Born on March 2, 2003, in the football-loving state of Manipur, Nirmala grew up surrounded by raw talent and an unwavering local love for the sport. She began her football journey at a very young age, joining local clubs and community teams where her defensive instincts quickly stood out. Her formative years were defined by training in limited facilities, but her grit and dedication pushed her forward.
Club Career Highlights
Nirmala’s club career began with local Manipur teams before she was picked up by more competitive sides in the Indian Women’s League (IWL). Her first major leap came when she joined Kickstart FC, where she began to shine as a composed and consistent defender.
She then moved to Eastern Sporting Union, continuing to grow as a key figure in their backline. Her performances there earned her a two-year contract with Sethu FC, one of the strongest and most respected women’s football clubs in India. With Sethu, Nirmala has continued to impress with her clean tackles, excellent game-reading ability, and natural leadership from the back.
National Team Breakthrough
Nirmala’s rise through the ranks eventually led to her selection for the India U-20 team, where she stood out for her tactical awareness and composure under pressure. Her consistent performances paved the way for her senior national team debut in early 2025, marking a huge milestone not only in her career but also for young girls across Manipur and the country.
In her short time with the senior squad, she has already earned multiple international caps and even scored a goal during an important AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifier, showing that she’s not just about defense—she can contribute offensively too.
Playing Style and Strengths
Nirmala is primarily a central defender—a calm, intelligent, and focused presence in the heart of the defense. What sets her apart is her:
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Excellent positioning
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Strong aerial duels and clean tackling
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Confidence in distributing the ball from the back
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Vocal leadership and ability to organize the backline
She is often referred to as the “backbone” of her team due to her reliability and presence on the pitch.
Key Achievements
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Debuted for the Indian senior women’s national team in 2025
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Scored in an AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying match
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Earned a professional contract with top IWL side Sethu FC
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Served as a role model for aspiring footballers in Manipur and beyond
Endorsements and Influence
As her profile rises, so does her appeal to brands and grassroots campaigns. Nirmala is slowly becoming a symbol of hope and determination for young girls across rural India. She has started receiving local endorsement offers, particularly in the fitness and sports sectors, and is expected to partner with national brands as her career advances.
Salary and Earnings
While Indian women footballers do not yet enjoy the financial spotlight of their male counterparts, Nirmala earns through a combination of:
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Her club contract with Sethu FC
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Match fees and national camp allowances from the Indian team
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Appearance fees and minor endorsements
Her current estimated annual earnings range between ₹4 to ₹7 lakhs, with significant growth expected as Indian women’s football continues to expand and gain corporate support.
The Road Ahead
At just 22, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam is only getting started. With a firm place in club football and growing trust at the national level, her future is bright. She represents a new generation of Indian women footballers—resilient, skillful, and unafraid to dream big.
