Who is Manisha Kalyan? Complete Profile. Career, Milestones, Biography in 2026

Manisha Kalyan is a star among India’s young female footballers, as she does so with her speed, attacking instincts, and performance, which she brings to international stages. By 2026, she had cemented her role as a mainstay for the Indian women’s national team and also became a trend setter for Indian footballers to play abroad.

Early Life and Background

Manisha Kalyan was born 17 May ‘99 to that of March 20 which is exactly four years later in Muggowal village from out of the Hoshiarpur district, Punjab, India. For a while, she was into athletics; actually, for a short while, the basketball field also saw her attention in her school days. But then, at the age of 13 years, in which she was also still very young, her P.E. teacher identified that this girl had what it took and pushed her to take football up as a serious sport. 

At a sports hostel, she trained, which saw great improvement in her skills, and which, in turn, set the foundation for her professional career.

Professional Career

Manisha started with Sethu FC, which was her home club before she joined Gokulam Kerala FC in 2018. She played a key role in their success in the Indian Women’s League, which in turn brought to light her talent as an up-and-coming player.

In 2022, she signed with Apollon Ladies, which saw her career take a great turn. There, she became the first Indian woman to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and also won the Cypriot league title.

In 2024, that’s when she joined Greek club PAOK, which also continued her European adventure. By 2026, she had signed with Alianza Lima in Peru and made history by being the first Indian woman to score for a South American club in her very first appearance.

International Career

Manisha broke out early when, at age 17, she played for the Indian senior team in 2018. Since then, she has been a mainstay of the senior national team, which she plays for as a forward/winger. Known for her inventiveness and speed, she is a key member of the team, which also includes preparation for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Major Achievements and Milestones

First Indian to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

First Indian to score in a top Asian cup competition.

First Asian woman to play for a South American club.

AIFF Young Woman Footballer of the Year (2020-21).

AIFF Woman of the Year (2022-23).

Playing Style and Strengths

Manisha is known for her speed, dribbling skill, and attacking range. She plays as a winger and forward, which also means she is a creator and a finisher of goal-scoring chances.

Conclusion

In 2026, Manisha Kalyan steps forward as a member of Indian football's new wave, which is breaking through to the global stage. From a rural town in Punjab to playing in European and South American leagues, her story is that of a great deal of hard work, talent, and the rise of what is to become an excellent force of Indian women’s football on the world stage.