Som Kumar

Som Kumar (born 27 February 2005) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters. He represented the India under-20 national team.

Club career
Kumar began his playing career in hometown Bangalore, at the age of 13. In 2018, he appeared with U13 side of Bengaluru. He then played for Boca Juniors U-13, and BYFL Academy team. Kumar's competitive club career began in 2020, when he travelled to Slovenia. At first, he signed with U17 team of NK Bravo. With Bravo, he took part in an U15 summer tournament in Italy. In that competition, he became prominent in a match against Bologna U17 in their 1–1 draw, in which he saved multiple penalties. He was then loaned out to another NextGen Liga club NK Krka, signing with their U17 team. He helped the team achieving third place in the league. He later appeared with U19 teams of both NK Bravo and NK Krka until moving to Olimpija Ljubljana.

In February 2023, Kumar signed a contract with U19 side of NK Olimpija Ljubljana. He joined the team as their third-choice goalkeeper in mid-season transfer. After training with an Indian club, he joined Olimpija Ljubljana denying a move to the Indian Super League, stating "That was a good experience for me; it helped me understand how an ISL team works, and they offered me a contract. It's nothing that I have against the club or the ISL, but at the moment, I think my focus is to stay in Europe and train in Europe." He made his official league debut on 28 July, against NK Aluminij. He soon became regular starter for the club after showcasing his goalkeeping abilities in 2022–23 NextGen Liga. He also made it to the team's UEFA European Under-19 Championship squad, alongside friendly tour to Austria in June. In July, Kumar was called up to the senior squad, but remained uncapped in Slovenian PrvaLiga.

In June 2024, Kumar was signed by the Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters on a four-year deal, till 2028. He became the first Blasters' signing under new coach Mikael Stahre.

International career
Kumar is a former member of both Indian national under-16 and under-17 teams. He was part of India under-16 team's tour to the United Arab Emirates, in which he appeared in their 4–2 win against Sharjah U18 on 36 January 2021, coming as a substitute for Lionel Daryl Rymmei on 62nd minute. He later earned call-up to the Shanmugam Venkatesh managed India under-20 team to participate at the 2022 SAFF U-20 Championship in Odisha. He made crucial saves in their semi-final win against the Maldives. At the final on 5 August, they clinched title defeating Bangladesh 5–2. He won best goalkeeper award in that edition.

Kumar was also included in India's 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualification squad. They travelled to Kuwait in October, faced Australia, Iraq and Kuwait, winning a single match, against hosts. A year later, he was again included into the team by head coach Shuvendu Panda for their 2023 SAFF U-19 Championship campaign in Kathmandu, Nepal. They clinched their second consecutive title on 30 September, beating Pakistan 3–0.

Personal life
Kumar was born and grew up in Bangalore. His parents Vivek Kumar and Shama Kittur, both are former national-level badminton players.

Honours
NK Krka U-17
 * NextGen Liga third place: 2021–22

India U-20
 * SAFF U-20 Championship: 2022, 2023

Individual
 * SAFF U-20 Championship Best Goalkeeper: 2022