Kerala Blasters FC
Introduction to Kerala Blasters FC
Hi everyone, we are the Kerala Blasters, one of the most successful and popular clubs
in the Indian Super League. We have a huge and passionate fan base, known as the Manjappada (Yellow
Army). We are known for our attacking style of play and our never-say-die attitude.
We have reached the playoffs in every season of the ISL, and have finished runners-up on three
occasions. We have also competed in the AFC Cup, the second-tier club competition in Asia, on one
occasion, where we reached the semi-finals.
We are the Kerala Blasters, and we are here to win!
Yennum Yellow!
Yennum Yellow!
History of Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters Football Club was established in May 2014 during the inaugural season of the Indian Super League (ISL). The club is co-owned by former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and businessman Prasad V. Potluri.
- 2014: Kerala Blasters play their inaugural match in the Indian Super League, losing 1–0 to NorthEast United FC.
- 2014: Kerala Blasters reach the final of the Indian Super League, but lose 1–0 to ATK FC.
- 2016: Kerala Blasters reach the semi-finals of the AFC Cup, but are eliminated by Al-Ittihad FC on aggregate.
- 2016: Kerala Blasters reach the final of the Indian Super League again, but lose 4–3 to ATK FC on penalties.
- 2022: Kerala Blasters reach the final of the Indian Super League for the third time, but lose 3–1 to Hyderabad FC on penalties.
Kerala Blasters have a huge and passionate fan base, known as the Manjappada (Yellow Army). The Manjappada are known for their loud and colorful support of the team, and they create a unique atmosphere at Kerala Blasters home matches.
The club's stadium, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, has a capacity of over 40,000 spectators. The stadium is known for its lively atmosphere and passionate fans.
Kerala Blasters are one of the most popular and successful clubs in the Indian Super League. They have a huge and passionate fan base, and they have consistently challenged for the title since their inception.
Notable Players of Kerala Blasters FC
| Player | Position | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | Co-owner and former player | Indian |
| David James | Former goalkeeper | English |
| Aaron Hughes | Former defender | Northern Irish |
| Wes Brown | Former defender | English |
| Carlos Marchena | Former defender | Spanish |
| Michael Chopra | Former striker | English |
| Iain Hume | Former striker | Canadian |
| Bartholomew Ogbeche | Striker | Nigerian |
| Jorge Pereyra Díaz | Striker | Argentine |
| Sandesh Jhingan | Defender | Indian |
| Rahul KP | Defender | Indian |
| Adil Khan | Defender | Indian |
| Sahal Abdul Samad | Midfielder | Indian |
| Alvaro Vazquez | Striker | Spanish |
| C. K. Vineeth | Midfielder | Indian |
| Josu Prieto | Midfielder | Spanish |
| Mohammed Rafi | Striker | Indian |
| Stephen Pearson | Midfielder | Scottish |
| Dimitar Berbatov | Striker | Bulgarian |
| Adrian Luna | Midfielder | Uruguayan |
Kerala Blasters FC Fan Culture
Kerala Blasters FC have a huge and passionate fan base, known as the Manjappada (Yellow Army). The Manjappada are known for their loud and colorful support of the team, and they create a unique atmosphere at Kerala Blasters home matches.
- Passion: Kerala Blasters fans are known for their passion and dedication to the club. They are often seen wearing yellow and black clothing and accessories, and they sing and chant throughout matches.
- Creativity: Kerala Blasters fans are also known for their creativity. They often come up with new and innovative ways to support the team, such as creating elaborate banners and tifos.
- Inclusivity: Kerala Blasters fans come from all walks of life. The club's fan base is inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
- Community spirit: Kerala Blasters fans are a close-knit community. They often support each other and come together to celebrate the club's successes.
Kerala Blasters' fan culture is one of the most unique and exciting in Indian football. The Manjappada are a vital part of the club's identity, and they play a key role in creating the electric atmosphere at Kerala Blasters home matches.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is the home ground of Kerala Blasters FC and also hosts games of the Indian national football and cricket teams. The stadium has a seating capacity of 80,234 and is one of the largest stadiums in India.
