Kerala Blasters FC

How to watch and follow MBSG vs KBFC

A new season. A fresh chapter. And a statement to be made.

Kerala Blasters FC begin their 2025/26 Indian Super League campaign on the road against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, as Indian football’s biggest narratives collide in the opening fixture of the season.

The Mariners enter the new campaign under new leadership, with Sergio Lobera taking charge for the first time. Known for his possession-driven philosophy and domestic success, Lobera inherits a squad stacked with experience and ambition, making this an immediate test of his imprint on the champions.

For #TheBlasters, the focus is firmly forward. After navigating a challenging period on and off the pitch, the Blasters arrive in Kolkata re-energised and reinforced. Strategic additions during the winter transfer window have added depth and balance, while the arrival of Indian international Rowllin Borges brings leadership, composure, and top-level experience to the heart of midfield.

Head Coach David Catala’s side has used the pre-season to recalibrate — blending new foreign recruits with a strong Indian core, and sharpening a collective identity built on intensity, discipline, and belief. This opener is less about looking back and more about signalling intent.

Català has emphasised mental focus and adaptability against a formidable MBSG side.

As the new Indian Super League season kicks off, Kerala Blasters step onto the pitch not burdened by the past, but driven by what lies ahead.

Broadcast: Live on Sony Sports Network and streamed on FanCode.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Get your tickets for our first home game of the season against Mumbai City FC: https://www.district.in/events/isl-2025-26-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-mumbai-city-fc-buy-tickets

Full Circle: Salahudheen Adnan Returns to Kerala Blasters FC

The Blasters are pleased to confirm the signing of Salahudheen Adnan ahead of the 2025/26 Indian Super League season, marking a homecoming for the pacey winger who returns to the herd after his initial stint in the club’s reserve ranks in 2021 — a full-circle moment in his professional journey. 

Salahudheen is a Kerala-born wide attacker known for his direct dribbling, quick acceleration, and ability to stretch defences on either flank. After emerging through local setups in Kerala and impressing in youth competitions such as the Reliance Foundation Development League, he earned a move to Mohun Bagan Super Giant, where he featured prominently for the reserves and caught wider attention with strong performances in the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup.

The 24-year-old’s development has been defined by his ability to beat defenders in one-on-ones and influence the final third with incisive runs and innovative passing — traits that have drawn comparisons to some of the most dynamic wide players in Indian football. 

Bringing Salahudheen back to Kochi aligns with KBFC’s stated strategic emphasis on integrating young Indian talent capable of shaping the club’s attacking identity.

Abhik Chatterjee, CEO, Kerala Blasters FC, said:

We are pleased to welcome back Adnan, who is a winger of prodigious talent. We hope that he can prove his mettle to all of us at the Blasters.

Adnan spoke about the move:

“It feels good to be back where it all began. I’m ready to work, grow, and give everything for this badge.”

Welcome to the Blasters, Oumar

Kerala Blasters FC are pleased to announce the arrival of Oumar Bah, strengthening the club’s defensive unit ahead of the new season.

Standing at 190 cm, Bah brings size, strength, and composure to the heart of defence. He is known for his aerial dominance, strong positional sense, and ability to organise the back line—qualities forged through years of competitive football in Europe.

The 31-year-old has featured across multiple European leagues, most notably in Spain, where he built a reputation as a reliable and physically commanding defender. His senior-level experience adds maturity and leadership to the squad.

Bah began his professional journey in European football and has featured for clubs including UE Vilassar de Mar, CE Europa, and Hapoel Nof HaGalil. Known for his commitment to duels and ability to read the game, he adds tactical versatility and resilience to our backline

Bah’s arrival underlines Kerala Blasters FC’s intent to add experience, steel, and defensive assurance, as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.

Abhik Chatterjee, CEO, Kerala Blasters FC said:

“Oumar’s experience, his versatility and his ability to function as a modern day centre-back will hopefully be an asset for Kerala Blasters FC. I would like to wish him the very best for the season ahead.”

