For Macarton Louis Nickson, India’s 10-day run against three World Cup-playing nations is not just a rare opportunity to test himself at the highest level but a stretch that brings two deeply personal fixtures.
Being picked in the 26-man squad by head coach Khalid Jamil, a homecoming in national colours against World No. 44 Panama in Bengaluru on September 26 is on the cards followed by the childhood dream to play against five-time World Champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3, which comes right before Uruguay at the same venue on October 6. For the Bengaluru-born midfielder, the Panama match holds a special pull.
“That is actually my dream,” Macarton told DH. “When I was young, I used to go to Kanteerava Stadium and the Bangalore Football Stadium and watch the national team play. It was my dream to play with my family in the stands rooting for me. More than me, my family is excited at the possibility.”
Brazil, though, is perhaps the most intriguing fixture for Nickson as he grew up watching Neymar and remains a huge admirer of the Brazilian’s style. While he also looks up to Croatian midfield maestro Luka Modric, it is Neymar’s fearlessness and flair that he has tried to bring into his own game.
“The way Neymar plays, he is not scared; he just enjoys, he dances with the ball, he just does what comes in his mind. His position is different from mine but going 1v1 with players, his style of play, I try to copy, don’t know if I succeed,” chuckled the 22-year-old man.
For someone who grew up watching Brazil on television, the prospect of sharing a pitch with them is yet to sink in.
“There are already butterflies in my stomach. I’m very excited. If I get a chance, I will make sure I enjoy every moment on the pitch, and it will be an unforgettable day in my life to play against top-class teams in the world,” Nickson said.
However, there is no guarantee that Nickson, who made his senior India debut after his first call-up in 2025, will feature in the big fixtures. Experienced names like Apuia, Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad are among those competing for midfield places, making the national camp – starting September 14 in Bengaluru – crucial for a chance to impress head coach Khalid Jamil.
“Competition is good. If there’s no competition, it’s never easy to get any spot. They have been playing for the national team from before, so I got to learn a lot from them too. But I just play my own game and don’t think too much about who is the best,” he said.
Nickson’s football education began in Austin Town, known as the cradle of Bengaluru football. His father Louis Nickson, also a former India international, was his first coach, and the younger Nickson began playing at six before progressing through Roots Sports and Bengaluru FC’s youth system.
A move to NorthEast United proved pivotal in his senior career as the 22-year-old found regular game time and the freedom to express himself under Spanish coach Pedro Benali. That freedom has shaped his approach in midfield, where he wants to dictate the rhythm rather than merely break up play. Now, that development is set to be tested on the biggest stage yet, against three sides that will demand everything from him.
And if he gets the nod against Panama, Nickson will experience Kanteerava from an entirely different perspective. Not as the Bengaluru boy in the stands watching India but as the one walking out in the India shirt, with his family watching from the crowd.