{{Short description|Indian footballer (born 1986)}} {{Undisclosed paid|date=February 2025}} {{EngvarB|date=August 2014}} {{use dmy dates|date=August 2014}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Subrata Paul | image = Subrata Pal.jpg | image_size = | caption = Paul training with India in 2008 | fullname = Subrata Paul | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1986|12|24}} | birth_place = Sodepur, West Bengal, India | height = 1.85 m<ref name="int.soccerway.com" /> | position = Goalkeeper | youthyears1 = 2002–2004 | youthclubs1 = Tata Football Academy | years1 = 2004–2007 | clubs1 = Mohun Bagan | caps1 = 32 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2007–2009 | clubs2 = East Bengal | caps2 = 56 | goals2 = 0 | years3 = 2009–2012 | clubs3 = Pune | caps3 = 84 | goals3 = 1<ref>{{cite web|url=https://punemirror.com/news/pfc-shows-no-mercy/|title=PFC shows no mercy|date=20 May 2010}}</ref> | years4 = 2012–2013 | clubs4 = Prayag United | caps4 = 32 | goals4 = 0 | years5 = 2013-2014 | clubs5 = → Rangdajied United (loan) | caps5 = 28 | goals5 = 0 | years6 = 2014-2015 | clubs6 = → Vestsjælland (loan) | caps6 = 18 | goals6 = 0 | years7 = 2015–2016 | clubs7 = Mumbai City | caps7 = 26 | goals7 = 0 | years8 = 2016-2017 | clubs8 = → Salgaocar (loan) | caps8 = 14 | goals8 = 0 | years9 = 2017–2018 | clubs9 = NorthEast United | caps9 = 32 | goals9 = 0 | years10 = 2018-2019 | clubs10 = → DSK Shivajians (loan) | caps10 = 24 | goals10 = 0 | years11 = 2019–2020 | clubs11 = Jamshedpur | caps11 = 46 | goals11 = 0 | years12 = 2020–2022 | clubs12 = Hyderabad | caps12 = 48 | goals12 = 0 | years13 = 2022 | clubs13 = → East Bengal (loan) | caps13 = 8 | goals13 = 0 | years14 = 2022 | clubs14 = → Mohun Bagan (loan) | caps14 = 14 | goals14 = 0 | totalcaps = 446 | totalgoals = 0 | nationalyears1 = 2004-2007 | nationalteam1 = India U23 | nationalcaps1 = 28 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = 2007–2018 | nationalteam2 = India | nationalcaps2 =84 | nationalgoals2 = 0 | medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}} {{Medal|Country|{{fb|IND}}}} {{MedalCompetition|AFC Challenge Cup}} {{Medal|W| 2008 India|}} {{MedalCompetition|SAFF Championship}} {{Medal|W| 2015 India|}} {{Medal|RU| 2008 Maldives & Sri Lanka|}} {{Medal|RU| 2013 Nepal|}} }}
'''Subrata Paul''' ({{langx|bn|সুব্রত পাল}}; born 24 December 1986) is an Indian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Considered one of India's best goalkeepers, he was awarded the Arjuna Award by the government of India in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pathak |first=Manasi |date=2020-03-28 |title=The best goalkeepers India has produced |url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/best-indian-goalkeepers-indian-football-indian-super-league-bengaluru-fc-mohun-bagan-east-bengal-gurpreet/article31190754.ece |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=Sportstar |language=en |archive-date=23 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123155411/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/best-indian-goalkeepers-indian-football-indian-super-league-bengaluru-fc-mohun-bagan-east-bengal-gurpreet/article31190754.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date= 8 December 2023|title=Goalkeeper Subrata Paul brings an end to his illustrious football career |url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/features/goalkeeper-subrata-paul-brings-an-end-to-his-illustrious-football-career |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=www.indiansuperleague.com |language=en}}</ref>
==Club career==
===Mohun Bagan=== A graduate of the Tata Football Academy, Paul started his senior career with Mohun Bagan in 2004. During the 2004 Federation Cup final against Dempo on 5 December 2004, Dempo forward Cristiano Júnior lost his life after he and Paul collided. Following the incident, lack of facilities and medical professionals during the game was highlighted, leading to significant changes in the I-League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.indiainfo.com/2004/12/10/1012doctor.html|title='When Cristiano collapsed, no doctor was around'|date=14 December 2004|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041214160631/http://news.indiainfo.com/2004/12/10/1012doctor.html|archive-date=14 December 2004|url-status=live}}</ref>
