In a groundbreaking moment for Indian football, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, popularly known as Rahul KP, will represent Premier League club West Ham United at the 2025 edition of The Soccer Tournament (TST) โ a prestigious 7-a-side global football event in the United States.
๐ A Trailblazer for Indian Football
Rahul KPโs selection is historic:
- โ First Indian player to participate in TST.
- โ First to represent a Premier League club (West Ham United) in such a global competition.
West Ham praised his trickery, agility, and explosive pace, ideal for the high-tempo, small-sided game format of TST.
๐ฅ In a club promo, Rahul shared:
โHello, Hammers fans, it’s Rahul KP here. I’m excited to play for West Ham United at TST this summer. See you soon. Come on you Irons.โ
๐ Who is Rahul KP?
- ๐ From: Thrissur, Kerala
- ๐งข Age: 25
- ๐โโ๏ธ Position: Winger
- ๐ Current Club: Odisha FC (joined Jan 2025 from Kerala Blasters)
Career Highlights:
- ๐ก Kerala Blasters (2019โ2025):
- 81 appearances
- 9 goals
- ๐ต Odisha FC (2025โ):
- 8 matches, 1 goal, 1 assist in debut half-season
- ๐ฎ๐ณ India U-17: FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017
- ๐ฎ๐ณ India Senior Team: 7 caps since debut in 2022
๐ What is The Soccer Tournament (TST)?
TST is an elite 7-a-side international tournament with:
- ๐ฐ $1 million prize for the winner
- โฝ 48 teams in 12 groups
- ๐ Held in the USA
Participating Clubs (2025 Edition):
- West Ham United
- AFC Bournemouth
- Borussia Dortmund
- Atlรฉtico de Madrid
- Villarreal CF
- Many independent and crossover teams (including ex-players, celebrities, and legends)
The format is fast-paced, entertainment-focused, and widely streamed โ combining football with fan interaction and flair.
๐ฃ๏ธ Why This Matters
Rahul KPโs inclusion is a monumental leap for Indian football visibility on the global stage. Not only does it showcase Indian talent abroad, but it also:
- Bridges Indian football with the Premier League ecosystem
- Inspires a generation of young players from South Asia
- Highlights India’s growing footprint in global football culture
๐ What to Watch For
- TST 2025 kicks off this summer in the USA
- West Hamโs squad will feature a mix of professionals, ex-players, and rising stars โ including Rahul KP
- Fans can stream the event and follow Rahulโs performances via West Ham’s official channels and TST broadcasts
๐ฃ A proud moment for Indian football โ Rahul KP in claret and blue is more than just a player in a tournament; itโs a sign of Indian footballโs global ambitions finally finding their stage.
