Nikhil Mali
Nikhil Rajendra Mali is an Indian professional football and futsal player. He was part of the Delhi FC side which won the inaugural Futsal Club Championship in 2021. He plays regularly for the Indian national futsal team and was named the most valuable player in two consecutive Futsal Club Championships.
Youth career
Nikhil Mali is a product of DSK Shivajians - Liverpool FC academy. He joined DSK Shivajians in 2015, after being selected during a trial in Pune. After completing his studies, he made a comeback to professional football.Early Days
Despite the strenuous schedule of an athlete, Nikhil has balanced his academics and sporting pursuits. He works as a Technical Consultant in an IT company in Pune after completing his Bachelors in Computer Application.Club career
Delhi FC
The club participated in the 2021 Durand Cup where Nikhil M played an important role in their run to the quarter-finals, scoring in the 1–5 defeat to Indian Super League team FC Goa.Hero I-League 2nd Division
Having been nominated by their state association, Delhi FC were one of 10 teams to compete in 2021 I-League Qualifiers. Mali was part of the Delhi FC team which was placed in group B alongside Kenkre FC, Corbett FC, ARA FC and Kerala United. He appeared in every game and provided 3 assists as Delhi FC topped their group to advance to the final round. However, they finished third and failed to qualify for the Hero I-League.Aizawl FC
Having helped Delhi FC win the Delhi Football League, Mali was loaned to Aizawl FC for the 2021–22 I-League.Futsal Club Championship
Delhi FCDelhi FC was one of 16 teams to take part in the inaugural Futsal Club Championship in November 2021, placed in group C alongside Niaw Wasa FC, Telongjem FC and TRAU FC. Mali scored 15 goals in the group stage, helping Delhi FC qualify for the semifinals where they defeated Mangala Club 12–7. Mali scored 4 goals, adding 5 more in the final as Delhi FC defeated Mohammedan SC 7–2 to be crowned champions. He was named most valuable player and top goal scorer of the tournament. He also won the following edition with Minerva Academy, being awarded the top scorer again, with 25 goals.
Minerva Academy FC
After the I-League season, Nikhil returned to the Club Futsal Championship with leading Minerva Academy FC and scoring 24 goals in the campaign.
Golazo FC
Due to an ACL injury, Nikhil was sidelined for the Futsal Club Championship 2023-24. However, he worked as an Assistant coach to lead Golazo FC to the finals where they ultimately lost to Corbett FC.
Bhawanipore FC
Nikhil Mali returned for the fourth edition of Club Futsal Championship representing Bhawanipore FC. He spearheaded their charge to the finals becoming the top scorer of the tournament. He scored 8 goals in the Quarter Final clash against Minerva Academy FC and taking his tally to 16 goals in total.