Biography
Who is Anirudh Thapa?
Early life and youth development
Anirudh Thapa was born in Dehradun, India. He began his education at St. Joseph's Academy in his hometown. His formal football training started at age 10 when he joined St. Stephen's Football Academy in Chandigarh. Following his initial development, he spent time with the India U14 national side. In 2012, he was selected to join the AIFF Regional Academy in Kalyani.
As his skills progressed, Anirudh moved into the AIFF Elite Academy. During this period, he served as the captain of the side in the I-League U19 competition. His potential attracted international attention. In April 2016, he was chosen alongside four other players to join the French Ligue 2 side Metz. This experience involved a short training stint sponsored by the Indian Super League team Chennaiyin FC.
Career with Chennaiyin FC
On July 1, 2016, Chennaiyin FC signed Anirudh Thapa to a long-term contract. He was initially named in the squad as a developmental player for the 2016 Indian Super League season. He made his professional debut for the team on December 1, 2016, during a match against Goa. Following this, he spent time on loan with I-League club Minerva Punjab for the 2016-17 season. He debuted for them against Mohun Bagan on January 17, 2017, and scored his first professional goal against Mumbai on February 4, 2017.
Anirudh returned to Chennaiyin on May 31, 2017. He became a key figure for the 2017-18 season, where he scored against NorthEast United and helped the team reach the playoffs. He scored in the first leg of the semi-final against Goa and appeared as a substitute in the final against Bengaluru, where Chennaiyin won 3-2. This victory secured his first league title. Over the following seasons, he remained a regular starter, playing 18 matches in the 2018-19 season and participating in the 2019 AFC Cup. In the 2019-20 season, he contributed 1 goal and 6 assists, helping the club reach the final. By the 2021-22 season, he was appointed captain of the club and scored a winning goal against NorthEast United on November 29, 2021.
Move to Mohun Bagan
On June 23, 2023, Anirudh Thapa departed Chennaiyin to join the Indian Super League club Mohun Bagan. The transfer involved a reported fee of INR 3 crore and was finalized as a five-year deal. Since joining the team, he has achieved significant success in domestic competitions. His honors with the club include winning the 2023 Durand Cup. Also, he was part of the squad that secured the Indian Super League Shield titles for both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
International career and honors
Anirudh first represented India at the U14 level and later played for the U16 side that won the 2013 SAFF U16 Championship. He also represented the India U19 team in the SAFF U19 Championship. His senior international career includes several well-known performances. On January 6, 2019, he scored his first international goal in a 4-1 victory against Thailand during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. He also scored against the same opponent in the 2019 King's Cup.
On October 7, 2026, he scored against Uruguay in an international friendly. Beyond his goals, he has received individual recognition, including being named the AIFF Men's Emerging Footballer of the Year for 2017-2018 and 2019-20. He was also honored as the Indian Super League Hero of the Month in February 2023.
Birthday and age
Anirudh Thapa was born on January 15, 1998, which makes Anirudh 28 years old today. That birthday falls under the Capricorn sign. Anirudh shares the date with 31 other famous people.
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