MARGAO
From the quiet village of Verna to the national football stage, Jordic Abranches’ rise is a story of determination, discipline, and unwavering passion for the game. The young defender, currently representing Dempo Sports Club, has steadily carved a name for himself as one of Goa’s promising football talents.
Abranches’ love affair with football began at a young age, honing his skills on local grounds where his natural ability quickly stood out. His breakthrough came when he entered the professional setup at Dempo, where structured training, experienced coaching, and competitive exposure helped shape his game and deepen his understanding of football.
“Football plays a significant role in youth development at Dempo,” Abranches said. “It builds fitness, discipline, teamwork, and resilience, while also offering a pathway to higher levels of the sport.”
His career reached a major milestone with selection to the India SAFF U-19 team under head coach Bibiano Fernandes, marking his arrival on the national scene. Since then, Abranches has continued to grow in stature.
Recently, the Dempo defender delivered an impressive performance for the India U-20 men’s team, helping them secure a commanding 3-0 win over Pakistan in the SAFF U-20 Championship in Maldives. Notably, he remains the only returning member from India’s previous SAFF title-winning squad, showcasing consistency and reliability in defence.
Capping off a strong all-round display, Abranches underlined both his individual quality and the strength of Dempo’s youth development system, widely regarded as one of the best in the country.
Despite the growing demands of being a junior international footballer, Abranches remains grounded and connected to his roots. Through regular engagement with local communities and an active presence on social media, he continues to represent Goa with pride.
“To aspiring footballers in Goa, I would say: work hard, stay disciplined, and never give up on your dreams. Always believe in yourself and keep improving,” he said.
Abranches also takes pride in promoting Goan culture on the national stage. “I believe in representing not just as a footballer but as an ambassador of my roots,” he added.
Looking ahead, his ambitions remain clear. “I want to keep improving and one day represent the Indian senior national team. I also hope to inspire young footballers in Goa to chase their dreams,” Abranches concluded.
