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Rahul Bheke
Rahul Bheke
Rahul Bheke
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Rahul Shankar Bheke (Marathi: राहुल शंकर भेके; born 6 December 1990) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a defender for and captains the Indian Super League club Bengaluru and the India national team.[1]

Key Information

Club career

[edit]

Early career and Air India

[edit]

Born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Bheke started to play football for his school teams before joining the under-19 squad of Mahindra United.[2] Bheke then joined his first professional club, Air India, and played for them from 2011 to 2013.[3] After Air India's relegation from the I-League, Bheke joined Mumbai Tigers. He played for them in small cup competitions before leaving the club.[4]

Mumbai

[edit]

In January 2014, Bheke returned to the I-League after he signed for Mumbai.[5] He made his debut for the club on 15 January against Mohun Bagan in the Federation Cup. He came on as a substitute for Pappachen Pradeep as Mumbai lost 1–0.[5] He went on to make eight appearances for the club that season and was signed a contract extension which will keep him till next season.[6]

Bheke scored his first professional goal on 7 April 2015 against Bengaluru at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. His 67th-minute goal put Mumbai in the lead but Robin Singh managed to equalize two minutes before stoppage time to end the game 1–1.[7]

East Bengal

[edit]

After two seasons with Mumbai, Bheke signed for fellow I-League side, East Bengal.[8] Bheke played his first debut match on 23 January 2016 against arch-rival Mohun Bagan which finished in a 1–1 draw.[9] He played his last match of the season on 10 April in a 3–1 defeat against Bengaluru FC.[10] Bheke left the club on loan for Kerala Blasters in the 2015 Indian Super League. After two loan stints, Bheke returned to East Bengal for the 2016–17 I-League season.[11] Bheke played his first match of the season on 7 January 2017 in a 1–1 draw against Aizawl FC.[12] Bheke played his last match with East Bengal against his former club Mumbai FC, which they came out winning on a big margin of 0–4.[13]

Kerala Blasters (loan)

[edit]

After a good performance for Mumbai during the 2014–15 I-League season, Bheke was one of the available players during the 2015 Indian Super League domestic draft.[14] Unfortunately, Bheke was not chosen in the draft.[15] However, in September 2015, it was revealed that Bheke had joined the Kerala Blasters for their pre-season camp and eventually he signed with the club on loan from East Bengal.[16][17] Bheke made his debut for the club during their opening fixture against NorthEast United on 6 October 2015. He started and played 90 minutes as Kerala Blasters won 3–1.[18] He played his last match on 18 October in a 0–1 defeat against Delhi Dynamos (present Odisha FC).[19]

Pune City (loan)

[edit]

Bheke was loaned to former Indian Super League side FC Pune City from East Bengal after his loan term with Kerala Blasters.[20] He played his first match for the club against ATK on 6 November 2016 which they rose to win 2–1.[21] Bheke lost his first match with Pune on 25 November against his former club Kerala Blasters, which they lost 2–1.[22] He played his last match against ATK in the return leg at road which ended in a 0–0 draw.[23]

Bengaluru

[edit]

Bheke was picked by Bengaluru in Round 4 in 2017–18 ISL Players Draft.[24] Bengaluru was one of the two new entries to Indian Super League.[25] Bheke played his first match with Bengaluru in his continental debut in the 2017 AFC Cup against April 25 SC on 23 August 2017, which ended 3–0 to Bengaluru.[26]

Bheke played his first league match of the 2017–18 Indian Super League on 19 November 2017 in their first ever match in ISL against Mumbai City FC, which ended 2–0 to Bengaluru.[27] Bengaluru had a perfect debut campaign, as they qualified for the finals of the 2017–18 Indian Super League with Bheke on team after defeating his former club FC Pune City on an aggregate score of 3–1.[28] Bheke started in the final against Chennaiyin FC[29] but was defeated on a score of 2–3.[30]

Bheke played his first match of the 2018 AFC Cup on 13 February 2018 against T.C. Sports Club, which turned out in a 2–3 victory for Bengaluru.[31] On 22 February 2018, Bengaluru extended his contract for three years which will keep him at the club till 2021.[32][33]

Bheke played his first match 2018–19 Indian Super League season on 30 September against the defending champions Chennaiyin, which ended 1–0 to Bengaluru.[34] Bengaluru had a standout campaign, as they qualified for the finals yet again in that season against FC Goa.[35] The match went on deadlock for both sides but the victory was sealed for Bengaluru when Bheke scored the deciding goal in the 117th minute to win the first Indian Super League trophy for Bengaluru.[36] Bheke was named man of the match on the final eve for his solitary goal in the 117 minute.[37][38]

