Known as a cultured defender, Aaron Hughes is the most capped outfield player in Northern Ireland’s history and has captained Northern Ireland on forty-six occasions to date after his first captaincy in April 2002. After having played for the Under-16, U-18 and ‘B’ national teams, his full international debut came in March 1998 against Slovakia, and he has since earned 103 caps for Northern Ireland.
A dramatic debut with Newcastle United FC at the age of 18 in 1997 lead to 278 appearances for the Magpies before moving to Aston Villa FC for two seasons. This was followed by a very successful seven years at Fulham and later brief stints with Queens Park Rangers, Brighton & Hove Albion and Melbourne City FC.
Kerala Blasters manager Steve Coppell said, “Aaron Hughes’ as a marquee player bringing a wealth of experience, he will also mentor the players. I am looking forward to working with him.”