Who is Khalid Jamil?
Khalid Ahmed Jamil is a renowned Indian football coach and former professional player, currently serving as the head coach of the Indian men’s national football team. He made history by becoming the first Indian coach to permanently manage an Indian Super League (ISL) team and the first to lead a team to the ISL playoffs. Known for his tactical discipline and focus on team unity, Jamil is widely respected for shaping underdog teams into competitive units on the national stage.
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Khalid Ahmed Jamil |
Date of Birth | April 21, 1977 |
Age (as of 2025) | 48 years old |
Birthplace | Kuwait City, Kuwait |
Nationality | Indian |
Religion | Islam (Muslim) |
Ethnicity | Punjabi (Indian origin) |
Profession | Football Coach, Former Player |
Current Role | Head Coach, Indian National Football Team |
Playing Position | Central Midfielder |
Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
Languages Known | English, Hindi, Urdu |
Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
Coaching Debut | 2009 (Mumbai FC) |
Major Achievement | I-League Champion (Aizawl FC, 2017) |
Coaching Style | Tactical, Disciplined, Development-focused |
Khalid Jamil Early Life
Khalid Jamil was born on April 21, 1977, in Kuwait City, Kuwait, to Indian Punjabi parents. He spent his formative years in the Middle East before moving to India to pursue a professional career in football. From a young age, Jamil showed a deep passion for the game and honed his skills on the streets and academies before breaking into the Indian domestic scene.
Khalid Jamil Education
While much of Jamil’s life revolved around football from an early age, details about his formal education remain largely private. He focused early on his playing career, and his education was complemented through his experience in Indian football academies and clubs. Later, he completed coaching certifications to qualify as a professional football coach.
Khalid Jamil Family
Khalid Jamil comes from a Punjabi Muslim family originally hailing from India. While his professional life has been well-documented, Jamil has maintained a low-profile personal life, choosing to keep his family details away from the media spotlight. He is known to be deeply private and grounded, with strong cultural and familial values.
Career of Khalid Jamil
Playing Career
- Position: Central Midfielder
- Playing Style: Calm, tactically sound, hardworking
- Professional Clubs:
- Mahindra United (1997–2004)
- Air India (2004–2005)
- Mumbai FC (2007–2009)
Khalid Jamil was not known for flashy skills but for his intelligence and ability to control the tempo of a match. He made over 40 appearances for the Indian national team, although his playing career was cut short due to recurrent injuries, which led him to retire at just 32 years old.
Coaching Career
Mumbai FC (2009–2016)
- Jamil’s coaching career began at the same club where he ended his playing career.
- Managed Mumbai FC for seven seasons, establishing them as a solid I-League side despite limited resources.
- Known for being deeply involved in player development and tactical planning.
Aizawl FC (2016–2017)
- The breakthrough moment of his career.
- Took over a relegation-threatened team and turned them into I-League champions in just one season.
- First-ever I-League title for a team from the Northeast.
- This underdog victory earned him national and international attention.
East Bengal (2017–2018)
- Took on the high-pressure role of managing one of India’s biggest clubs.
- Faced administrative issues but still delivered strong performances.
- Left after just one season amid internal club politics.
Mohun Bagan (Technical Director, 2018)
- Brief stint in a strategic role before moving to the ISL.
NorthEast United FC (2019–2022)
- Started as assistant, promoted to interim head coach, and finally became permanent head coach.
- Led the team to the ISL 2020–21 playoffs, a historic first for an Indian head coach.
- Known for nurturing young talent from the Northeast and maintaining high team morale.
Jamshedpur FC (2023–2025)
- Took over a rebuilding team and improved both results and team cohesion.
- Earned praise for implementing a flexible tactical setup and promoting Indian players.
🇮🇳 India National Football Team (2025–Present)
- In August 2025, Khalid Jamil was appointed head coach of the Indian senior men’s national team.
- First Indian to hold the post full-time since 2012.
- Tasked with rebuilding the national side and developing a long-term plan for international competitiveness.
Khalid Jamil Social Media
Khalid Jamil is not very active on social media, reflecting his introverted and focused personality. He prefers to let his work on the pitch speak for itself.
Platform | Presence |
Not officially active | |
Twitter/X | Not officially active |
Not publicly active | |
No known profile |
Khalid Jamil Net Worth
Khalid Jamil’s estimated net worth is between ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore INR (approx. $400,000 – $600,000) as of 2025. His income sources include:
Source of Income | Estimated Earnings (Annual) |
National Team Coaching Salary | ₹80–90 lakh INR ($100k–$110k) |
Past ISL Club Contracts | ₹50–70 lakh INR per season |
Performance Bonuses | ₹10–15 lakh INR |
Estimated Net Worth | ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore INR (approx. $400,000 – $600,000) |
Khalid Jamil Physical Appearance
Feature | Description |
Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
Build | Athletic, lean |
Hair Color | Black |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Complexion | Wheatish |
Distinguishing Features | Often seen in tracksuits; quiet demeanor |
Interesting Facts about Khalid Jamil
- Khalid Jamil was born in Kuwait but chose to represent India internationally.
- He led Aizawl FC to the I-League title in their very first top-flight season.
- He is the first Indian permanent ISL head coach.
- He avoids media attention and lives a very low-key lifestyle.
- He once rejected a lucrative offer from a top ISL club to stay loyal to his team.
- Known for nurturing local Indian talent, especially from Northeast India.
- Has never been red-carded either as a player or coach.
- Rarely gives emotional interviews, prefers calm, thoughtful answers.
FAQs about Khalid Jamil
Q1. Who is Khalid Jamil?
Khalid Jamil is an Indian football coach and former player, known for his successful managerial stints in Indian football, including coaching clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL).
Q2. What is Khalid Jamil’s playing career background?
He was a professional footballer who played as a defender and midfielder, representing clubs like Mahindra United and JCT FC during his playing days.
Q3. Which clubs has Khalid Jamil coached?
Khalid Jamil has managed several clubs, including Mumbai FC, Aizawl FC, and NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League.
Q4. What are Khalid Jamil’s major achievements as a coach?
He is known for leading Aizawl FC to win the I-League title in the 2016-17 season, which was considered a historic achievement for a smaller club.
Q5. Has Khalid Jamil received any awards?
Yes, he won the I-League Best Coach Award for the 2016-17 season after guiding Aizawl FC to the championship.
Q6. What style of football does Khalid Jamil prefer?
He is known for a disciplined and organized style, focusing on teamwork and strong defensive tactics.
Q7. Is Khalid Jamil involved in any football development programs?
Yes, he has been involved in youth development and grassroots football initiatives to promote the sport in India.
Q8. What is Khalid Jamil’s current role?
As of 2025, Khalid Jamil continues to be active in Indian football as a coach, currently associated with clubs in the Indian Super League or other football projects.
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