Anirudh Thapa is an Indian professional association footballer who plays primarily as a central midfielder. Known for his passing range, vision and ability to dictate tempo from deeper areas, he has represented the India national football team at senior level and has been a regular fixture in the Indian Super League (ISL).
Key facts
| Full name | Anirudh Thapa |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 15 January 1998 |
| Place of birth | Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Position | Midfielder |
| National team | India |
Background
Thapa was born on 15 January 1998 in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. He moved into structured football at a young age and was scouted into the All India Football Federation (AIFF) developmental setup, which played a central role in his early progression. He was part of the AIFF Elite Academy and went through the youth pathway designed to prepare players for senior club and international football.
Club career
Chennaiyin FC
Thapa is most closely associated with Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League, where he established himself as a first-team midfielder over multiple seasons. He was part of the Chennaiyin squad that won the ISL title in the 2017–18 season under head coach John Gregory, contributing as one of the younger Indian midfielders in the rotation. He went on to feature consistently for the club in subsequent seasons, including their run to the final in 2019–20.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Thapa later moved to Mohun Bagan Super Giant, joining one of the most decorated clubs in Indian football. The transfer was widely covered in the Indian football press as a significant domestic move for an established national team midfielder.
International career
Thapa has represented India at youth and senior levels. He made his senior debut for the India national football team and has since been a regular call-up under successive head coaches, including during the tenure of Igor Štimac. He has featured in major regional competitions such as the SAFF Championship and AFC Asian Cup qualification campaigns, as well as friendly fixtures and the Intercontinental Cup hosted in India.
Style of play
Operating mainly as a central or box-to-box midfielder, Thapa is recognised for his passing accuracy, tactical reading of the game and ability to link defence with attack. Coaches have frequently used him as a pivot in midfield, allowing more attack-minded players to push higher up the pitch.
Significance
Thapa is regarded as part of the generation of Indian midfielders who emerged through the structured AIFF academy system in the 2010s and transitioned successfully into the Indian Super League and the senior national team. His performances at Chennaiyin FC during their title-winning campaign and his sustained presence in the India squad have made him a notable figure in contemporary Indian football.
Related topics
- Indian Super League
- Chennaiyin FC
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant
- India national football team
- All India Football Federation
- Football in India
- Dehradun
References
- Wikidata entity: Q27942237
- All India Football Federation – player profiles and national team records
- Indian Super League – official club and match records