Albino Gomes: From School Goalkeeper to I-League Champion
Albino Gomes, a name that resonates within Indian football, has had an extraordinary journey. Starting as a schoolboy who initially aspired to be a striker, he found his true calling as a goalkeeper. “I was desperate to make it onto the team, but no one wanted to take the goalkeeping spot,” Gomes recalls. His coach noticed his height and suggested he try out for the position, marking the beginning of his illustrious career.
Gomes played a pivotal role in Aizawl FC’s historic 2017 I-League victory. “Winning the league was the most memorable moment,” he said, reflecting on the underdog triumph similar to Leicester City’s fairy tale in England. One of the defining moments for Gomes was his crucial penalty save against the legendary Sunil Chhetri during a key match against Bengaluru FC. “If he had scored, we might have lost crucial points,” he remarked, emphasizing the significance of that save.
Now playing for Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), Gomes aims for a return to the national team. “I want to be in the national team because I’ve been there and I know how it feels,” he stated, demonstrating his commitment and ambition. His mantra for success hinges on learning from mistakes. “If you make a mistake, don’t let it bring you down. Instead, acknowledge it and work on improving,” Gomes advises aspiring players.
As Gomes continues to shine on the field, he also promotes the importance of goalkeeping evolution in India, encouraging young keepers to embrace the sweeper-keeper role. His journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the belief that every setback is merely a setup for a comeback.
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