Ghulam Qadir

Anwar Ali, 24, who started his career From Minerva Football Academy in Chandigarh, has established himself as the country's most expensive footballer. However, his rise wasn't easy.

Anwar's father worked as a labourer in Saudi Arabia and his mother supplemented the family income by working as a farm hand. When Anwar thought of making football his career, he was found inflicted with a serious heart condition called apical hypercardiomyopathy.

Despite this, Anwar was determined to play football and he wanted to play despite the risk. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) did not allow him to play and Anwar approached the court under the 'right to play'.

Anwar won the legal case against the AIFA in the Delhi High Court. He terminated his four-year loan deal with Mohun Bagan after just one year, on July 9, 2024, and signed for East Bengal the next day.

The Players' Status Committee (PSC) termed the contract termination unfair. Still, it issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Anwar Ali allowing him to complete his transfer from Delhi FC to East Bengal on August 12.

As revealed by Khel Now on August 12, Anwar Ali signed a five-year deal with East Bengal, under which he will pay a transfer fee of Rs 2.5 crore to Delhi FC. Several unconfirmed reports of Anwar Ali's salary package have been circulating. However, a source revealed that Anwar Ali will receive Rs 24 crore from East Bengal over five years, including Rs 8.5 crore as loyalty bonus.

Footballer Anwar Ali in the field

As per the agreement between Anwar Ali and East Bengal, he will be paid a total of Rs 24 crore between 2024 and 2029, which also includes loyalty bonuses of Rs 4 crore and Rs 4.5 crore at the end of the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons.

A legal expert pointed out that such a payment structure appears to be designed to reduce the apparent salary for compensation purposes, as such large loyalty bonuses are uncommon in Indian football.

By the end of his five-year contract, Anwar Ali will become the highest-paid footballer in India, earning an average of Rs 4.8 crore per year.

East Bengal is investing Rs 26.5 crore in Anwar Ali, and their fans will be hoping he will provide solid stability in defence.

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After the legal matter is resolved, Ali will fully focus on the game.