Published By: Sayan Guha

Iniesta and Balotelli: Indian Football's ‘Oops, We Missed the Bus’ Moments!

Ever felt like you were on the verge of something epic, only for it to slip through your fingers? That’s kind of what happened with Andres Iniesta and Mario Balotelli in Indian football

Andres Iniesta in Indian Football? Just imagine the buzz that would have generated! Well, it almost happened twice! First, there were rumours that the Barcelona icon would wear the Mohun Bagan jersey, and Bengaluru FC briefly considered the notion. The 2010 World Cup-winning legend might have brought some European football magic to the Indian Super League (ISL), but it wasn't meant to be. Why? That's a significant cost.

Iniesta's pay demands were much too high for Mohun Bagan, forcing them to pass on what could have been a watershed moment for Indian football. And Bengaluru FC? They conducted some modest enquiries but finally concluded that Iniesta was more likely to remain in the Middle East.

Imagine the regret of not seeing Iniesta, the master of midfield control, teach Indian players like Suresh Singh Wangjam, Rohit Danu, Sivasakti, and Shivaldo. It would have been a spectacle for the fans and the entire Indian football community. The missed opportunity is palpable. Young players could have learnt so much from his game-reading skills, his calmness under pressure, and his visionary play. But instead, Iniesta now continues his career in the UAE, playing for Emirates Club.

Missed opportunity for Indian football?

You can't help but wonder! Are these wasted opportunities a setback for Indian football? Let's be honest: having a player like Iniesta in the ISL might have done wonders for the league and Indian football in general.


The ISL has had massive stars before, like Del Piero and Forlán, but none have had the worldwide reach of Iniesta. Imagine the level of exposure Indian football would have received! And what about the younger players? Learning from a master like Iniesta may have influenced a whole new generation of football players.


And it isn't just Iniesta. Mario Balotelli was also connected with the Kerala Blasters this season. The Italian striker, renowned for his explosive talent and dangerous attitude, was on the verge of coming to India. However, the Kerala Blasters were sceptical—specifically, concerned about his discipline. So they, too, opted to give up the opportunity.

Balotelli and the Kerala Blasters’ dilemma

The Balotelli story is similarly interesting. Mario Balotelli, known for his off-field antics and disputes with coaches, may have been a wildcard in the ISL 2024. However, after reviewing his previous past, the Kerala Blasters determined that the risk was not worth it. After all, bringing in a worldwide superstar like Balotelli would have carried significant risk monetarily and in terms of team cohesion and discipline.

Yes, it would have been thrilling for Indian supporters. Balotelli in the ISL would have dominated headlines for several weeks. But could the Blasters have handled a personality as large and erratic as his? Ultimately, they opted to walk away, leaving supporters wondering what may have been.

A glimpse of what could've been

So here we are, two football legends who got close but never made it to Indian soil. Both Iniesta and Balotelli would have added something distinctive to Indian football who are 124 in FIFA ranking now. The issue is whether these wasted chances indicate that Indian football still has room to improve. The answer is yes. These decisions were influenced by financial restrictions, logistical problems, and the desire to sustain team chemistry.

But who knows? The hope of witnessing these worldwide legends in the ISL isn't completely gone. Football, after all, is filled with surprises. Perhaps one day, an Indian team will be able to bring in a worldwide superstar like Iniesta or Balotelli, elevating the game in the nation.