John Abraham Asked to Name His Favourite Footballer, His Unexpected Answer Wins Fans: ‘Football Will Become India’s New…’

John Abraham has once again made his passion for Indian football clear, and this time his response to a simple question about his favourite footballer has struck a chord with fans across social media.

The Bollywood actor and NorthEast United FC co-owner was recently asked to name his favourite football player. Given football’s global superstars, many might have expected him to choose a legendary name such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona or Pele.

Instead, Abraham turned the spotlight towards Indian players.

John Abraham’s answer wins over Indian football fans

Rather than picking one of football’s biggest international stars, Abraham named players associated with Indian football, including Parthib Sundar Gogoi, a forward for NorthEast United, and goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh Chahal.

His response quickly attracted attention online, with football supporters appreciating the actor for using the moment to highlight domestic talent.

For Abraham, the answer also appeared to reflect his long-standing involvement with the sport beyond Bollywood. As the co-owner of NorthEast United FC, he has consistently backed the development and promotion of football in the country.

John Abraham makes big prediction for Indian football

Abraham did not stop at naming his favourite players. He also made an ambitious prediction about where football is heading in India.

Speaking during the launch of NorthEast United FC’s 2026-27 jersey in Mumbai, Abraham expressed confidence that football could increasingly challenge cricket’s overwhelming popularity in the country.

He suggested that the upcoming season could mark the beginning of a significant shift, with football eventually emerging as India’s “new cricket.”

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It is a bold prediction in a country where cricket remains comfortably the most commercially dominant sport. However, Abraham’s remarks underline his confidence in the potential of Indian football if clubs, administrators and players can build a stronger ecosystem around the game.

NorthEast United unveils new jersey with Reebok

Abraham made the remarks at an event celebrating the unveiling of NorthEast United FC’s new kit for the 2026-27 season.

The jersey was launched in partnership with Reebok, with several prominent figures attending the event.

Among those present were Aryaman Vikram Birla of the Aditya Birla Group, NorthEast United FC CEO Mandar Tamhane, and several members of the club’s first-team squad.

The event offered the club an opportunity not only to showcase its new look but also to underline its ambitions ahead of another important season.

Indian Super League entering a new chapter

Abraham’s comments come at a particularly significant moment for the Indian Super League (ISL).

Following extended negotiations, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has introduced a new club-led model that gives participating clubs greater commercial and operational involvement in the competition.

The changes could represent an important step in the evolution of professional football in India, with clubs getting a bigger role in shaping the league and its future direction.

The 2026-27 ISL season is scheduled to begin on October 10, putting attention back on clubs, players and the long-term growth of the domestic game.

Can football really become India’s ‘new cricket’?

Whether football can realistically challenge cricket’s position in India remains a much bigger question. Cricket enjoys enormous television audiences, sponsorship revenues, star power and deeply established fan culture across the country.

Football, however, already commands passionate support in several regions, particularly across the Northeast, West Bengal, Kerala and Goa, while European club football has also developed a large following among younger Indian audiences.

For Abraham, building on that passion appears to be the opportunity.

His viral response about his favourite footballer carried the same message. Instead of looking towards Messi or Ronaldo, the actor chose to celebrate players closer to home.

As NorthEast United prepares for the new ISL campaign, Abraham’s prediction may be ambitious but his message is clear: he believes the future stars capable of transforming Indian football should first be recognised and supported at home.