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Few players have managed to capture the imagination of Jamshedpur FC fans quite like Ricky Lallawmawma. The defender has become a mainstay in the Jamshedpur squad owing to consistent performances since joining the club, and looks as ready as ever to take on his next challenge.
Born in Mizoram, Ricky has worked his way up the ranks in remarkable fashion. Starting out at local side Aizawl, his superior technical ability and tremendous calmness in possession earned him the club captaincy in a short period of time, setting the tone for what was to come in his flourishing career.
Ricky’s professional debut with Aizawl in the I-League came in 2016, and there has been no looking back ever since. His consistent performances in the league did not go unnoticed, and he signed for Mohun Bagan in 2017, enjoying a regular starting spot and a certain familiarity in the defensive position.
Ricky’s talent was there for all to see, and it was just a matter of time before next door neighbours ATK took notice and brought the 31-year-old over to give him his Indian Super League (ISL) debut in 2018. His performances in his first season in the top tier of Indian football earned him plenty of plaudits, with a transfer to Jamshedpur FC in 2020 becoming the real coming out party for the gifted left back.
The Mizoram native played in every match of the 2020-21 season for the Men of Steel, becoming a fan favourite in the meantime and a player who could be relied on in the big ocassions by both the coaches and his peers.
Ricky has since been one of the rocks at the back for Jamshedpur FC, and was one of the key players in last season’s ISL shield-winning campaign under head coach Owen Coyle. Ricky notched up 31 interceptions throughout the season, more than any other player at the club, showcasing his tenacity and will to win the ball back for his team.
This season, despite a number of injuries to key players around him, Ricky has stood firm for Jamshedpur FC, and has been one of the shining stars in what has been a slow start to the season for the club. The left back is expected to start once again in his preferred fullback position as the Men of Steel get ready to take on East Bengal at home.
He may not have the flamboyance and appeal of a popular striker, but Ricky Lallawmawma has proved that hard work is just as important as talent to remain at the highest level of the game. There is no doubt that Jamshedpur FC will be looking for another top performance from the man from Aizawl as they play East Bengal at the Furnace on Sunday.
