Mohammad Nawaz (footballer)

Mohammad Nawaz (born 21 January 2000) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Indian Super League club Chennaiyin.

FC Goa
Born in Manipur, Nawaz signed with Goa of the Indian Super League after being a part of the India under-17 squad. He played for the club's reserve side in the I-League 2nd Division for the rest of the season.

For the 2018–19 season, Nawaz was promoted to the club's first-team. Nawaz then made his professional debut for the club on 1 October 2018 against NorthEast United. During the match, he handled the ball outside the box which lead to the freekick which gave NorthEast United an early lead in the 8th minute before conceding again in the 53rd. The match ended in a 2–2 draw. Despite the mistake during the match, Goa head coach, Sergio Lobera, started Nawaz again in Goa's next match against the reigning champions Chennaiyin on 6 October 2018. The result this time was better for Goa as they won 3–1, with Nawaz earning the Emerging Player of the Match award. Having played an instrumental role in the FC Goa's successful campaigns in 2018-19 and 2019-20, winning the Super Cup and the League Winners' Shield, Nawaz became a pivotal member of the Gaurs' setup.

Mumbai City
In 2021, Indian Super League defending champions Mumbai City signed a three-year-long deal with Nawaz. He appeared in the 2021–22 season with the club as they finished on fifth position with Nawaz keeping five cleansheets. In April 2022, he was included in the club's 2022 AFC Champions League squad, and made his continental debut in their 1–0 defeat to Emirati side Al Jazira on 14 April. He made his Durand Cup debut against East Bengal on 3 September 2022 in a 4-3 loss and also received a yellow card. He remained on the bench in the final 2-1 loss to Bengaluru FC. He remained on the bench throughout the 2022-23 ISL season as backup for Phurba Lachenpa unable to make any appearance as Mumbai finished top of the table. In 2023 Indian Super Cup, he played only in the last group stage game against Chennaiyin FC as Lachenpa was out due to a minor injury, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win.

International career
Nawaz was part of the India under-17 side which was preparing for the FIFA U-17 World Cup being hosted in India. Prior to the tournament, it was announced that Nawaz wouldn't be in the 21-man squad but that he would be one of three players still training with the squad during it.

Personal life
His father works as a driver, and his mother is an anganwadi worker. He is the cousin of Mohammad Yasir.

Honours
FC Goa
 * Indian Super Cup: 2019
 * Indian Super League premiership: 2019–20