Rinsha Mariyam made a big decision at the age of just 15. While most teenagers spend their time studying, meeting friends and enjoying family life, Rinsha left her home in Bengaluru to follow her dream of becoming a professional footballer in Portugal.
Two and a half years later, the 18-year-old footballer is making her mark in European football. Her family originally belongs to Kerala.
Rinsha’s journey shows her passion for football and her determination to achieve her goals. Moving to another country at such a young age was not an easy decision, but she chose to take the risk to build her career.
Kerala is known for its love of football, and Rinsha’s story reflects that passion. Her journey can inspire many young Indian footballers who dream of playing at the international level.
She currently represents Clube de Albergaria’s Under 19 women’s team in Portugal’s first division youth league, where she gets to compete against some of the country’s leading clubs, including Benfica and Sporting CP.
But behind her journey is a family that lives and breathes football. And a father who strongly believes that daughters can achieve extraordinary things when given the right support.