Rakesh Masih is an Indian footballer who is currently playing his fifth season with McDowell Mohun Bagan, as a midfileder. Masih, a Tata Football Academy talent, made his international debut in a friendly against Hong Kong and has played for the national team on numerous occasions.

Born in Bulewal, Punjab, Masih was always interested in playing football because of his uncle, a Punjab Police player. Seeing his uncle being offered contracts from some of the biggest clubs inspired Masih to become a good footballer. Masih was in the Tata Football Academy for three years and when he was about to pass out from TFA, two matches were organized against McDowell Mohun Bagan and Kingfisher East Bengal. He played well in those matches and was offered a contract by McDowell Mohun Bagan.

As a kid, Masih trained under a very senior player from his village. He, then, joined a football academy in Mahilpur a very famous institute of Punjab which boasts of several professionals playing in Kolkata and Goa. Masih's first match for McDowell Mohun Bagan was against Bayern Munich and he said he was really excited at the prospect of playing a great international team. He rates it as his best experience ever. Other than that, the 5-3 victory over Kingfisher East Bengal brings back special memories for him.

" Young players have to set an aim and work tirelessly to achieve it. They have to be disciplined and can never compromise on hard work. "

Masih likes to go out to the movies with his friends.

Rahim Nabi

Jewel Raja