Bheke played his first match of the 2019–20 Indian Super League against NorthEast United FC on 21 October 2019, which ended in a 0–0 draw.[39] He scored his first goal of the season on 22 January 2020 in a 3–0 victory over Odisha.[40] Bengaluru qualified for the knockout stage for the third consecutive time the season with Bheke on side but was defeated by ATK on an aggregate score of 3–2.[41]

Bheke started in his first match of the 2020 AFC Cup qualifying play-offs against Maziya on the second leg of the qualifying round, which Bengaluru won 3–2 but lost on penalties after the after aggregate score of 4–4 led to the shoot-out.[42]

Bheke played his first match of the 2020–21 Indian Super League against FC Goa on 22 November 2020 in a 2–2 draw.[43] He scored his first goal of the season against NorthEast United on 12 January 2021, which ended in a 1–1 draw due to the equalizer scored by Bheke.[44] After the 2020–21 ISL campaign, Bheke left Bengaluru after spending four seasons at the club.[45]

Mumbai City

[edit]

On 19 August 2021, Bheke joined Mumbai City on a two-year deal with an option to extend for a further season.[46]

"It's a surreal feeling, to have joined Mumbai City. This is my hometown club and of course, the defending champions. I'm ready to start this new journey with my new family and make memories with our fans."

— Bheke, after signing with Mumbai City.[47]

On 22 November, Bheke made his debut for the club in the Indian Super League against Goa, in a resounding 3–0 win.[48][49] He scored his first and the winning goal against Chennaiyin, on 15 December in a 1–0 win.[50][51] On 17 February, he scored his second goal of the season, against Jamshedpur in a 3–2 defeat.[52][53]

He was later included in the club's 2022 AFC Champions League squad.[54] On 11 April, he scored the winning header from a corner in the 75th minute, in a historic 2–1 win against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, as Mumbai City became the first Indian club to win an AFC Champions League game. He in turn became the first Indian player to score in the competition.[55][56]

Benguluru

[edit]

On 7 July 2024, following the expiry of his Mumbai City contract, Bheke rejoined Bengaluru FC on a two-year deal.[57]

International career

[edit]

Bheke got his call-up for the senior national team under the head coach Igor Štimac after his excellent performance in the 2018–19 Indian Super League season along with five other rookies.[58] Bheke made his international debut against Curaçao in 2019 King's Cup on 5 June 2019 which turned out to be a 3–1 loss to India.[59]

After the King's Cup, Bheke was called up for the Indian squad to take part in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[60] He played his first of the qualifiers on 5 September 2019 against Oman, which India lost 1–2.[61] He also played in India's match against Qatar on 10 September, where India put on an excellent show, as they drew against the continental champions 0–0.[62] Bheke also appeared in the second qualifying match against Qatar on 3 June 2021, where he was booked twice, resulting in a red card in the early 17th minute of the game.[63] India ended up losing the match 0–1 at full-time.[64]

Bheke scored his first international goal against Bahrain on 23 March 2022 in an eventual 2–1 loss.[65]

Personal life

[edit]

He married his longtime sweetheart Shraddha Waingankar in 2019.

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of matches played till 4 May 2024[66]
Club Season League Cup[a] AFC Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Air India 2012–13 I-League 23 0 0 0 – 23 0
Mumbai 2013–14 6 0 3 0 – 9 0
2014–15 14 1 4 0 – 18 1
Total 20 1 7 0 – 27 1
East Bengal 2015–16 I-League 10 0 2 0 – 12 0
2016–17 15 0 4 0 – 19 0
Total 25 0 6 0 – 31 0
Kerala Blasters (loan) 2015 Indian Super League 12 0 0 0 – 12 0
Pune City (loan) 2016 10 0 0 0 – 10 0
Bengaluru 2017–18 19 0 3 1 4[b] 1 26 2
2018–19 20 3 1 0 8[b] 3 29 6
2019–20 16 1 0 0 1[b] 0 17 1
2020–21 15 1 0 0 1[b] 2 16 3
Total 70 5 4 1 14 6 88 12
Mumbai City 2021–22 Indian Super League 18 2 0 0 6[c] 1 24 3
2022–23 17 0 7 0 1[d] 0 25 0
2023–24 23 0 4 0 5[c] 0 32 0
Total 58 2 11 0 12 1 81 3
Bengaluru 2024–25 Indian Super League 21 3 1 1 0 0 0 0
Career total 239 11 29 2 26 7 293 19
  1. ^ Includes Federation Cup, Super Cup, Durand Cup
  2. ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in AFC Cup
  3. ^ a b Appearance(s) in AFC Champions League
  4. ^ Appearance in playoff for AFC Champions League

