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He is the emerging star and Indian football sensation. Making dhan dhana dhan goals and winning hearts, Jeje Lalpekhlua is a star to beckon. The lad who played a crucial part in the SAFF Championships has an interesting life story as well.
Today, let us glimpse into the life journey of Jeje Lalpekhlua.
Jeje Lalpekhlua Biography
Family Background and Early Life
Born and brought up in a family of football enthusiasts in Mizoram, it isn’t surprising that Jeje decided to pursue the game professionally. His family is from a small village called Hnahthial and both, his father and elder brother played for The Model Sporting Club. His uncle is a former football player and has represented the state in the Santosh Trophy.
Though all the men are hardcore football fans, they didn’t pursue the game professionally. When Jeje decided to do so, they had some initial reservations. However, his exploits on the field and continued success changed their minds.
Journey
At a very young age of 16, Jeje started his club career with the Red Lizards. He made his senior debut with Pune. He was loaned by Pune club to Indian Arrows for the 2010-11 I-League season. He scored four goals against Air India and was declared as the Man of the Match after winning a match against Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The next year, Jeje was back with Pune club and scored his first goal against Dempo. He continued his goal scoring spree by scoring a goal against East Bengal. He was awarded the FPAI Best Young Player Award for his stellar performance.
In the year 2013, he decided to play for Dempo. He was signed by the Goan club for a two-year period. After an average stint with the club, in 2014, he became a part of the Mohun Bagan club.
Also Read: 5 Indian Footballers Who Can Give Their Best
Indian Team
Thank u to those who came out to support us last night,apologies for not being able to get the desired result.On a personal note happy to have completed my 50th cap for India and very grateful for all the messages of https://t.co/mH2hA7Lur1 on to the finals see you soon ⚽️?? pic.twitter.com/VQ8DUSwO0z
— jeje lalpekhlua (@jejefanai) June 8, 2018
Football Performance
| Year | Appearances | Goals |
| 2011 | 15 | 8 |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 6 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 10 | 3 |
| 2016 | 6 | 5 |
| 2017 | 9 | 4 |
| 2018 | 7 | 2 |
| 2019 | 3 | 1 |
Jeje made his international U-23 debut for the Indian National Team in 2011. He scored his first goal against Myanmar U-23 team. His seniors’ debut soon followed in 2012. He played against Chinese Taipei at the AFC Challenge Cup. Jeje was also a part of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and scored a goal as well.
However, the team couldn’t qualify. He continued scoring some stellar goals in the next few years.
Chennaiyin FC
Vanakkam Chennai ?? Its feels good to be back with my team @chennaiyinfc ?? #MizoTlangval #JJ12 pic.twitter.com/yIYToHTG5J
— jeje lalpekhlua (@jejefanai) August 10, 2018
In 2014, Jeje started playing for the Chennaiyin club in the Indian Super League. He scored 4 goals to end up as the top scoring Indian player.
At the next edition of the game, he bettered his own performance by scoring six goals. He was also signed on for further two seasons by Chennaiyin. Unsurprisingly then that he was declared as the Emerging Player of the Season.
Indian Super League Quick Stats
Jersey No: 12 || Position: Forward || Matches: 16 || Minutes 934 || Goals: 1 || Assists: 0 || Goal Conversion Rate: 7% || Goals/Game: 0.06 || Shots: 15 || Crosses: 2 || Passes: 239 || Touches: 286 || Average Passes/Game: 14.94 || Passing Accuracy: 60.66% || Tackles: 3 || Interceptions: 5 || Fouls: 10 || Yellow Cards: 10 || Clearances: 4 || Blocks: 4 || Red Cards: 0
Interesting Facts about Jeje Lalpekhlua
- Jeje Lalpekhlau holds the distinction of being the second highest Indian goal scorer in the Indian Super League.
- At the U-19 South Asian Games, Jeje scored a hat-trick against Pakistan. He led the team to a 5-1 win in the match.
- Another of Jeje’s memorable feat was at 2015 SAFF Cup, he scored 3 goals.
Achievements
India
- SAFF Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015
Clubs
Mohun Bagan
- I-League: 2014-2015
- Federation Cup: 2015-16
Chennaiyin FC
- Indian Super League: 2015
- Indian Super League: 2017-2018
Awards
- FPAI Best Young Player Award: 2010-11
- AIFF Emerging Player of the Year: 2013
- Indian Super League Emerging Player of the League: 2015
- Federation Cup Top Goal Scorer: 2015-16
- Federation Cup Best Player: 2015-16
- FPAI Indian Player of the Year: 2015-16
- AIFF Player of the Year: 2016
- Indian Super League Fans’ Player of the Month: December 2017
Net Worth
Jeje Lalpekhlua was retained by the team Chennaiyin and signed a contract worth INR 4.3 crores. He became one of the costliest players in the league.
Social Media
On to the next #HeroSuperCup2019 #MizoTlangval #JJ12 pic.twitter.com/0qMbXqW2rG
— jeje lalpekhlua (@jejefanai) March 30, 2019
Really proud of the way the team has played last Game vs colombo fc ,A big thank you to the travelling @supermachans & @bstandblues and The amazing fans who truned up and were loud throughout #MizoTlangval #JJ12 pic.twitter.com/MHLMnEuTMk
— jeje lalpekhlua (@jejefanai) March 15, 2019
Thank you LORD for giving another year in my life! Thank you everyone for your greetings it absolutely make my day more special! Love you all guys ! God bless #MizoTlangval #JJ12 pic.twitter.com/4FLKMJObC1
— jeje lalpekhlua (@jejefanai) January 7, 2019
Happiness is not the absence of problems but it is the way you deal with it. Happiness depends on the mindset & attitude towards situations & people. If I decide to be happy outside events cannot disturb it.?? pic.twitter.com/sZ6CoAg5qg
— jeje lalpekhlua (@jejefanai) September 10, 2018
Donate Blood Save Life ❤️?? #MizoTlangval #JJ12 pic.twitter.com/KDSy5NHn8O
— jeje lalpekhlua (@jejefanai) June 23, 2018
With the consistently growing popularity of football in India, stars like Jeje are set to shine all the more brightly. A spirited youngster, the future is set to be extremely bright for him, and for the game.
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