===East Bengal=== Subrata was signed by local rivals East Bengal in 2007. He was an important figure for his team during the time he spend for the Kolkata-based club and was adjudged the I-League's best goalkeeper in 2007 for his outstanding shot-stopping abilities, an example of which was in East Bengal's Federation Cup winning campaign of 2007, resulting in his team qualifying for the AFC Cup 2008. Subrata appeared 31 times in the league for East Bengal and was the first choice 'keeper for the Kolkata-based team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/12942/Subrata_Pal.html|title=Subrata Pal|first=Benjamin|last=Strack-Zimmermann|website=www.national-football-teams.com|access-date=22 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010000841/http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/12942/Subrata_Pal.html|archive-date=10 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Pune=== On 2 June 2009, Subrata joined Pune FC.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/898|title=Pune FC signs Subrata Pal|author=Subhajyoti Banerjee|publisher=IndianFootball.Com|date=2 June 2009|access-date=3 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614121752/http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/898|archive-date=14 June 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> In the middle of the I-League 2009-10 season, Subrata had a trial stint with Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps in the summer of 2010. Subrata expressed his desire to play abroad in the professional leagues of North America, Europe and Asia. He later said that "There was no offer coming from any club agent of any country during the Asian Cup. But I am looking for any offer to play abroad. Europe is the best place to play. But I am game to go to countries like South Korea, Japan, Australia and even the West Asian countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia."<ref>{{cite web|title=I am not a spiderman, says Subrata Paul|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/interviews/I-am-not-a-spiderman-says-Subrata-Paul/articleshow/7327921.cms|website=The Times of India|date=20 January 2011 |access-date=8 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125031215/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/interviews/I-am-not-a-spiderman-says-Subrata-Paul/articleshow/7327921.cms|archive-date=25 January 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=February 2011}}
===Prayag United=== Paul signed for Prayag United of the I-League on 9 May 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Paul for United|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120510/jsp/sports/story_15473066.jsp#2|work=The Calcutta Telegraph|access-date=10 May 2012|location=Calcutta, India|date=10 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708144324/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120510/jsp/sports/story_15473066.jsp#2|archive-date=8 July 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> He made his debut for the club on 7 October 2012 against Air India at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, a match Prayag won 5–1.<ref>{{cite web|title=Prayag United 5–1 Air India: Ranti Martins' hat-trick grounds the Airmen|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/93651/prayag-united-vs-air-india/report|work=Goal.com|access-date=19 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104091417/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/93651/prayag-united-vs-air-india/report|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
Paul started off well in the 2011-12 I-League, impressing the new coach, however his form would soon wear thin. On 29 December 2012, Prayag United lost to I-League struggles Sporting Goa. The next seven matches from the aforementioned defeat, his team lost 5 and drew once and this was enough for his coach to replace Subrata with Sangram Mukherjee in the remaining league matches of the season.