Oumar commented on his arrival:

“I’m very happy to join the Blasters, also I am ready for this new chapter in my career. I will do my best for my team.”

Víctor Bertomeu completes his move to the Blasters

The Blasters have completed the signing of Spanish striker Víctor Bertomeu, who joins the club ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League season.

The centre-forward brings with him a strong blend of experience, physicality, and attacking intelligence, strengthening the Blasters’ options in the final third. Standing at 1.84m, Bertomeu is a commanding presence up front, known for his ability to occupy defenders, link play effectively, and finish clinically inside the box.

Bertomeu developed through the Spanish football system, featuring extensively in the country’s competitive lower divisions, where he built a reputation as a reliable goal scorer and a hard-working forward. His career has also seen him gain valuable experience in Asia, most notably in the Hong Kong Premier League, where he impressed with his movement, composure, and consistency across league and cup competitions.

Primarily a central striker, Bertomeu is also capable of operating across the frontline, offering tactical flexibility and a different attacking profile. His understanding of space, aerial ability, and work rate make him well-suited to lead the line and complement the Blasters’ attacking structure.

The Spanish forward will now link up with the squad as Kerala Blasters continue their preparations for the new campaign.

Abhik Chatterjee, CEO, Kerala Blasters FC said:

“Victor is a player who has acquired a wealth of experience in Spain and Asia, which will hopefully stand us in good stead. We hope that he can show our fans what he is all about up front and have a good season for the Blasters.”

Víctor shared his thoughts on signing for the Blasters:

“It’s an honour to sign for Kerala Blasters. I’ve heard a lot about the passion of the fans, and I can’t wait to feel that energy on the pitch. I’ll give everything for this badge. Vamos Kerala Blasters!”

Matías Hernández joins the Blasters

The Blasters are pleased to announce the acquisition of Spanish midfielder Matías Hernández, a versatile defensive midfielder who joins the Club ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League season.

Hernández, born in Salamanca, Spain, stands at 1.86 m and is predominantly deployed as a Defensive Midfielder, with the versatility to operate as a Centre-Back or central midfielder when tactical demands require. His profile brings a balanced blend of physical presence, positional awareness and match management in the engine room. 

Managerial teams identified Hernández for his ability to shield the backline, break up opposition play, and facilitate forward transitions. His previous spell in India showcased his adaptability and commitment, qualities the Blasters expect to harness in controlling tempo and breaking lines through structured build-up. 

Abhik Chatterjee, CEO, Kerala Blasters FC said:

“In Matias, we have a player who has already acclimatised to Indian conditions, and gives us versatility in certain positions. We would like to wish him the best for the upcoming season.”

Matias expressed his thoughts:

“I’m delighted to join Kerala Blasters. I’m ready for this new challenge and fully committed to giving everything for the club, working hard every day, and helping the team achieve its goals.”

The Spanish midfielder will link up with the squad in Kochi as preparations intensify for the 2025-26 ISL season.

Blasters add French attacking flair – Welcome Kevin Yoke

The Blasters are pleased to confirm the signing of French forward Kévin Yoke for the 2025–26 Indian Super League campaign.

The 29-year-old French international attacker, born 23 June 1996 in Clamart, France, primarily operates as a left winger but is equally capable on the right flank, offering versatility across the front line. Yoke — a product of the Paris Saint-Germain youth system — spent the majority of his career in competitive tiers of Greek football, notably with Levadiakos and PAE Chania, where he has honed his pace, crossing ability and direct attacking play. 

Tactical Profile and Attributes

Yoke’s playing style is defined by his ability to challenge defenders in wide areas, stretch opposition backlines and create goal-threatening scenarios from the flanks. Comfortable on both feet, he combines technical ball control with intelligent movement in transition, providing tactical variation tailored to The Blasters’ attacking philosophy. His experience in European systems equips him with positional adaptability — a quality that enhances the team’s forward dynamics. 

