Mohammed Salim: The “Barefooted juggler” who’s Feet Defied Colonialism.
The Story of Mohammed Salim: The Barefooted Juggler
The story of Mohammed Salim, a trailblazer in difficult times and under trying circumstances, as told by our chums over at The School of Football.
Born in Calcutta, India in 1904 Salim would go on to become the first player from the Indian sub-continent to play for a European club when he signed for Celtic in 1936, the winger who only ever played barefoot used football to stand up in the face of colonialism.
Whilst Indian nationalists were fighting for independence throughout the 1920s and 1930s others took to football to prove they were capable of running their own country.
Before Salim turned pro, he would often take part in games against British troops. Winning these games was a show of strength from the Indians that they were in no way inferior to their counterparts.
Mohammed Salim - Career in India
As a youngster, Salim was referred to the Chittaranjan club, Bowbazar a team run by wealthy middle-class Indians.
Just a few months after joining Bowbazar, he joined Mohammedan Sporting club where he played for the B team.
Whilst at Mohammedan his unique talents were spotted by Bengal’s sports administrator who convinced him to join Sporting Union.
In the following years, he spent time at two other clubs East Bengal and Aryans before he rejoined Mohammedan in 1934.
His arrival at Mohammedan was a breakthrough moment, he was the leading light as they won an unprecedented 5 league titles in a row between 1934 and 1938.
After the title triumph in 1936, Salim played in two exhibition games against China in what was the first-ever international matches held in India.
At the time Salim had an English relative come and watch the games, he was so impressed he managed to convince Salim to come to Europe.
The barefooted juggler arrives in Europe
Shortly after arriving in London, Salim and his relative Hasheem went up to Celtic Park to have a trial.
The barefooted Salim was an amateur at the time but his technical ability shone and Celtic selected him in two friendly games.
Salim finally made his pro debut in a 5-1 win against Hamilton, becoming the first Indian to play for a European Club. He featured a few more times before he became homesick and returned home in 1937.
The legend Salim retired from football in 1938 but his journey is one that the history books will never forget.
A true pioneer, who has inspired and shaped Football in India today.
