Who is Kiyan Nassiri, the new Blue Tiger with the famous surname?

When the AIFF (All India Football Federation) announced Kiyan Nassiri's name as part of the national squad for the ongoing Intercontinental Cup, it caused a stir. Yes, the 23-year-old with the famous surname is the son of legendary Iranian striker Jamshed, who ruled football in Kolkata in the 1980s – but Kiyan is a little more than that.

“People are always putting pressure on me because I come from a family,” Kiyan said on Friday at his first media appearance as a Blue Tiger in Hyderabad. Jamshed Nassiri, the curly-haired goalscorer, formed a great duo with playmaker and friend Majid Baskar in the colours of East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting in the 1980s – and spread fear with his precision in the penalty area.

Jamshed practiced his craft much longer than Majid – the latter was infinitely more talented but went astray – and later settled in Calcutta. In response to an obvious question, he said, “You know, your father did this, your father did that, but I never let that influence me. I try to find my own rhythm. I wouldn't say I try to. I've done that all my life.”

In January 2022, Kiyan first made waves in the Indian football world when he scored a second-half hat-trick for Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata derby against East Bengal in the Indian Super League. Until then, Kiyan was one of the up-and-coming young players who had been warming the benches of the maroon and green team since 2019.

How does it feel to be around the big names of Indian football? “Honestly, I'm just happy to be here. It's my first training camp and I was very excited when my name was called,” said Kiyan. “If the coach feels the time is right to give me my first international cap, I will be ready to take it. But even if it doesn't happen, I just want to enjoy training with the top 25 players in the country. If I work hard, more opportunities will come my way.”

India, who opened their season with a lackluster goalless draw against Mauritius, will next face Syria in the Intercontinental Cup final on September 9.

“You know, your father did this, your father did that, but I never let that affect me. I try to find my own rhythm. I wouldn't say I try to. I've been doing that my whole life.”