Strategic Fit for Kerala Blasters FC

The acquisition of Yoke aligns with Kerala Blasters FC’s broader strategy to blend youth and experience, strengthening attacking depth while maintaining structural balance throughout the squad. With a sharp focus on pace and creativity in the final third, Yoke’s addition is expected to augment the team’s offensive patterns and offer Head Coach David Català additional options in wide attacking rotations. 

Abhik Chatterjee, CEO, Kerala Blasters FC welcomed Kevin to the fold:

We welcome Kevin to our Indian shores. It will be a good chance for him to show us all what he is about. I would like to wish him the very best for the season ahead.

Kevin commented on his signing:

“I am very happy to join Kerala Blasters and can’t wait to meet the squad and get started. I am ready to give everything to meet the challenge that awaits us.”

Marlon signs for the Blasters

The Blasters have secured the signing of German attacker Marlon Roos Trujillo, adding European pedigree and attacking intelligence to the squad ahead of the upcoming season.

Developed in one of Germany’s most competitive youth ecosystems, the 22-year-old arrives with a strong foundation shaped by elite academies, international youth football, and exposure to top-level development structures.

Elite Youth Background

Trujillo progressed through the youth ranks at Eintracht Frankfurt before spending the majority of his formative years at 1. FSV Mainz 05, where he featured prominently in the Youth Bundesliga and captained the club’s U-17 side. During this period, he was part of a generation that included Florian Wirtz, Karim Adeyemi, Jamal Musiala, Malik Tillman, and Nick Woltemade, competing at the highest level of German youth football.

He also lifted the Youth Bundesliga title, underlining his experience in high-pressure, title-winning environments.

International Recognition

Marlon’s development was further validated at international level, having represented Germany’s U-16, U-17, and U-18 national teams. His consistent inclusion across age groups reflects his technical quality, tactical understanding, and adaptability within elite systems.

Senior Experience and Playing Profile

An intelligent, forward-thinking attacker, Roos Trujillo is comfortable operating between the lines, linking midfield and attack with composure and awareness. He has since gained senior football experience in Europe, adding maturity and physicality to his game.

Abhik Chatterjee, CEO, Kerala Blasters FC said:

“In Marlon, we have a player with a good schooling and pedigree at the youth level. We hope he does well in India and is able to show his capabilities to our fans.”

Marlon shared his thoughts on joining the Blasters:

“I’m proud to join the Blasters and grateful for this opportunity. It’s an honor to join such a big club. Excited for this new chapter and ready to give everything on the pitch for the fans.”

Blasters sign Rowllin Borges

Kerala Blasters FC are pleased to announce the signing of Indian international midfielder Rowllin Borges on a short-term contract, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2025/26 season.

A composed and tactically astute presence in midfield, Borges arrives with a reputation built on consistency at the highest level of Indian football. Known for his positional intelligence, work rate, and ability to dictate tempo, the 32-year-old adds experience and control to the Blasters’ midfield unit at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Borges has been a proven performer in the Indian Super League, having achieved the coveted domestic double—winning both the ISL Shield and the ISL Cup during his career. His understanding of high-pressure environments and title-winning demands brings valuable perspective to the squad.

At the international level, Borges has represented India with distinction, earning caps for the senior national team and featuring in major international competitions. His exposure to the international game has further refined his discipline, tactical awareness, and ability to execute specific roles within structured systems.

Over the years, Borges has been trusted in multiple midfield roles—whether shielding the defence, maintaining balance in transition, or offering leadership through his game intelligence rather than overt expression. His profile aligns with a player who prioritises team structure, control, and reliability.

Abhik Chatterjee, CEO, Kerala Blasters FC said:

“Rowllin has always been a player we have liked for his attributes on the pitch, but more than all those qualities, he is a proper professional who has played at the highest level for club and country. His experience and influence will definitely benefit our younger players, who can learn a lot from him.”

Rowllin expressed his intent on arrival:

“It’s a privilege to join a club of this stature. I’m here to contribute, to compete every day, and to help the team this season. I’m motivated to settle in quickly and make an impact.”