Meet Manisha Kalyan: The Indian Women's Footballer With A Ronaldo-Style Rocket

Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 18:05 IST

Here's the story of the Indian women's footballer from Punjab, who announced herself to the world with a Ronaldo-style free-kick rocket at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Every now and then, a goal comes along that makes everyone pause.

For Manisha Kalyan, that moment arrived with a 30-yard thunderbolt that had a very familiar flavour: pure Cristiano Ronaldo energy.

During India’s clash with Chinese Taipei at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Kalyan stepped up to take a free kick from distance.

What followed was the kind of strike usually reserved for highlight reels.

Manisha launched a powerful knuckleball that smashed the underside of the crossbar before bouncing over the goal line, as the opposition keeper was left utterly mesmerised.

For a split second, players hesitated, unsure whether the ball had crossed the line. Kalyan didn’t hesitate — she immediately signalled for VAR.

Moments later, confirmation arrived: goal.

The commentator summed it up perfectly: “Ronaldo will like that."

And honestly, it’s easy to see why.

The Girl From Punjab With a Rocket in Her Boots

Born in Muggowal village in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab, Manisha has steadily risen through Indian football’s ranks to become one of the country’s most exciting attackers.

The 23-year-old forward currently plays for Alianza Lima in Peru and represents the India women’s national team, where she has built a reputation for pace, direct running and a fearless approach in front of goal.

Her rise hasn’t gone unnoticed either.

Kalyan has already won multiple individual honours, including AIFF Women’s Emerging Footballer of the Year (2020–21) and AIFF Women’s Player of the Year (2022–23)

The Ronaldo Connection

The comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo also isn’t entirely accidental.

Kalyan has openly admitted that she admires the Portuguese legend. So, it was no wonder that thunderous free kick looked like it was straight from the CR7 playbook: long run-up, brutal power, and a ball that dipped viciously at the last moment.

The strike quickly went viral, even catching the attention of industrialist Anand Mahindra, who described it as a “rocket-like free kick" and proof that India possesses untapped football talent waiting to be discovered.

A Bright Moment in a Tough Night

India ultimately lost the match 3–1, ending their Asian Cup campaign. But Kalyan’s strike was widely hailed as one of the goals of the tournament.

And sometimes, that’s how stars are born.

If that free kick was any indication, Manisha Kalyan might just be India’s next big football story.

News sports football Meet Manisha Kalyan: The Indian Women's Footballer With A Ronaldo-Style Rocket

Read More