Pappachen Pradeep Age, Wife, Family, Biography & More

Bio/Wiki
Full name	Naduparambil Pappachen Pradeep
Other name	N. P. Pradeep
Profession	Former Footballer, Football Commentator
Known as	Steven Gerrard of India
Physical Stats & More
Height (approx.)	in centimeters- 172 cm in meters- 1.72 m in feet & inches- 5’ 8”
Weight (approx.)	in kilograms- 70 kg in pounds- 154 lbs
Eye Colour	Black
Hair Colour	Black
Football
Debut	Club Football- 2000 International- 2004
Retirement	Club Football- 2016 International- 2011
Jersey Number	#7(India) #13 (Viva Kerala)
Domestic/State Team	• State Bank of Travancore football club • Mahindra United • Viva Kerala • Mohun Bagan • Mumbai Tigers FC • Mumbai Football Club • Chennaiyin
Personal Life
Date of Birth	28 April 1983 (Thursday)
Age (as of 2023)	40 Years
Birthplace	Moolamattom, Idukki, Kerala, India
Zodiac sign	Taurus
Nationality	Indian
Hometown	Moolamattom, Idukki, Kerala, India
Religion	Christianity
Relationships & More
Marital Status	Married
Marriage Date	26 December 2008
Family
Wife	Byula Pradeep
Children	Daughter- Ann Jerrica Son- Adam Gerrard
Parents	Father- Pappachen Mother- Savitri
Siblings	Sister- 2 Preethi Deepthi

Some Lesser Known Facts About Pappachen Pradeep

• Pappachen Pradeep, a former professional footballer from India, now works as a football analyst. He began his career as a forward but eventually became known as one of the country’s top midfielders. Pradeep displayed great versatility and agility, playing in various positions on the field except for the goalkeeper.

• As a child, Pradeep’s family faced financial struggles, and his parents worked tirelessly to provide for them. Pradeep developed a deep passion for football early on, and at the age of 17, he was recruited by the State Bank of Travancore football club. Throughout his career, Pradeep achieved great success with the Indian national football team, even leading the India U23 team as captain.

• On 26 December 2008, he got married to Byula and after their marriage, the couple shifted from Moolamattom, Idukki, Kerala to Kannur, Kerala, India.

• Pradeep started as a striker, but his coaches recognized his talent and deployed him in various positions where he performed exceptionally well. His ability to adapt to different roles gave him an edge, and he consistently excelled while helping his team. Pradeep became renowned for his remarkable left-footed strikes from long distances, with one of his most crucial goals being in the 2007 Nehru Cup final for India. His incredible long-range goal-scoring ability has earned him the nickname “Steven Gerrard of India.”
  

  A photograph of Pappachen Pradeep (second row, fourth from right) with the State Bank of Travancore football club

• At the beginning of his professional football career, Pradeep faced significant hardships. The lack of financial resources posed a major obstacle to his professional growth. However, when SBT offered him a contract, he seized the opportunity and made the most of it. Eventually, he emerged as one of India’s finest footballers. Pradeep achieved success not only with renowned clubs but also while representing the Indian national team.

• In 2000, at the age of 17, the State Bank of Travancore football club signed the young forward, who later transitioned into a midfielder. Pradeep, known for his agility and goal-scoring abilities, established himself as one of the most prolific midfielders. During his tenure at SBT, he contributed to their success, helping them secure four Kerala League titles.

• Additionally, he represented Kerala’s under-17 and under-21 teams while playing for SBT. Pradeep remained with the State Bank of Travancore football club from 2002 to 2006. In 2006, several clubs in the national league expressed interest in acquiring him, with Mumbai-based Mahindra United showing the most enthusiasm.

• Pradeep started representing India on the international stage in 2004 when he made his debut for the India U20 team. He was also chosen to play for the U23 team. Pradeep was the captain of the U17, U20, and U23 teams of India. In the 2004 South Asian Games, he achieved success by securing the silver medal with the India U20 team. Many believed that Pradeep had the potential to surpass the records set by IM Vijayan, establishing himself as a promising player.
  

  Pappachen Pradeep (first row, extreme left) with the Indian Under-19 football team

• In 2005, the footballer received his first international call-up during the 2005 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup in Bangladesh, where India ended up as the winner.