===Rangdajied United=== Subrata signed a contract with Indian Super League to play in the new league which was to start in 2014.<ref name=ISLSigning>{{cite web|last=Ghoshal|first=Amoy|title=I-League: Rangdajied United to loan Gouramangi, Subrata and three more IMG-R players|url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/league-rangdajied-united-loan-gouramangi-091836612.html|work=Yahoo News|access-date=20 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204003740/http://in.news.yahoo.com/league-rangdajied-united-loan-gouramangi-091836612.html|archive-date=4 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> However, due to signing-up for the ISL, the I-League clubs refused to sign Subrata as they were all opposed to the Indian Super League,<ref name=ISLSigning/> but, on 20 November 2013, despite rejecting ISL signed players earlier, Rangdajied United of the I-League agreed to sign Paul along with fellow ISL contracted players Gouramangi Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Manandeep Singh, and Tomba Singh.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ghoshal|first1=Amoy|title=Rangdajied United to loan Gouramangi, Subrata and three more IMG-R players|url=http://www.sportskeeda.com/football/i-league-rangdajied-united-to-loan-gouramangi-subrata-and-three-more-img-r-players|access-date=10 October 2016|work=SportsKeeda|date=11 November 2013|archive-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011152738/http://www.sportskeeda.com/football/i-league-rangdajied-united-to-loan-gouramangi-subrata-and-three-more-img-r-players|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Rangdajied Bolster Their Squad With National Stars|url=http://i-league.org/?p=9291|work=I-League|access-date=20 November 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231641/http://i-league.org/?p=9291|archive-date=2 December 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He made his debut in the I-League on 22 November 2013 against Shillong Lajong at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong in which he played the whole match as Rangdajied drew 1–1.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shillong Lajong vs. Rangdajied United 1–1|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/11/22/india/i-league/lajong-sc/arhima-club/1585344/|work=Soccerway|access-date=27 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109230809/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/11/22/india/i-league/lajong-sc/arhima-club/1585344/|archive-date=9 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
===FC Vestsjaelland=== On 9 January 2014, it was confirmed that Paul had signed for FC Vestsjælland of the Danish Superliga,<ref>{{cite web|author=Arunava Chaudhuri|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/indian-football/subrata-pal-talks-experiences-fc-vestsjaelland|title=Subrata Pal talks about his experiences at FC Vestsjælland|website=Sportskeeda|date=2 March 2014|access-date=19 September 2021|archive-date=5 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005163317/https://www.sportskeeda.com/amp/football/subrata-pal-talks-experiences-fc-vestsjaelland|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Deepti Patwardhan|url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/vGkmDDVwM1dU7rWrUVXgWP/Indian-footballers-on-the-move.html?facet=amp|title=Indian footballers on the move|website=Live Mint|date=7 May 2015|access-date=9 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528152358/http://www.livemint.com:80/Leisure/vGkmDDVwM1dU7rWrUVXgWP/Indian-footballers-on-the-move.html|archive-date=28 May 2015}}</ref> thus becoming the fourth Indian footballer to play professionally abroad, the second to join a top-tier European side, and the first Indian goalkeeper to play abroad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indisk landsholdmålmand er landet i Danmark|url=http://fcvvikings.dk/index.php?id=51&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=3435|work=FC Vikings|access-date=9 January 2014}}{{Dead link|date=June 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}</ref> Despite signing on as member of the squad, he did not make any appearance for the first team and only appeared with the reserve squad.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/slideshow/football-5-indian-footballers-signed-by-overseas-clubs/4 |title=5 Indian footballers who were signed by overseas clubs |date=22 December 2014 |access-date=7 January 2020 |archive-date=26 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126133520/https://www.sportskeeda.com/slideshow/football-5-indian-footballers-signed-by-overseas-clubs/4 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Mumbai City FC=== Subrata was drafted in by ISL club Mumbai City FC during the 2014 edition of the league and was the first choice 'keeper for his team until 2015, appearing 26 times in the league format. Subrata's performance was notable but not enough to help his team into the semi-finals.<ref name="int.soccerway.com" />
===Salgaocar=== Subrata joined Salgaocar of the I-League on loan from Mumbai City FC for the season as fellow Indian international Karanjit Singh, the regular 'keeper of Salgaocar would miss most of the 2014-15 I-League season due to injury.<ref>{{cite web|title=ubrata Paul joins Salgaocar on loan|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2014/12/24/7358612/subrata-paul-joins-salgaocar-on-loan|publisher=Goal|access-date=25 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230071343/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2014/12/24/7358612/subrata-paul-joins-salgaocar-on-loan|archive-date=30 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
