At just 20 years of age, Tanush Pandey is already making waves in Indian football, and with every confident stride on the pitch, he edges closer to his dream: donning the Indian national jersey on football’s grandest stagethe FIFA World Cup.
A formidable right wing back for Mumbai City FC Reserves, Tanush embodies the spirit of modern Indian football: swift, smart, and tirelessly committed. Born on 16 August 2005 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Tanush’s love affair with football began when he was only six.
His early days at La Martiniere College in Lucknow saw him bursting onto the school tournament scene with an infectious energy and tenacity. But it was his move to Gurgaon that turbocharged his journey. By joining Delhi Dynamos and competing in the Junior I-League in Kalyani, West Bengal, he quickly cemented his place as one of the most promising young defenders in the region.
Representing Gurgaon and Palwal in Haryana’s state-level competitions as a teenager, Tanush’s rise was meteoric. At just 13, he was selected for the National School Games Football (Boys) U17 and showcased his prowess in Jammu & Kashmir and Tripura. His journey next took him to Odisha FC, where he played in the Elite I-Leaguea stepping stone that further sharpened his technical edge and tactical acumen.
Weathering Storms, Chasing Glory
Even during the challenging COVID-19 lockdowns, while most were confined indoors, Tanush’s hunger for the game kept him on the movetraining, pushing, and preparing.”Football isn’t just about running or tacklingit’s about thinking two steps ahead and doing more when the ball is not in your flang,”
his resilience bore fruit. After leading his team to victory in the Delhi State Championship (2021-22), Tanush joined Mumbai City FC U18. His impact was instant. With Mumbai City FC, he helped clinch both the MFA Elite League and Super Premier League titles in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. In the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), his standout performances helped the team secure both regional and zonal titles, securing their ticket to the nationals.
And he hasn’t just played locally. Tanush made a solid presence in the prestigious I-League Second Division for the Mumbai City FC U19 squad, holding his ground with poise and purpose in every outing.
Precision and Power: The Modern Full-Back
At 178 cm and weighing 66 kg, Tanush has the ideal build for a full-back, but it’s his style of play that truly catches the eye. Agile, alert, and remarkably precise in possession, he commands the flanks with an impressive balance of defensive tenacity and offensive flair. Whether operating as a right-back or switching to a left wing-back or winger role, his versatility is a coach’s dream.”I focus on precision in my passes and reading the game strategically,”
This cerebral approach sets him apart. He studies match footage, absorbs new techniques, and refines his physical conditioning dailyall while pursuing a B.Sc. in Sports and Exercise Science at Somaiya University in Mumbai.”I want to understand the science behind the gamehow the body works, how to optimise performance. It’s about being a complete athlete.”
Fuelled by Humility, Driven by Dream
Despite his achievements, Tanush remains deeply grounded. In conversation, his humility shines through.”Honestly, attending the Indian National Football Team Camp for the U-20 Asian Qualifiers was huge. Wearing the India badge, even in a camp, felt like a step closer to my dream. But winning the Best Player award in Madhya Pradesh was special tooit was validation that hard work pays off.”
Asked about the pressures of playing for a high-profile club like Mumbai City FC, Tanush was candid:”It’s intense, but I thrive on it. The coaches push us to be our best, and my teammates are like family. We lift each other up, whether it’s a tough match or a long training session.”
He’s also not one to shy away from new challenges.”I’m looking for more experience by exploring new clubs to get exposure to play with more different talents and get guidance from different more coaches and team.”
A Star in the Making
With nearly a decade of competitive football under his belt by the age of 16, Tanush has evolved into one of the brightest young prospects in Indian football. From junior leagues in Kalyani to senior-level competitions in Mumbai, from battling through pandemic restrictions to chasing national dreams, his journey is a masterclass in determination.
But his eyes are fixed firmly on the future.”I know it’s a big dream, but I believe in myself. Every match, every training session is a step toward that,”
he said, referring to his ambition to represent India at the FIFA World Cup.
For Indian football, Tanush Pandey isn’t just a playerhe’s a beacon. As the nation strives for global recognition in the beautiful game, stars like him remind us that with enough grit, skill, and heart, the dream is within reach. From the dusty fields of Lucknow to the floodlit stadiums of Mumbai, this is just the beginning of a story the entire country will want to follow.