Mehtab Hossain (born 5 September 1985) is an Indian football manager and former footballer who serves as the head coach of the Bengal Super League club Sundarban Bengal Auto. He played as a defensive midfielder.

During his career, Hossain has played for both of the Kolkata football giants, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. He played with East Bengal for ten seasons, winning the Federation Cup three times. He also managed to gain 31 caps for the India national football team between 2005 and 2014, scoring twice for the country. On 2019, Mehtab started his coaching career as manager at Southern Samity in 2019–20 Calcutta Premier Division. He joined Bharatiya Janata Party on 21 July 2020 by taking party flag from BJP president of West Bengal Dilip Ghosh, but within 24 hours he changed his decision and resigned.

Career

Mehtab is a product of IFA's Baby League, which was the brain child of Legendary Football Secretary Shri Prodyut Dutta, which promoted football amongst the children and youth of Bengal.

It was reported in June 2012, that he was on trial with Falkirk, Airdrie, and Exeter City FC on recommendation of his former teammate Alan Gow.

He scored his first goal in the 2012–13 I-League in their penultimate match in the 6–0 win against United Sikkim F.C. on 8 May at Kolkata. Then he scored in the 5–1 win in Round of 16 match in 2013 AFC Cup match against Yangon United F.C. on 15 May at Kolkata.

On 2015, Mehtab retired from international duty after being omitted from the 26-man squad for World Cup Qualifiers.

Mehtab had more than 400 appearances in his career at six Indian clubs.

East Bengal

Hossain joined East Bengal in 2007. He had 255 appearances for the club over a span of ten years.

Kerala Blasters

On 2014, he was picked by Kerala Blasters FC of Indian Super League on a three years contract.

Jamshedpur

On 23 July 2017, Hossain was selected in the third round of the 2017–18 ISL Players Draft by Jamshedpur for the 2017–18 Indian Super League. He made his debut for the club during the first ever match on 18 November 2017 against NorthEast United. He started the match and played 69 minutes as Jamshedpur drew 0–0.

Mohun Bagan

After ending the season with Jamshedpur, Hossain reportedly decided not to renew his contract with the club since he wanted to return to Kolkata and be near his family. Despite stating previously that he would like to return to East Bengal, it was reported that he was in talks with Mohun Bagan. Then, on 22 May 2018, it was officially announced that Hossain had signed with Mohun Bagan, after last playing for them 12 years prior.

In 2021, he came out of retirement to play for Madan Maharaj FC in the I-League Qualifiers where he is also the mentor.

Honours

India

East Bengal

Mohun Bagan

  • Calcutta Football League: 2018

Career statistics

Club

As of 27 January 2019

ClubSeasonLeagueFederation CupCFL Premier ADomestic CupsOthersAFCTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Tollygunge Agragami2001–02NFL171171
2002–030000
Tollygunge Agragami Total171171
Mohun Bagan2003–04NFL0000
2004–05200200
2005–06193193
Mohun Bagan Total393393
ONGC2006–07I-League 2nd Division0000
ONGC Total0000
East Bengal2007–08I-League1710071201060332
2008–091704091301
2009–102524190301051474
2010–1123150142301050513
2011–1216040601040310
2012–1323140202061372
2013–1480102040150
2014–15160405040290
2015–161402081241
2016–171603080270
East Bengal Total17553016951303034232413
Kerala Blasters (loan)2014Indian Super League9090
2015130130
2016160160
Kerala Blasters Total380380
Jamshedpur FC2017–18Indian Super League12010130
Jamshedpur Total12010130
Mohun Bagan2018–19I-League900020110
Mohun Bagan Total900020110
Career Total29093117151303034244217

International stats

India national team
YearAppsGoals
200532
200630
201150
201260
2013120
201420
Total312

External links

  • at National-Football-Teams.com
  • at Soccerway
Sporting positions
Preceded byManitombi SinghMohun Bagan captain 2006–2007Succeeded byJose Ramirez Barreto
Preceded bySanju PradhanKingfisher East Bengal captain 2013–2014Succeeded byHarmanjot Khabra