Lalengmawia Ralte: The Rising Star of Indian Football

Lalengmawia 'Apuia' Ralte has emerged as a standout player in the Indian Super League, showcasing his skills and determination. From his early days in Mizoram to becoming the youngest captain in ISL history, Apuia's journey is marked by significant achievements, including his pivotal role in Mumbai City FC's success. His versatility and tactical intelligence have made him an invaluable asset, contributing to his team's triumphs and earning accolades along the way. Discover more about Apuia's inspiring story and his impact on Indian football.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 23, 2025, 09:17 IST

Apuia's Journey in Indian Football

New Delhi [India] - June 23: In the realm of football, the central midfield position is highly specialized, and Lalengmawia 'Apuia' Ralte stands out as one of the most proficient players in the Indian Super League (ISL), as highlighted by the official ISL website.

His on-field performances not only showcase his technical skills but also tell a tale of relentless perseverance, ambition, and determination, establishing him as one of India's top midfielders.

Apuia's journey from the scenic hills of Mizoram to commanding the midfield in ISL matches is a remarkable narrative of growth and influence. He was part of India's squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, marking a significant milestone early in his career, and he has continued to progress since then.

In 2019, Apuia transitioned from Indian Arrows to NorthEast United FC, a pivotal moment in his football journey. He participated in 10 matches during his inaugural ISL season. Although the Highlanders finished near the bottom of the league, Apuia emerged as one of the few bright spots.

His potential quickly became evident, particularly during the ISL 2020-21 season, which marked his breakthrough year. He made 22 appearances and became a crucial player for NorthEast United FC, significantly contributing to their impressive semi-final run.

Apuia's relentless work ethic, ability to disrupt opponents' plays, and mature ball distribution earned him the Emerging Player of the Season award in 2020-21. That same season, he made history by becoming the youngest captain in ISL history at just 20 years old.

After his successful tenure at NorthEast United FC, he signed a long-term contract with Mumbai City FC for the following season.

His resilience, developed on the challenging pitches of Aizawl, shone brightly in Mumbai. Joining the Islanders in 2021, Apuia quickly adapted to his new environment.

He played a vital role in Mumbai City FC's League Shield victory during the 2022-23 season, becoming an integral part of Des Buckingham's strategy. Apuia formed a strong midfield partnership with experienced players like Greg Stewart and Ahmed Jahouh, achieving an impressive 84% passing accuracy, a remarkable feat for a midfielder in high-pressure situations.

Even after the departures of Stewart and Jahouh, Apuia continued to excel, forming a solid partnership with Yoell van Nieff in the following season, which helped the Islanders secure the ISL Cup in the 2023-24 season. He seamlessly adapted to Petr Kratky's style of play, playing a crucial role in Mumbai City FC's second Cup victory.

Apuia showcased his versatility by excelling as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box player, and even taking on more advanced attacking roles when necessary. He was named Player of the Match in the 2023-24 Cup final against MBSG, proving his ability to perform in critical moments.

As he joined MBSG for the 2024-25 season, Apuia embarked on a new chapter, making another significant transfer in ISL history. He also became the youngest player to achieve 100 ISL appearances following their 2-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in Guwahati in December.

The Indian international continues to demonstrate his skills, providing defensive strength, tactical awareness, and a calming influence in midfield. His ability to win tackles, make crucial interceptions, and control the game's tempo has made him an invaluable asset for the Mariners.

Apuia was a key figure in MBSG's star-studded ISL double-winning squad, enhancing the midfield's quality with his control, composure, and strategic insight, which have been essential to their historic 2024-25 campaign.

One of the campaign's highlights was his stunning goal against Jamshedpur FC, which propelled Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) into the ISL Cup final. His breathtaking strike in the 94th minute of the semi-final second leg reaffirmed his knack for delivering in crucial moments.