===DSK Shivajians=== After spending the 2016 ISL season with NorthEast United, Paul was loaned to I-League side DSK Shivajians on 15 December 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=DSK Shivajians sign five Indian players for I-League|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/dsk-shivajians-sign-five-indian-players-for-i-league/articleshow/56000155.cms|access-date=15 December 2016|work=Times of India|date=15 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219073136/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/dsk-shivajians-sign-five-indian-players-for-i-league/articleshow/56000155.cms|archive-date=19 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Jamshedpur=== On 23 July 2017, Pal was selected in the second round of the 2017–18 ISL Players Draft by Jamshedpur for the 2017–18 Indian Super League.<ref>{{cite news|title=ISL 2017 player draft, as it happened: ATK, Jamshedpur FC and Pune strike big|url=https://thefield.scroll.in/844751/isl-2017-player-draft-live-updates-eugenson-lyngdoh-anas-edathodika-touted-as-top-draws|access-date=2 November 2017|work=The Field|date=23 July 2017|archive-date=9 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209172202/https://thefield.scroll.in/844751/isl-2017-player-draft-live-updates-eugenson-lyngdoh-anas-edathodika-touted-as-top-draws|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his debut for the club in their first ever match on 18 November 2017 against Paul's former club, NorthEast United. Pal started the match and kept the clean sheet as Jamshedpur drew the match 0–0.<ref>{{cite web|title=NorthEast United 0-0 Jamshedpur|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/11/18/india/indian-super-league/northeast-united/jamshedpur/2597745/?ICID=PL_MS_02|website=Soccerway|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324225248/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/11/18/india/indian-super-league/northeast-united/jamshedpur/2597745/?ICID=PL_MS_02|archive-date=24 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
After the season concluded, Pal was awarded the Indian Super League Golden Glove Award.<ref>{{cite web|title=ISL Golden Glove 2017-18|url=https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague/status/975054100936052738|website=Indian Super League (Twitter)|access-date=12 May 2018|archive-date=11 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211123935/https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague/status/975054100936052738|url-status=live}}</ref> A month later it was announced that Pal had been retained by the club for the 2018–19 season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Md. Rafique Ali Sardar signs extension till 2020|url=https://www.fcjamshedpur.com/news/md-rafique-ali-sardar-signs-extension-till-2020|access-date=23 April 2018|work=Jamshedpur FC|date=20 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421101945/https://www.fcjamshedpur.com/news/md-rafique-ali-sardar-signs-extension-till-2020|archive-date=21 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Later career and retirement=== After leaving Jamshedpur in 2019, Paul joined Hyderabad FC in 2020. He played six matches for Hyderabad with two clean sheets before being loaned out to East Bengal.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Scroll Staff |date=2021-01-26 |title=ISL: Veteran Indian goalkeeper Subrata Paul joins SC East Bengal on loan from Hyderabad FC |url=https://scroll.in/field/985139/isl-veteran-indian-goalkeeper-subrata-paul-joins-sc-east-bengal-on-loan-from-hyderabad-fc |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US |archive-date=20 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720205153/https://scroll.in/field/985139/isl-veteran-indian-goalkeeper-subrata-paul-joins-sc-east-bengal-on-loan-from-hyderabad-fc |url-status=live }}</ref> He was then signed by Mohun Bagan in January 2022 on a loan deal for the remainder of their season.<ref>{{Cite web |date= 28 January 2022|title=Mohun Bagan rope in veteran goalkeeper Subrata Paul |url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/atk-mohun-bagan-rope-in-veteran-goalkeeper-subrata-paul |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=www.indiansuperleague.com |language=en |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209160902/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/atk-mohun-bagan-rope-in-veteran-goalkeeper-subrata-paul |url-status=live }}</ref> After not playing for more than a year, Pal announced retirement from professional football on 8 December 2023 at the age of 36.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sportstar |first=Team |date=2023-12-08 |title=Spiderman hangs up his boots: Veteran Indian goalkeeper Subrata Paul announces retirement |url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/subrata-pal-indian-football-team-goalkeeper-announces-retirement-isl-golden-boot-arjuna-award-winner/article67618583.ece |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=Sportstar |language=en |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209160903/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/subrata-pal-indian-football-team-goalkeeper-announces-retirement-isl-golden-boot-arjuna-award-winner/article67618583.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
==International career== Subrata has played for India at all age groups. He rose to prominence with the Under-23 team in the Pre-Olympic qualifiers where he pulled off 3 saves in a crucial penalty shootout against Myanmar hence enabling India to qualify for the Group stage. In the group stages his goalkeeping abilities helped India pull off an unexpected draw at home against the formidable Iraq.