International

[edit]
As of 18 November 2025[67]
National team Year Apps Goals
India 2019 10 0
2021 8 0
2022 1 1
2023 5 0
2024 11 1
2025 10 1
Total 45 3

International goals

[edit]
As of 19 March 2025
Score and results list India's goal tally first, score column indicates score after Bheke's goal.
Key
‡ Indicates goal was scored from a penalty kick
Goal Cap Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1. 19 23 March 2022 Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa  Bahrain 1–1 1–2 Friendly [68]
2. 35 18 November 2024 G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad  Malaysia 1–1 1–1 [69]
3. 36 20 March 2025 Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong  Maldives 1–0 3–0 [70]

Honours

[edit]

East Bengal

Bengaluru

Mumbai City

India

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rahul Bheke

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rahul Shankar Bheke (born 6 December 1990) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a right-back defender and serves as captain for in the (ISL). Born in , , he stands at 1.79 meters tall and is right-footed, having established himself as a key defensive figure in Indian football through his aerial strength, tackling ability, and contributions to both club and international success. Bheke began his professional career with in 2011 after youth stints at Mahindra United, later joining in the before moving to SC East Bengal in 2017. His breakthrough came at from 2017 to 2021, where he helped secure the 2018–19 ISL title by scoring the winning goal in extra time during the final against , earning Man of the Match honors. After a stint with from 2021 to 2024—where he contributed to multiple ISL regular season wins and the 2023 Indian Super Cup—he returned to in July 2024 on a contract until May 2026. Bheke's club achievements include the ISL Championship (2018–19), ISL Regular Season Winner (multiple seasons), and Indian Super Cup (2023). On the international stage, Bheke made his debut for the national team on 5 June 2019 against in the , under coach Igor Stimac, and has since earned 45 caps with 3 goals as of November 2025. He has been instrumental in defensive efforts, including a notable 0–0 draw against in qualifying, and contributed to victories in the (2021, 2023), Intercontinental Cup (2023), and Tri-Nation Series (2023). In the 2024–25 ISL season, Bheke has featured prominently for , logging over 2,300 minutes, achieving 10 clean sheets, and demonstrating high passing accuracy (85%) and duel-winning prowess.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Rahul Bheke was born on 6 December 1990 in , , . His father passed away in January 2019. From a modest background in , Bheke attended St. Augustine High School in Nerul, where he began playing more structured matches on school teams, initially as a , honing basic skills like crossing before pursuing organized training.

Youth career

Rahul Bheke's entry into organized football began during his school years at St. Augustine High School in , , where he played for the school's team and developed his initial skills as a left . His passion for the sport, influenced by consistent successes with the school side, propelled him toward academy progression. Following the completion of his board exams, Bheke attended trials and secured a spot on the Mahindra United U-19 team in 2007, marking his formal involvement in a prominent youth academy. There, he underwent intensive training through regular matches and drills. During his youth tenure, Bheke featured in key tournaments, including a state-level school competition where he scored in a 2-0 final victory, an achievement that bolstered his confidence ahead of his academy progression. His time with Mahindra United's youth setup prepared him for senior-level demands.

Club career

Early career and Air India

Rahul Bheke transitioned from youth football with Mahindra United's under-19 team to his senior professional debut with in the during the 2012–13 season at the age of 21. In the 2012–13 season, Bheke established himself as an emerging right-back, making 23 appearances for without scoring a goal, primarily contributing defensive solidity in the competitive environment. As a dependable figure in the backline, he featured regularly in key matches, helping to anchor the defense amid the team's struggles, including a notable 3–1 loss to in April 2013 that underscored their relegation battle. Air India FC finished 12th in the 2012–13 I-League standings, leading to their expulsion from the competition due to failure to meet licensing criteria, marking the end of Bheke's formative stint with the club. Following this, Bheke made a brief transitional move to Mumbai Tigers in mid-2013, where he appeared in select cup competitions but recorded no league outings before departing later that year.

