barreto is capable of scoring with both feet. Barreto is one of those players who’ve been there and done et al. Retaining off the ball and the eye for the final pass makes him deadly in the opposition half. His commitment to his team is impeccable. Known to track back and defend in times of need, Barreto has always willingly played in midfield to give a chance to younger strikers.
Barreto was also a dead-ball specialist and regularly scored from direct free-kicks. In 2012, Barreto had slowed down a little and thus became a baggage too heavy for Bagan to carry with only 4 foreigners allowed in the team. His love for football and Kolkata made him sign for Bhawanipore Society, a team for which he played for two years.
One of the thorough professionals, Barreto is respected even by rivals’ fans for his modesty and dedication to the game. Barreto confesses his love for Kolkata time-and-again and is the Assistant coach in the Atletico de Kolkata team.
