Daniel Lalhlimpuia completes move to Super League Kerala side Malappuram FC
Khel Now reported on 20 August 2026 that 28-year-old striker Daniel Lalhlimpuia from Serchhip, Mizoram has completed a move to Super League Kerala outfit Malappuram FC ahead of the upcoming season. The forward joins Malappuram after a career spent with several Indian clubs and after representing India at youth and senior levels.
A product of the Chandigarh Football Academy, Lalhlimpuia has played for Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC, Mumbai City FC, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa and Delhi Dynamos during his professional career. He featured for the India U-17 and U-20 teams in his youth and made senior national team appearances, debuting against Puerto Rico in 2016. The report describes him as a seasoned player with extensive experience across India’s top clubs.
Malappuram FC reached the Super League Kerala semi-finals last season, finishing third and qualifying for their first-ever playoffs. In the semi-final tie they lost 3-1 to Thrissur Magic, who scored three times in that match. The Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri served as Malappuram’s home ground, where the club recorded one of the highest average attendances in the 2025-2026 SLK season.
Khel Now’s report noted Malappuram relied heavily on direct, transition-based counter-attacks last season and that most SLK teams typically use their overseas slot to bring in international strikers. The article stated Lalhlimpuia addresses that dependence by providing an experienced Indian option in attack. It added that he can operate as a false number nine, creating space by pulling centre backs out of position.
The piece described Lalhlimpuia as a big-match player who offers a calm, veteran voice in the dressing room and said his presence is set to bolster Malappuram’s attack and will elevate them as one of the title favourites next season. Khel Now reiterated that the Mizo striker’s arrival strengthens the Payyanad side’s offensive options after they were among the highest-scoring teams in the previous campaign.
Lalhlimpuia’s signing arrives with Malappuram preparing for the upcoming Super League Kerala season; the forward has joined the squad ahead of that campaign. The club will enter the next SLK season with Lalhlimpuia available to feature in their bid to improve on last term’s third-place finish.