Noufal PN has been one of the discoveries in the recently-concluded I-league. The attacking wing-half of Gokulam FC was so consistent throughout the League that Mumbai City FC, the ISL Cup winner this season, did not delay in signing him for the next season. 

The 24-year-old midfielder earned a feather with the maximum number of assists by an Indian in the I-League this season with eight assists and also scored five goals.

The midfielder’s speedy runs down the flanks and creating chances for his teammates drew the attention of the football fraternity throughout the League. 

Noufal, speaking from his home in Thiruvambady, Kerala smilingly said, “I was a serious athlete in my school days. I was a sprinter. I won medals representing my district. My timing never went beyond 12 seconds. Today, I get the benefit of my athletics days. I can generate speed naturally.” 

Noufal was brought up with his mother after his father left them in his childhood. The aftermath was expected as Noufal’s mother had to go through the immense struggle for the least amount of bread and butter for them. They did not have a proper house and Noufal had to spend several days when he did not have two meals. 

Noufal again riding on the time machine remembered contribution of two persons, stating, “My family member Ayyub amd my friend Jabir-I cannot forget the help they have done for me. I cannot forget their contribution to my life ever. It would have been impossible for me to survive that time if these two had not stood beside me and my mother.” 

Noufal believes selection in the Kerala team for the Santosh Trophy in 2021-22 was the turning point of his career. His stellar performance in the senior national football championship, helping Kerala clinch the seventh title guided him to take another jump in his career. 

Gokulam FC snapped him for the season. The club's chief recruiter Ashok Kumar was highly impressed by Noufal's exhibition in the Santosh Trophy for Kerala and he initiated the recruitment of Noufal. 

Noufal said, "I am thankful to Bino George for selecting me in the state team for the Santosh Trophy. I am also thankful to Gokulam FC for taking me to the mainstream of Indian football. I am also thankful to my first coach Francis whose tutelage at Cosmos club helped me to learn the basics of the game."

Noufal dreams of becoming Indian football's 'Vinicius Junior'. "I watch a lot of video clippings of Vinicius Junior, his training videos, match performance. Previously I liked Neymar. But now Vinicius is my most favourite, mainly for his bursting speed down the flanks. I dream of playing like him."

Noufal, before starting his campaign in the ISL next season has set another challenge. That is to prove his mettle while facing foreign defenders. “I will have to face ‘quality’ foreign defenders in the ISL. My challenge is to perform among them. I know then it will be easy for me to get a national call-up."

Noufal and his mother now live in a mature house. It was given by the state government. The footballer also dreams of making efforts to promote football in his village.