In 2007, he replaced Sandip Nandy as the Indian Senior Team's number 1 for the Nehru Cup in 2007 where he was adjudged the best goalkeeper in a competitive field which included the likes of Mosab Balhous.
===Nehru Cup 2007=== Paul was noted for his sharp goalkeeping as part of Baichung Bhutia's successful Indian team of the Nehru Cup 2007. His saves were noted in the semi-finals against Kyrgyzstan,<ref>{{cite news |title = Bhaichung leads dazzling display: India demolish Kyrgyzstan 3–0 to make final for first time |author = Jaydeep Basu |publisher = The Telegraph (Kolkata) |url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070827/asp/sports/story_8241762.asp |date = 27 August 2007 |access-date = 30 August 2007 |location = Kolkata, India |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930033412/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070827/asp/sports/story_8241762.asp |archive-date = 30 September 2007 |url-status = dead }}</ref> which enabled India to reach the finals of this tournament for the first time. In the final, India faced Syria, against whom they had lost an earlier group stage match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/sports/2007/aug/23ind.htm|title=Valiant India go down to Syria|website=www.rediff.com|access-date=24 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165036/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2007/aug/23ind.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In this match, he staved off wave after wave of attack by the Qasioun Eagles.<ref name=cnn>{{cite news |title = This is the beginning of Indian football: Bhaichung |author = Press Trust of India |author-link = Press Trust of India |publisher = CNN-IBN |url = http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india-achieve-rare-football-feat-lift-nehru-cup/47687-5.html |date = 29 August 2007 |access-date = 30 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930171148/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india-achieve-rare-football-feat-lift-nehru-cup/47687-5.html |archive-date = 30 September 2007 |url-status = live }}</ref> India defeated Syria by a 1–0 margin to win the tournament for the first time. Coach Bob Houghton said that "Subrata was splendid in goal",<ref name=cnn/> while ''The Hindu'' wrote: : India owed the triumph immensely to an impeccable performance under the bar by Subrata Paul. His anticipation in cutting off Syria’s aerial forays was the most striking feature of the contest.<ref>{{cite news |title = India wins Nehru Cup |author = Vijay Lokapally |newspaper = The Hindu |url = http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/30/stories/2007083062172500.htm |date = 30 August 2007 |access-date = 30 August 2007 |location = Chennai, India |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081006055305/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/30/stories/2007083062172500.htm |archive-date = 6 October 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
===AFC Challenge Cup 2008=== He was part of the victorious India national football team in the AFC Challenge Cup 2008. His important saves especially in the finals helped India qualify for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup for the first time in 24 years.
===Nehru Cup 2009=== He was also part of the victorious India national football team in the Nehru Cup International Football Tournament 2009 He was involved in three spectacular saves, and put the Cup back in India's hands. Due to his keeping, India won the final match 5–3 on penalties. He stopped the deciding shot on goal to help India clinch the Nehru cup.
===AFC Asian Cup 2011=== He was the goalkeeper for the Indian football Team in the AFC Asian Cup 2011. He made more than 35 saves in the whole tournament and has become one of the stars of the team since. After the game against South Korea, he made the headlines by some leading newspapers who were calling him 'Spiderman', 'real MVP (Most Valuable Player)' and with headlines like 'Indian team GK, 16 times super-save! Who is this guy?'.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.the-aiff.com/article/indian-football-down-the-years-looking-back-at-the-glorious-moments#|title=Indian Football Down the Years: Looking back at the glorious moments|first=AIFF|last=Media Team|website=www.the-aiff.com|publisher=All India Football Federation|language=en|trans-title=|location=New Delhi|agency=|date=15 August 2022|access-date=20 October 2022|archive-date=21 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921011335/https://www.the-aiff.com/article/indian-football-down-the-years-looking-back-at-the-glorious-moments}}</ref> To these references, he humbly said, "I am not a spiderman, just a novice learning my goalkeeping. I am happy that I have made those saves and done something for the team and country." The Times of India said that Pal was the best performer among the Indians in the Asian Cup in Doha where they lost all their group matches. Had it not for Pal's heroics, India would have lost by bigger margins in all the three matches.