Mumbai FC

In January 2014, Rahul Bheke signed with following the expulsion of his previous club, , from the , marking his return to top-flight Indian football with a hometown team. He quickly integrated into the squad, making his debut in a Federation Cup match against Mohun Bagan on 15 January 2014, where he contributed to Mumbai's attacking efforts before being substituted. Over the remainder of the 2013–14 season, Bheke appeared in six matches as a defender, helping solidify the backline during a campaign that saw finish ninth in the standings. Bheke's role expanded in the 2014–15 season, where he featured in 14 I-League matches, totaling 20 appearances and one goal across his two years with the club. Known for his defensive reliability and long throw-ins that often created scoring opportunities—earning comparisons to set-piece specialists—he became a key asset in Mumbai's build-up play from the back. His standout moment came on 6 April 2015, when he scored his first professional goal—a header from a John Coutinho corner in the 67th minute against , giving Mumbai a temporary lead in a 1–1 draw. During Bheke's tenure, competed competitively in key fixtures, including derbies against local rivals like , where his full-match performances helped secure draws and narrow results. The team achieved a stronger sixth-place finish in the 2014–15 , with Bheke's contributions in defense and set pieces playing a part in their improved mid-table standing amid a transitional period for the league.

East Bengal

Rahul Bheke joined in June 2015 on a transfer from , marking his move to one of India's most storied football clubs. The 24-year-old defender, who had gained senior experience at , adapted quickly to the demands of the historic Kolkata-based side, taking up the right-back position in their defensive setup. His arrival was part of a rebuilding effort under coach Biswajit Bhattacharya, as aimed to challenge for honors in the and domestic cups. During the 2015–16 I-League season, Bheke featured in 10 matches, providing 1 assist and earning 2 yellow cards while logging 900 minutes as a reliable right-back. East Bengal finished third in the league with a record of 7 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, accumulating 25 points, as Bheke contributed to a solid defensive line that conceded 20 goals across 16 games. In the 2016–17 season, he appeared in 15 I-League matches and 4 Federation Cup games, totaling 1,665 minutes without goals or assists but with just 1 yellow card, underscoring his disciplined play. The team again placed third, with 10 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses for 33 points, relying on Bheke's defensive contributions in key fixtures. Bheke's integration into was highlighted by his role in the club's domestic success, including back-to-back titles in 2015–16 and 2016–17. A standout moment came in the 2015 CFL season, where he scored a header in added time during a 4–0 win over arch-rivals on September 6, sealing a historic victory that propelled to their sixth straight league title. Overall, across his main tenure from 2015 to 2017, Bheke made 25 appearances without scoring, establishing himself as a key defensive pillar for the Red and Gold Brigade amid their competitive campaigns.

Kerala Blasters (loan)

In September 2015, Rahul Bheke joined Kerala Blasters on a short-term loan from for the second season of the (ISL). The move came after Bheke was overlooked in the ISL domestic players' draft earlier that year, providing him an opportunity to showcase his defensive skills in the league's high-profile format. During the season, Bheke featured in 12 matches for Kerala Blasters, primarily as a right-back in a defensive role that emphasized solid positioning and overlapping runs. He started 11 of those games, logging over 1,000 minutes on the pitch and contributing to the team's backline stability amid the ISL's demanding schedule. Bheke's performances were instrumental in Kerala's early momentum, including assists from long throw-ins that led to key goals, such as in their 3-1 victory over . His adaptation to the league's fast-paced, physical style helped solidify the defense during the league stage, supporting Kerala's third-place finish and qualification for the semi-finals against . The loan spell concluded in late December 2015 following the playoff exit, after which Bheke returned to .

Pune City (loan)

In June 2016, Rahul Bheke was loaned to FC Pune City from East Bengal for the 2016 Indian Super League (ISL) season, marking his second stint in the league following a previous loan experience. He primarily operated as a right-back, contributing to the team's defensive structure under coach Antonio Habas. Bheke featured in 10 matches during the season, accumulating 900 minutes on the pitch, with no goals but one assist. His performances highlighted his defensive reliability and occasional forays forward; for instance, he cleared a goal-bound effort off the line in a 1-0 loss to FC Goa, preventing a second goal. In another match against Delhi Dynamos, he produced a powerful header that tested the goalkeeper late in a 1-1 draw. Bheke debuted for Pune City in a 2-1 victory over ATK on November 6, 2016, where he helped secure a clean sheet in the second half. He was recognized among the top 10 defensive players in the ISL's third season for his wing play and tackling. FC Pune City ended the season in sixth place with 12 points from 11 matches, missing the as only the top four advanced. Bheke's consistent displays in a backline that conceded 15 goals bolstered his reputation as a versatile defender, paving the way for a permanent ISL contract in subsequent seasons.

