Gokulam Kerala sign Brazilian forward Crislan Henrique on one-year deal ahead of 2026–27 IFL season
Gokulam Kerala FC announced on August 9, 2026 that they have signed Brazilian forward Crislan Henrique da Silva de Sousa on a one-year contract ahead of the 2026–27 Indian Football League season. The club said the experienced striker has been brought in to lead the Malabarians' attack and to bolster their attacking options.
Crislan, born in Teresina, began his youthcareer in 2012 and spent time in the Fluminense youth academy, according to the club announcement. His club career has included multiple teams in Brazil and a spell in Portugal after signing a five-year deal with SC Braga in 2015. While at Braga he made five UEFA Europa League appearances and scored once, and he also featured in the CONMEBOL Libertadores with Athletico Paranaense. The article lists his career totals as 261 games with around 65 goals and notes he departed Trat FC before joining Gokulam Kerala.
Gokulam publicised the signing via their official social channels, describing Crislan as an "experienced forward" who will "lead the attack" and using the tagline: "Experience. Power. Goals. 🇧🇷We are delighted to welcome Crislan Henrique da Silva de Sousa to the Malabarians for the upcoming season.The experienced Brazilian forward joins us to lead the attack and bring his strength, movement and finishing ability to our frontline. pic.twitter.com/xBafkGvJ6H" The club framed the transfer as adding another experienced player to a squad preparing for the new campaign.
On his arrival, head coach Carlos Eduardo Parreira said: "Crislan brings something very important to our team, experience. He has played in different countries, different footballing environments and at a high level. He understands the demands of playing as a centre-forward and knows how to compete." Parreira added: "We believe his experience, character and attacking qualities will be very valuable to our team. We are happy to have him with us and look forward to seeing him contribute to our objectives this season."
Gokulam Kerala president VC Praveen welcomed the signing in his own statement: "We are pleased to welcome Crislan to Gokulam Kerala FC. His career across Brazil, Europe and Asia reflects the level of experience we wanted to add to our squad. We believe he will bring quality, maturity and a strong competitive mentality to our attack. With Carlos Eduardo Parreira leading the team, we are building a squad with the ambition and experience required to compete for the highest honours. We warmly welcome Crislan to the Malabarian family."
The club's announcement followed a season in which Gokulam Kerala "didn't show that much promise" and "fell very short against good sides," and it coincides with the appointment of Carlos Eduardo Parreira as head coach ahead of the new IFL campaign. The signing is presented by the club as part of a wider effort to strengthen the squad's attacking resources and experience.
Crislan will now join the squad as preparations continue for the 2026–27 Indian Football League season, with Gokulam Kerala FC targeting a strong campaign.