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) — a prestigious 7-a-side global football event in the United States.
🌍 A Trailblazer for Indian Football
Rahul KP’s selection is historic:
- ✅ First Indian player to participate in TST.
- ✅ 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.
🎥 In a club promo, Rahul shared:
“Hello, 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.”
🔍 Who is Rahul KP?
- 🏠 From: Thrissur, Kerala
- 🧢 Age: 25
- 🏃♂️ Position: Winger
- 🏟 Current Club: Odisha FC (joined Jan 2025 from Kerala Blasters)
Career Highlights:
- 🟡 Kerala Blasters (2019–2025):
- 81 appearances
- 9 goals
- 🔵 Odisha FC (2025–):
- 8 matches, 1 goal, 1 assist in debut half-season
- 🇮🇳 India U-17: FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017
- 🇮🇳 India Senior Team: 7 caps since debut in 2022
🏆 What is The Soccer Tournament (TST)?
TST is an elite 7-a-side international tournament with:
- 💰 $1 million prize for the winner
- ⚽ 48 teams in 12 groups
- 📍 Held in the USA
Participating Clubs (2025 Edition):
- West Ham United
- AFC Bournemouth
- Borussia Dortmund
- Atlético 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 — combining football with fan interaction and flair.
🗣️ Why This Matters
Rahul KP’s 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
🔜 What to Watch For
- TST 2025 kicks off this summer in the USA
- West Ham’s squad will feature a mix of professionals, ex-players, and rising stars — including Rahul KP
- Fans can stream the event and follow Rahul’s performances via West Ham’s official channels and TST broadcasts
📣 A proud moment for Indian football — Rahul KP in claret and blue is more than just a player in a tournament; it’s a sign of Indian football’s global ambitions finally finding their stage.