Bengaluru FC (first stint)

In July 2017, Rahul Bheke joined on a permanent transfer from , marking a significant step in his after previous loan spells in the (ISL). His prior ISL loan experiences with Blasters and City had honed his versatility as a defender, enabling a seamless integration into Bengaluru's possession-based system under coach . Over his first stint from 2017 to 2021, Bheke established himself as a cornerstone of the defense, making approximately 70 appearances across all competitions and contributing 5 goals. In the ISL, he played 62 matches, scoring 4 goals, while adding further outings in the and AFC Cup, where he netted once in the 2018 final against to help secure a 2-1 and Bengaluru's inaugural title in the competition. His defensive contributions included strong aerial duels and interceptions, bolstering Bengaluru's backline during their competitive campaigns. In the 2017–18 AFC Cup, Bheke featured in 6 group stage matches, scoring 2 goals, including a header against , as the team advanced to the zonal semi-finals. Bheke's leadership emerged prominently, often wearing the vice-captain's armband in key fixtures and providing stability in high-stakes games. He played a pivotal role in Bengaluru's most successful season, the 2018–19 ISL, where the team clinched both the Winners' Shield for topping the league table and the Cup after defeating FC Goa 1-0 in the final; Bheke scored the decisive extra-time header in the 117th minute to secure the triumph. These achievements highlighted his growth into a reliable, goal-scoring defender capable of delivering in continental and domestic arenas.

Mumbai City FC

In August 2021, Rahul Bheke transferred to from on a two-year contract with an option for a further season, marking his return to the club based in his hometown. As a right-back known for his versatility and defensive solidity, Bheke quickly integrated into the squad under coach , providing leadership and stability at the back. Over his three seasons with Mumbai City from 2021 to 2024, Bheke featured in 58 matches, scoring 2 goals and registering 2 assists while contributing to one of the league's most formidable defenses. His performances were instrumental in the team's successes, including securing the ISL League Winners' Shield in the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons, where the Islanders conceded the fewest goals in the league during both campaigns. Bheke also played a pivotal role in Mumbai City's 2023–24 ISL Cup triumph, starting in the final against and helping anchor a defense that limited opponents to just one goal in the decisive 3–1 victory. Notable contributions included a match-winning goal in the 2021–22 season against and his historic strike as the first Indian player to score in the AFC Champions League during a 2–1 win over Al Jazira in 2022. As a Mumbai native, Bheke's homecoming resonated deeply with fans, fostering stronger community ties and elevating his status as a local icon during the club's title-winning eras. He assumed the captaincy in the 2023–24 season, guiding the team through high-stakes matches and embodying the club's ambition on the pitch. His tenure not only bolstered Mumbai City's defensive record—conceding only 20 goals across 22 matches in the 2023–24 regular season—but also highlighted his growth into a seasoned leader within Indian football.

Bengaluru FC (second stint)

In July 2024, Rahul Bheke returned to , signing a two-year contract until May 31, 2026, and was immediately appointed as the club's captain to provide experienced leadership in defense. His decision to rejoin stemmed from a strong emotional connection to the club and a goal to help revive its competitive edge in the (ISL), leveraging his prior successes there. During the 2024–25 ISL season, Bheke featured in 26 matches, scoring 3 goals while contributing to 10 clean sheets through his defensive organization and interceptions. His leadership was instrumental in Bengaluru FC's improved form, as the team finished third in standings with 38 points from 24 matches, securing a playoff spot for the first time since 2020–21. Bheke's key contributions included a powerful header in a 3–0 victory over and a volley from a free-kick against , which helped solidify the backline during a run of four consecutive clean sheets early in the campaign. Bheke's captaincy led to the ISL Cup final, where he started and anchored the defense, but the team lost 1–2 to in extra time. By emphasizing collective defensive responsibility, he credited the squad's unity for their resurgence, noting the high morale under coach . As of November 2025, Bheke remains Bengaluru FC's captain, continuing to lead in the 2025–26 season, including a notable appearance in the AIFF group stage match against on November 5, where he contributed to set-piece efforts despite the team's elimination. His ongoing role focuses on mentoring younger defenders and maintaining the club's playoff-contending status amid a competitive ISL landscape.