• Later, Pradeep joined Mahindra United, a team competing in the national league, where his exceptional performance and versatility caught the attention of the club. He became a member of the team during the 2006-2007 season. Pradeep remained with Mahindra United until the end of the 2009-2010 season; the management decided to disband the team after the season.

• In 2008, Pappachen was named to the Indian team, which played in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup; they ended up as the runner-up.
  

  Pappachen Pradeep celebrating a goal for the Indian national football team

• Under the guidance of Bob Houghton, the Indian coach at that time, Pradeep was initially deployed as a left-back. However, he transitioned back to his preferred midfield position by the beginning of the 2007 Nehru Cup. This tournament proved to be a turning point in Pradeep’s international career, as he showcased his skills and became a consistent starter for the team due to his outstanding performance throughout the campaign. Pradeep made a significant impact by scoring the opening goal for India in the Nehru Cup and also contributed to the team’s success in the final against Syria. This victory marked India’s first-ever Nehru Cup triumph.

• When Pradeep returned to Kerala after winning the Nehru Cup in 2007, he was warmly welcomed as a hero. His remarkable performance in the tournament earned praise from both critics and fans.

• During his time at Mahindra United, Pradeep had the opportunity to enhance different aspects of his game, often playing as a fullback. After spending five years with the club, he bid farewell to the fans following the last match of the 2009-2010 season.
  

  A photograph of Pradeep

• Pradeep achieved further success by winning the Nehru Cup again in 2009 with the Indian national football team. He was also part of the Indian football squad that triumphed in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, securing their qualification for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.

• In 2010, Pradeep signed with Viva Kerala After finding himself without a club; he was part of the squad for the 2010-2011 season and left them at the end of that season.

• After spending a season at Viva Kerala, Pradeep decided to join Mohun Bagan. He completed the transfer from Viva Kerala after the 2010-2011 season. However, his contract with Mohun Bagan was only for one season, and he encountered difficulties in getting opportunities to play.

• During the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, Pradeep played a crucial defensive role for the Indian team. Despite delivering standout individual performances, India was unable to secure a victory in their group matches, resulting in their elimination from the competition. Following the 2011 tournament, Pradeep did not have any further opportunities to represent India, as injuries hindered his ability to continue playing at the international level. Consequently, he announced his retirement.

• Pradeep found himself mostly on the sidelines, sitting on the bench for Mohun Bagan. Consequently, at the end of the 2011-2012 season, he chose to depart from Mohun Bagan in search of more playing time.
  

  Pappachen Pradeep playing football

• At the beginning of the 2012-2013 season, Pradeep joined the Mumbai Tigers FC, previously known as Dodsal FC. After struggling to make an impact at Mohun Bagan, he sought to prove himself with the new team. Reports indicate that Pradeep’s attraction to the city and the influence of coach Bimal Ghosh were the primary reasons behind his decision to sign for the Mumbai Tigers FC. During his time with the club, Pradeep played for one season and experienced a resurgence in form. As a result, he successfully secured a transfer to the Mumbai Football Club after that season.

• In the 2013-2014 season, Pradeep joined the Mumbai Football Club. He remained with the club from 2013 to 2016 and also had a loan stint with Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League.

• In 2014, N. P. Pradeep played in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League Cup. He joined Chennaiyin FC on loan from the Mumbai Football Club. The fans were delighted to secure the deal with the Keralite player instead of their rivals, the Kerala Blasters. His valuable experience proved crucial for the team in their first season. However, he had limited playing time and departed once his loan agreement expired at the end of the season. That marked his final season in the Indian Super League, and he never participated in the tournament again.
  

  Pappachen Pradeep in a Chennaiyin jersey

• Mumbai Football Club was his last team as he bid farewell to professional football at the end of the 2015-2016 season.

• Following his retirement from professional football, he took on the role of a scout for the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC). Later in 2016, he was officially appointed as a player scout for the Indian Super League team Kerala Blasters. Additionally, he has been involved as a commentator for the Star Sports Network.

• Later, to support the bereaved family of the deceased Dhanarajan, who tragically lost his life while participating in a football match in Kerala, he engaged in a charity match alongside IM Vijayan. Notably, Dhanarajan had previously established himself as a proficient footballer, showcasing his skills in the renowned I-League.
  

  A photograph of Pradeep with I. M. Vijayan