- Capacity: 80,234
- Facilities: Floodlights, electronic scoreboard, press box, VIP boxes, hospitality suites, restaurants, shops, medical facilities, parking, etc.
- Location: Kaloor, Kochi, Kerala, India
- Access: The stadium is well-connected by road and rail. There is a metro station located near the stadium.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is a world-class stadium and a fitting home for one of India's most popular football clubs.
Detailed History of Kerala Blasters FC
Early years (2014-2016)
Kerala Blasters played their inaugural match on 13 October 2014, losing 1–0 to NorthEast United FC. Despite the loss, the club quickly became one of the most popular in the ISL, thanks to its passionate fan base known as the Manjappada (Yellow Army).
In the 2014 ISL season, Kerala Blasters finished second in the regular season and reached the final, where they lost 1–0 to ATK FC. The following season, the club finished third in the regular season and reached the semi-finals, where they lost to Chennaiyin FC.
Rise to prominence (2017-2020)
In the 2017 ISL season, Kerala Blasters finished top of the regular season table for the first time in their history. The club reached the final for the second time, but lost 3–2 on penalties to ATK FC after the match was drawn 1–1 after extra time.
The 2018-19 ISL season was a disappointing one for Kerala Blasters, as the club finished sixth in the regular season and failed to qualify for the playoffs. However, the club bounced back in the 2019-20 ISL season, finishing third in the regular season and reaching the semi-finals, where they lost to NorthEast United FC.
Recent years (2021-present)
The 2020-21 ISL season was another difficult one for Kerala Blasters, as the club finished seventh in the regular season and failed to qualify for the playoffs. The 2021-22 ISL season was more successful, as the club finished fourth in the regular season and reached the semi-finals, where they lost to Hyderabad FC.
Key moments in Kerala Blasters FC history
- May 2014: Kerala Blasters FC is established.
- October 2014: Kerala Blasters play their inaugural match in the Indian Super League, losing 1–0 to NorthEast United FC.
- December 2014: Kerala Blasters reach the final of the Indian Super League, but lose 1–0 to ATK FC.
- February 2016: Kerala Blasters reach the semi-finals of the AFC Cup, but are eliminated by Al-Ittihad FC on aggregate.
- December 2016: Kerala Blasters reach the final of the Indian Super League again, but lose 3–2 on penalties to ATK FC after the match was drawn 1–1 after extra time.
- March 2022: Kerala Blasters reach the semi-finals of the Indian Super League, but lose to Hyderabad FC.
Conclusion
Kerala Blasters are a relatively young club, but they have already achieved a lot in their short history. The club has a huge and passionate fan base, and they are one of the most popular and successful clubs in the Indian Super League.
Kerala Blasters FC Performance
| Season | Regular season finish | Playoff finish | Final win/runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2nd | Final | Runner-up |
| 2015 | 3rd | Semi-finals | - |
| 2016 | 4th | Final | Runner-up |
| 2017-18 | 1st | Final | Runner-up |
| 2018-19 | 6th | Did not qualify | - |
| 2019-20 | 3rd | Semi-finals | - |
| 2020-21 | 7th | Did not qualify | - |
| 2021-22 | 4th | Semi-finals | - |
Kerala Blasters FC have been one of the most successful clubs in the Indian Super League since their inception. They have reached the final of the ISL on three occasions and the semi-finals of the AFC Cup on one occasion. The club has also finished in the top four of the regular season table on five occasions.
Kerala Blasters FC Achievements
| Achievement | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|
| ISL finalists | 2014, 2016, 2022 | Domestic |
| Kerala Premier League champions | 2019-20 | Domestic |
| Most popular Asian club on social media | 2018 | Social media |
| Most followed Indian club on social media | 2023 | Social media |
| Fastest growing social media account on Instagram in Asia | 2021 | Social media |
| Sixth across the world in terms of fans interaction among all the football clubs | 2021 | Global |
| Best Fan Club at the Indian Sports Honours | 2017, 2020 | Fan engagement |