Kabir Nath, a promising 23-year-old footballer from Assam, has signed a long-term contract with Andorran club CF Atletic America. This move marks a significant step in Nath’s career as he aims to help the club regain its status in the Primera Divisió, the top division of Andorran football, after their relegation at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Nath’s journey in football began in Assam, where he spent the majority of his youth career before moving to Spain at the age of 14. His talent was evident early on, leading him to join Liga Nacional Juvenil side Cambrilis Uno at 17. Over the next two years, he honed his skills within their youth academy, setting the stage for a professional career in Europe.
The young winger’s career has been characterized by perseverance, as he played for various clubs across Spain’s regional and lower leagues. His stints included Olimpic de Xativa, UE Engordany, Villajoyosa, and Tarragona. Nath’s standout season came in 2022/23 with Tarragona FC, where he scored an impressive 18 goals in just nine appearances, showing his potential as a prolific attacker.
Before signing with Atletic America, Nath played for FC Ascó in the Catalonian football league in Barcelona. His performances caught the eye of Atletic America, leading to a trial at the beginning of 2024. Nath made history by becoming the first Indian footballer to play in a European top-flight league, making 15 appearances in the Primera Divisió. Despite his efforts, including scoring one goal, he could not prevent the club’s relegation.
Now, with a permanent contract in hand, Nath is determined to make a significant impact. “Joining CF Atletic America is a fresh challenge, and I am excited to help the team return to the Primera Divisió. This experience will be invaluable in my development as a player,” Nath remarked.
Nath’s versatility as a winger is one of his key strengths. Capable of playing on either flank, he is known for his quickness, ability to exploit spaces in the final third, and his skill in beating defenders with clever dribbling. His eye for goal makes him a valuable asset for Atletic America as they aim for promotion.
This move places Nath among a select group of Indian footballers who have played in Europe, including Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sunil Chhetri, Subrata Paul, and Bhaichung Bhutia. While Andorra is currently ranked 164th in the FIFA rankings, this opportunity provides Nath with a unique platform to test his skills against international players and gain invaluable experience.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see if Nath has any aspirations to play in the Indian Super League (ISL) in the future. For now, his focus remains on helping CF Atletic America achieve their goals and furthering his development as a professional footballer.
As Kabir Nath embarks on this new chapter with CF Atletic America, his journey serves as an inspiration for many young Indian footballers dreaming of making it big on the international stage. His success in Andorra could pave the way for more Indian talent to venture into European football, broadening the horizons of Indian football on the global map.
