Mohammed Habib (footballer)

Mohammed Habib (17 July 1949 – 15 August 2023) was an Indian footballer who played as a forward for the India national team which he also captained. He is also considered by many Indians as one of the best footballers the country has ever produced. He was popularly known as Bade Mia in the Indian football world.

Club career
In 1968, Habib played for the Calcutta Football League club Mohun Bagan under "diamond coach" Amal Dutta, and won the 1969 IFA Shield with a 3–1 victory against East Bengal in the final.

Although hailing from the state of Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana), he represented Bengal in the Santosh Trophy. Led by Habib and Santo Mitra, the team won the title in 1969-70. Habib scored five goals in Bengal's 6-1 win over Services in the final. He finished as top scorer with eleven goals and scored another hat-trick against Madras.

International career
Habib represented the India national team in international tournaments. He won a bronze medal at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok on a team led by Syed Nayeemuddin and managed by P. K. Banerjee. He scored 11 goals in 35 international matches.

Managerial career
After playing football, Habib became coach of the Tata Football Academy. He also acted as chief coach of the Indian Football Association academy in Haldia.

Habib guided Mohammedan Sporting in domestic competitions from 1999–2000, 2000–2003 and 2005. He also managed Bengal Mumbai FC in the Mumbai Football League from 2007 to 2008.

Death
Mohammed Habib died on 15 August 2023 at the age of 74, after suffering from Parkinson's disease and dementia.

Honours
Bengal
 * Santosh Trophy: 1969-70

East Bengal
 * IFA Shield: 1970, 1974
 * Federation Cup: 1980–81

India
 * Asian Games Bronze Medal: 1970
 * Merdeka Tournament third place: 1970
 * Pesta Sukan Cup (Singapore): 1971

Mohun Bagan
 * Federation Cup: 1978–79

Individual
 * Santosh Trophy top scorer: 1969-70 (with 11 goals)

Awards
 * Arjuna Award: 1980
 * East Bengal "Bharat Gaurav Award": 2015
 * Banga Bibhushan: 2018 (by the Government of West Bengal)