Som Kumar’s unconventional journey from Indian football to Europe has now earned him his first senior India call-up, with head coach Khalid Jamil including the young goalkeeper in the 26-member squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay.

Kumar, who is currently plying his trade with Slovenian second-tier club ND Slovan, is one of the most interesting inclusions in Jamil’s squad. India will face Panama in Bengaluru on September 26 before taking on five-time world champions Brazil on October 3 and two-time world champions Uruguay on October 6 in Kolkata.

The call-up marks a significant milestone for the 21-year-old goalkeeper, whose career has taken him through youth football in India and Europe, a stint with Kerala Blasters and now regular senior football in Slovenia.

He also played for Kerala Blasters, and during his time, he was under the coaching of Slaven Progovecki, who was the Goalkeeping coach at that time. And during this time, Noor Alam was the manager of the KBFC Reserves team and was the director of youth development as well.

Noor Alam saw Som Kumar in KBFC Days

Speaking exclusively to MyKhel, Noor recalled his time watching Som Kumar closely during his spell with the Blasters and offered a strong assessment of the youngster’s character and potential.

Alam, who is currently the Sporting Director of Albanian club FK Apolonia, had worked with Kerala Blasters’ youth setup before moving on to his present role in Europe. And when asked about what he saw in Som during those early days, Alam gives his verdict.

“He is a very talented and humble guy. Works very hard. He is very ambitious because leaving your comfort zone and high-paying, lucrative offers, coming to Europe, and making a way through struggle and hardships is commendable. Not everyone manages to do this.”

That assessment assumes added significance now, given the path Som has chosen since leaving India.

Som Kumar’s Journey: From Bengaluru to Europe

Born in Bengaluru in 2005, Som began his football education in India before moving to Europe as a teenager. His development included spells with NK Bravo, NK Krka and Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia. Kerala Blasters signed him in June 2024 on a four-year contract after his performances in Europe had attracted attention.

At Kerala Blasters, Som made his senior breakthrough and featured in the Indian Super League during the 2024-25 season. He eventually made the decision to return to Europe, joining NK Radomlje before moving to ND Slovan.

His current stint at Slovan has provided him with regular senior football. Kumar has already made 18 appearances in the Slovenian Second League, including five appearances in the 2026-27 campaign.

Who is Noor Alam?

Hailing from Lalnagar in West Bengal’s Nadia district, Noor Alam has ascended in the football management journey. Noor has acquired UEFA A Licence and had stints with several clubs in India before his move to Europe. Under his leadership, Apolonia’s Women’s team FKK Aplonia played in the Women’s Champions League 2nd qualifying round, but were eliminated.