===World Cup 2014 Qualifiers=== He was also the first choice goalkeeper for India in their World Cup Qualifier match against UAE. Subrata even captained the side in a warm-up practice match for this tie, which India won against Qatar 2–1. He could not repeat his heroics against the UAE side as he was sent off in the first 30 minutes, and India were reduced to 9 men. India lost that game 3–0 as a result of two penalties and ultimately the tie 4–2.
===World Cup 2018 Qualifiers=== He was named the captain of the India national football team by coach Stephen Constantine<ref>{{cite web|title=Subrata Pal named new captain by Constantine|work=Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel | www.chrispd.de |date=11 March 2015|url=http://www.chrispd.de/wordpress/2015/03/11/subrata-pal-named-new-india-captain-by-stephen-constantine/|publisher=Chris Punnakkattu Daniel|access-date=12 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402110038/http://www.chrispd.de/wordpress/2015/03/11/subrata-pal-named-new-india-captain-by-stephen-constantine/|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> on 11 March 2015. Under his captaincy the team reached the second round after defeating Nepal on aggregate of 2–0 on the first round of qualification.
==Career statistics== ===Club=== {{updated|24 May 2022}}<ref>{{Soccerway|subrata-pal/72870}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Cup !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- | rowspan="1" |Prayag United |2012–13 | rowspan="2" |I-League |15||0||0||0|| colspan="2" |—||15||0 |- | rowspan="1" |Rangdajied United <br />(loan) |2013–14 |6||0||0||0|| colspan="2" |—||6||0 |- | rowspan="1" |Vestsjælland (loan) |2013–14 | rowspan="1" |Danish Superliga |0||0||0||0|| colspan="2" |—||0||0 |- | rowspan="2" |Mumbai City |2014 | rowspan="2" |Indian Super League |14||0||0||0|| colspan="2" |—||14||0 |- |2015 |12||0||0||0|| colspan="2" |—||12||0 |- | rowspan="1" |Salgaocar (loan) |2014–15 | rowspan="2" |I-League |15||0||5{{efn|name=FedCup|Appearance(s) in Federation Cup}}||0|| colspan="2" |—||20||0 |- | rowspan="1" |DSK Shivajians (loan) |2015–16 |14||0||0||0|| colspan="2" |—||14||0 |- | rowspan="1" |NorthEast United |2016 | rowspan="1" |Indian Super League |11||0||0||0|| colspan="2" |—||11||0 |- | rowspan="1" |DSK Shivajians (loan) |2016–17 | rowspan="1" |I-League |10||0||2{{efn|name=FedCup|Appearance(s) in Federation Cup}}||0|| colspan="2" |—||12||0 |- | rowspan="3" |Jamshedpur |2017–18 | rowspan="6" |Indian Super League |18||0||1{{efn|name=SuperCup|Appearance(s) in Super Cup}}||0|| colspan="2" |—||19||0 |- |2018–19 |15||0||0||0|| colspan="2" |—||15||0 |- |2019–20 |15||0||0||0|| colspan="2" |—||15||0 |- | rowspan="1" |Hyderabad |2020–21 |6||0||0||0|| colspan="2" |—||6||0 |- | rowspan="1" |East Bengal (loan) |2020–21 |4||0||0||0|| colspan="2" |—||4||0 |- | rowspan="1" |Mohun Bagan <br />(loan) |2021–22 |0||0||0||0||1{{efn|name=statsAFCC|Appearance(s) in AFC Cup}}||0||1||0 |- ! colspan="3" |Career total !155!!0!!8!!0!!1!!0!!164!!0 |} {{notelist}}
===International=== ''Statistics accurate as of 16 June 2017''<ref>{{NFT player|id=12942|accessdate= }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |- !National team!!Year!!Apps |- |rowspan=10|India |2007||7 |- |2008||12 |- |2009||6 |- |2010||9 |- |2011||10 |- |2012||5 |- |2013||8 |- |2014||2 |- |2015||6 |- |2017||2 |- |colspan="2"|Total||67 |}
==Honours==
'''India''' * AFC Challenge Cup: 2008 * SAFF Championship: 2015; runner-up: 2008, 2013 * Nehru Cup: 2007, 2009, 2012 * Tri-Nation Series: 2017
'''Individual''' * Arjuna Award: 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yas.nic.in/yasroot/awards/arjuna.htm#Football|title=LIST OF ARJUNA AWARD WINNERS - Football {{!}} Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225221945/http://yas.nic.in/yasroot/awards/arjuna.htm#Football|archive-date=25 December 2007|access-date=25 December 2007|website=yas.nic.in|publisher=Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=List of Arjuna Awardees (1961–2018)|url=https://yas.nic.in/sites/default/files/LIST%20OF%20ARJUNA%20AWARDEES.docx%2061%20-%2017_0_0.