I.M. Vijayan: The Inspiring Journey of India’s Black Buck . In the dusty stands of Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium,
a young boy sold soda bottles for 10 paise each to feed his family. That boy was Inivalappil Mani Vijayan, born on April 25, 1969, in Thrissur, Kerala, into grinding poverty as part of a lower middle class family. His father, a daily wage laborer at a local hotel, passed away early, leaving young Vijayan and his mother to scrape by. Schooling stopped after Class 8 at Church Mission Society High School, but football became his escape, his passion, and ultimately, his destiny. Today, at 56, he’s India’s football legend, “Kalo Harin” (Black Buck), Padma Shri recipient (2025), and a symbol that grit outshines privilege.
Humble Roots: Selling Soda, Dreaming Big
Vijayan’s childhood was raw survival. Orphaned young, he hawked soda during matches at the very stadium where he’d
later dazzle crowds. Football wasn’t a hobby, it was hope. His raw talent caught Kerala DGP M.K. Joseph’s eye, landing him a spot in Kerala Police FC at 17. No fancy academies just street smarts, speed, and that explosive striker instinct.
His domestic breakthrough came at Quilon Nationals 1987 with Kerala Police, where his aggressive style turned heads
nationwide. By 1989, he’d debut internationally against the Philippines in Nehru Cup, scoring a hat-trick that announced: India’s next star had arrived. From soda seller to national hero, Vijayan showed poverty builds champions, not excuses.
Club Career: Domination Across India
Mr. Vijayan’s club journey was a trophy haul. Starting with Kerala Police, he joined Mohun Bagan in 1994, India’s football giants, winning the National Football League (NFL, now I-League) in 1997. His three stints at Mohun Bagan yielded 51 goals.
In 1996, JCT Mills Phagwara signed him, netting two NFL titles (1996-97, 1997-98) and two Punjab State Leagues.
He roamed: FC Kochin, East Bengal, Churchill Brothers scoring relentlessly. Records? 77 NFL/I-League goals (Indian record), 40 Santosh Trophy goals (all-time high), 6 hat tricks in NFL, 14 goals in 1997-98 NFL (single season record).
Retiring from clubs July 1, 2006, Vijayan left as Kerala’s pride, proving regional talent conquers national stages.
International Glory: Captain, Goal Machine, Record Breaker
Capped 71-88 times (disputed counts), Vijayan scored 29-39 goals, captaining India 2000-2004. Key triumphs: SAFF
Championships (1993, 1997, 1999) top scorer/MVP 1997 & 1999, Nehru Cups (1993, 1997, 1999) top scorer/MVP 1997,
15 goals total (record).
Legends: 12 second goal vs Bhutan (1999 SAFF, fastest international), hat trick vs Pakistan (1999 SAF). Partnership with Bhaichung Bhutia terrorized defenses. Retired post 2003 Afro Asian Games, but his legacy: India’s fastest
international hat trick holder. Vijayan embodied fight leading a underdog India to regional dominance.
Records That Endure
| Category | Achievement / Record | Details |
| National League Goals | 77 Goals | Career total across the NFL/I-League with clubs like Mohun Bagan, JCT, and FC Kochin. |
| Santosh Trophy | 40 Goals (All-time) | One of the highest scorers in the tournament’s history; often compared to Inder Singh’s 1974 record. |
| NFL Hat-tricks | 6 (Record) | Known for his explosive finishing and ability to change games single-handedly. |
| Single Season Peak | 14 Goals (1997-98) | Leading scorer during his dominant tenure with JCT Phagwara. |
| Nehru Cup | 15 Goals (Record) | Finished as the tournament’s top scorer three times. |
| International MVP | 3x SAFF MVP | Awarded Most Valuable Player in 1997, 1999, and 2003. |
| AIFF Player of the Year | 3 Titles | The first player to win it three times (1993, 1997, 1999). |
Awards: Recognition After the Sweat
Arjuna Award (2003), AIFF Player of the Year (thrice), Padma Shri (2025) late but deserved. Honorary doctorate from
Russia’s Northern State Medical University (2021).Tattoos of idol Maradona adorned his leg, fueling his fire.
Beyond the Pitch: Coach, Actor, Social Force
Post-retirement, Vijayan coached Kerala Police (2012 revival as ASI, promoted Assistant Commandant 2021), heads his
Thrissur academy nurturing talents. AIFF technical committee, TV pundit, observer for U-17 to seniors.
Acting: Malayalam debut Akasthile Paravakal (2001), Tamil Thimiru (2006); 15+ films. Socially: NGOs for underprivileged kids, Kerala Police welfare. Married Raji (1994) after temple love story; sons Aromal (Gokulam Kerala analyst), daughters Abhirami, Archana. Brother Biju died 2018 accident.
Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation
Mr. Vijayan’s arc from poverty, dropping school, to Padma Shri screams possibility. In cricket dominated India, he
elevated football, especially Kerala. His academy grooms futures; Padma Shri dedication: “to Indian football fans.
Challenges? 2001 ITC fine for Bangladesh stint sans certificate. Yet, resilience defined him. I.M. Vijayan proves: Talent + hustle = immortality. From Thrissur dust to national treasure, his Black Buck spirit gallops on.
