APUIA
Defensive Midfielder
Player Profile
Lalengmawia Ralte, popularly known as Apuia, is a generational midfield talent and a linchpin for both Mohun Bagan Super Giant and the Indian National Team. A deep-lying playmaker with exceptional composure, he is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted midfielders India has ever produced.
Early Career & Development
Born on October 17, 2000, in Aizawl, Mizoram, Apuia’s journey began at the Regional Sports Training Centre in Kolasib. His prodigious talent led him to the AIFF Elite Academy, where he was fast-tracked into the India U-17 squad for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, marking the start of his rise on the national stage.
Professional Journey
Apuia made his professional debut with Indian Arrows before moving to NorthEast United in 2019. In 2021, he joined Mumbai City FC for a then-record transfer fee, where he became a mainstay in their midfield, even undergoing a training stint in Belgium with Lommel SK to further refine his European-style tactical awareness.
Breakthrough
His breakout came during the 2020-21 ISL season with NorthEast United, where he became the youngest captain in ISL history at just 20 years old. His dominant performances earned him the ISL Emerging Player of the League and the FPAI Young Player of the Year awards, cementing his status as a superstar.
Playing Style
Apuia is a "metronome" in midfield, characterized by his press-resistance, immaculate passing range, and ability to find pockets of space. His intelligence allows him to dictate the tempo of the game, while his defensive positioning makes him an elite screen for the backline.
Key Achievements
- • ISL League Winners Shield: 2022-23, 2024-25
- • ISL Cup Winner: 2023-24
- • SAFF Championship Winner: 2021
- • ISL Emerging Player of the Season: 2020–21
Stat-o-Meter
Honours
ISL Shield 24/25, ISL Cup 23/24, SAFF 2021
Previous Clubs
Indian Arrows, NorthEast United, Mumbai City FC
Tenure
2024 - Present
Maintained by Aryaan, Arijit, Probudhya
Managed by Team MBFT