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (India)|access-date=12 September 2020|df=dmy-all|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718084523/https://yas.nic.in/sites/default/files/LIST%20OF%20ARJUNA%20AWARDEES.docx%2061%20-%2017_0_0.pdf}}</ref> * East Bengal "Player of the Season Award": 2008<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com/search/index.asp?news_id=488|title=Bodyline-Kingfisher East Bengal Award function held today|work=East Bengal Club|access-date=5 June 2020|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116013957/http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com/search/index.asp?news_id=488|archive-date=16 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com/search/index.asp?news_id=493|title=Subrata Pal gets East Bengal Player of the Year Award|work=East Bengal Club|access-date=5 June 2020|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116090547/http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com/search/index.asp?news_id=493|archive-date=16 January 2009}}</ref>
==Personal life== Subrata lives with his family in Sodepur (Kolkata). Subrata is married to Debasmita Mukherjee Pal, the daughter of ex-Indian goalkeeper Debashish Mukherjee, since 2012.
===Awards and nominations=== In 2016 Subrata got the Arjuna Award, the most prestigious award of Sports in India. In 2015, Subrata Pal was nominated for the Times of India Sports Awards along with the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Syed Rahim Nabi, Bala Devi and more.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports-awards/toisa_home.cms|title=The Times of India Sports Awards 2015|website=The Times of India|access-date=24 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125024348/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports-awards/toisa_home.cms|archive-date=25 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
==See also== * List of Indian football players in foreign leagues
==References== {{reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name="int.soccerway.com">{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/subrata-pal/72870/|title=India – S. Pal – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway|website=int.soccerway.com|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703043336/http://int.soccerway.com/players/subrata-pal/72870/|archive-date=3 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
==Further reading== *{{cite web|location=Kolkata|url =https://thehardtackle.com/2012/prayag-united-sc-team-analysis-and-season-preview-2012-13/|title=Prayag United SC: Team Analysis and Season Preview 2012–13|date=2 August 2012|access-date=25 October 2015|website=thehardtackle.com|publisher=The Hard Tackle|first=Kunwar Deep|last=Singh|archive-date=4 August 2012|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120804174151/https://thehardtackle.com/2012/prayag-united-sc-team-analysis-and-season-preview-2012-13/}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/greatest-indian-football-xi-of-all-time|title=All time Indian XI|date=23 November 2016|access-date=21 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201149/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/greatest-indian-football-xi-of-all-time|website=sportskeeda.com|publisher=Sportskeeda|first=Amoy|last=Ghoshal}}
==External links== * {{FIFA player}} * {{NFT player}} * {{Soccerway}}
{{India Squad 2011 AFC Asian Cup}} {{Indian Super League Golden Glove}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pal, Subrata}} Category:1986 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from Kolkata Category:Indian men's footballers Category:21st-century Indian sportsmen Category:India men's international footballers Category:India men's youth international footballers Category:Men's association football goalkeepers Category:Mohun Bagan Super Giant players Category:East Bengal Club players Category:Pune FC players Category:United SC players Category:Rangdajied United FC players Category:Mumbai City FC players Category:NorthEast United FC players Category:DSK Shivajians FC players Category:Jamshedpur FC players Category:I-League players Category:Indian Super League players Category:2011 AFC Asian Cup players Category:Bengali sportspeople Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Denmark Category:Indian expatriate men's footballers Category:Indian expatriate sportspeople in Denmark Category:Footballers at the 2006 Asian Games Category:Asian Games footballers for India Category:Recipients of the Arjuna Award Category:FC Vestsjælland players Category:Salgaocar FC players Category:Hyderabad FC players