THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

The ‘Spiderman’ who believes in humanity: Subrata Paul

India goalkeeper Subrata Paul

The rags to riches stories of footballers often us show a glimpse into their lives off the pitch and the hard work they have done to reach the zeniths. Any footballer becomes even more special when he does his tad bit for the community, whilst spreading goodwill through the ‘Beautiful Game’.

Indian legend Subrata ‘Spiderman’ Paul is no different. The lanky custodian has lived a cinematic life but believes that, “humanity is the greatest religion of all.”

Subrata Paul talks the talk but does he walk the walk? “I struggled a lot during my early goalkeeping days because I had no gloves. I eagerly wanted to own one glove at that time, but it took time for that to happen,” he recollects.

“I don’t want anybody to feel the way I did. Hence, I give out my gloves to the kids who are in need to motivate them and help them,” he says.

After a brief pause, Subrata quips, “I feel so satisfied to see their smiles when they get the gloves. It gives me immense relief happiness.”

While the ‘Spiderman’ might break hearts of opponents on the field of play by making those world-class saves in-between the sticks, the DSK Shivajians custodian spreads happiness off-it.

“I have given out many gloves, the number is uncountable. But I don’t like to flaunt about it. It is a part of me which helps me become a better person,” he informs when asked about the number of gloves given to the kids.

When you ask Paul why he never came out and expressed this attempt to spread goodwill through football, he immediately states, “I don’t like publicity.”

“I believe that when I try to help the people in need, it should not be publicized. I am thankful to God for everything he has given me and I wish to do my bit for humanity.”

You wonder, what is Subrata Pal made of?

“I am a God fearing person. I believe in family, humility, humanity and charity. I try to become a better person everyday and that is something which I have tried to do since I was very young.”

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)