Som Kumar's Journey from Slovenia to India National Team

Som Kumar packed his bags for Slovenia chasing a dream. Now that journey has taken him all the way to the India senior team.

The ND Slovan goalkeeper has received his first-ever call-up to the national squad for a high-profile set of international friendlies, a landmark moment for the young shot-stopper plying his trade in the Slovenian second division. He is due to land in Bangalore on September 14 to link up with the initial training camp.

One detail stands out. Kumar is the only overseas-based player in this squad who operates outside the Indian domestic structure. In a group dominated by Indian Super League and I-League names, the 20-year-old’s selection is a clear nod to the value of carving a path in Europe’s lesser-seen corners.

“Som's call-up is a great recognition for him and a special source of pride for ND Slovan. Our player will be part of the senior national team during an international cycle in which India will also face two giants of world football, Brazil and Uruguay. Congratulations, Som! We are proud of you and wish you great success in the national team shirt!”

For a goalkeeper who has quietly built his reputation since 2020, the recognition has been a long time coming. Kumar’s European education began in the youth ranks of Bravo, Krka, and Olimpija Ljubljana, where he learned his trade in structured academy systems far from home. From there he stepped into senior football with Radomlje, before moving on to ND Slovan, where he has already racked up 17 competitive appearances.

Those minutes matter. They have hardened him, sharpened his decision-making, and now propelled him onto the senior international stage. His rise sends a message back to India as well: there is real value in young talents testing themselves abroad, even outside the spotlight of Europe’s major leagues.

Upcoming International Matches

The timing of his breakthrough could hardly be more dramatic.

• India open this international cycle against Panama in Bengaluru on September 26, a useful test in front of home fans.
• Then comes the headline act. On October 3 in Kolkata, the Blue Tigers face Brazil, one of world football’s true superpowers, before staying in the city to meet Uruguay three days later.

For any goalkeeper, that is a trial by fire. For a debutant from Slovenia’s second tier, it is the ultimate audition.

Panama will provide the warm-up. Brazil and Uruguay bring the full glare of the global stage, with South American attackers who punish the slightest hesitation. If Kumar earns minutes in those games, every cross claimed, every save made, every command of his box will be judged against the highest standard.

For now, though, the story is simple: a young Indian goalkeeper left home, fought for a place in Europe, and forced his way into the national team. The next chapter will be written under the floodlights of Bengaluru and Kolkata, with Brazil and Uruguay waiting to test just how far that European journey has really taken him.