International career

Senior international career

Rahul Bheke made his senior international debut for the national team on 5 June 2019, starting as a right-back in a 3–1 loss to during the in , , under head coach Igor Stimac. This appearance marked the beginning of his integration into the Blue Tigers' defense, where his versatility to play both as a right-back and centre-back quickly became evident. Following his debut, Bheke rapidly established himself as a regular starter in the national setup, accumulating 45 caps as of November 2025 through consistent performances in defensive roles, including appearances in the 2025 AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Bangladesh (March and November) and a friendly against Thailand in June. He featured prominently in key tournaments, including the 2019 Intercontinental Cup, where he contributed to India's runner-up finish, the 2021 SAFF Championship victory with six appearances, and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, appearing in four matches. Bheke also participated in the 2023 CAFA Nations Cup and the 2024 Intercontinental Cup, playing every minute in the latter as India secured the title. Bheke's progression post-2019 highlighted his growing importance, with Stimac and subsequent coaches relying on his in organizing the backline during high-stakes fixtures like the qualifiers. In September 2024, he captained for the first time during the Intercontinental Cup against , a that underscored considerations for the veteran defender amid ongoing national team transitions.

International goals

Rahul Bheke has scored three goals in his international career for the India national team, all of which came in friendly matches and demonstrated his prowess as a set-piece threat, particularly from headers off corners or crosses. These goals highlight his aerial ability and timing in the penalty area, contributing to key moments in otherwise challenging fixtures for the Blue Tigers.
No.DateOpponentScoreResultCompetitionMatch Context
123 March 2022Bahrain1–11–2 LInternational friendlyBheke equalized in the 59th minute with a powerful header from a cross by Roshan Singh, briefly leveling the score after Bahrain took the lead; however, Mahdi Humaidan restored Bahrain's advantage soon after, securing a narrow defeat for India in Manama.
218 November 2024Malaysia1–11–1 DInternational friendlyBheke netted the equalizer in the 39th minute via a "fiery header" from a corner kick, rescuing a point for India at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad after Malaysia's Paulo Josué opened the scoring in the 19th minute; the draw marked India's final match of 2024 without a victory.
319 March 2025Maldives1–03–0 WInternational friendlyBheke opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a strong header from a Brandon Fernandes corner, setting the tone for India's dominant performance at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong; further goals from Liston Colaco and Sunil Chhetri followed, marking a comfortable win under coach Manolo Marquez.
These strikes represent Bheke's only contributions to India's goal tally on the international stage, underscoring his defensive reliability while adding occasional offensive value from the backline.

Personal life

Family and marriage

Rahul Bheke was raised in by his parents; his mother is Sushma Bheke, becoming the first professional footballer in his family. His mother provided crucial encouragement during his early years, with Bheke later crediting her support alongside his coaches for enabling his pursuit of the sport. Bheke faced a profound personal loss in January 2019 when his father passed away, marking a challenging period amid his growing career. Later that year, in December 2019, Bheke married his longtime partner, Shraddha Waingankar, beginning a new chapter in his personal life. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, on May 19, 2025.

Philanthropy and interests

Rahul Bheke has expressed strong support for youth football development initiatives in , particularly praising the (RFDL) for its role in nurturing young talent. In 2024, he highlighted how the RFDL provides competitive exposure to youngsters, creating a vital pathway for them to progress to (ISL) clubs and contribute effectively at higher levels. In 2023, Bheke enrolled in a newly launched sports management course, articulating his desire to remain involved in football beyond his playing career, emphasizing the importance of transitioning into roles that sustain the sport's growth. His personal interests include maintaining a rigorous fitness regimen, which he has described as essential to his professional longevity, incorporating disciplined diet and training routines to optimize performance. Bheke's public persona is further reflected through various brand endorsements, including partnerships with Puma as a brand ambassador since 2022, JBL since November 2022, and Theragun for recovery tools, which underscore his influence in promoting sports-related products.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Rahul Bheke's club career statistics encompass appearances, goals, and assists across domestic leagues (I-League and Indian Super League), cup competitions (Super Cup, Durand Cup, playoffs), and continental tournaments (AFC Cup, AFC Champions League). As of November 18, 2025, he has recorded a cumulative total of 309 appearances and 19 goals in club football, with 7 assists. The following tables provide a breakdown by club and season, including all major competitions. Statistics for the 2025/26 season with are incomplete, covering only the group stage up to November 2025.

Early career (, , Sporting Clube de Goa, , , , SC East Bengal)

SeasonClubCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
2012/132300
2013/14–2015/162010
2013/14Sporting Clube de Goa600
2014/15Sporting Clube de Goa1410
2014/151201
2015/161200
20161001
2016/17SC East Bengal1500
Total11222
These figures include only league matches for early seasons, as cup participation was limited.

Bengaluru FC (first stint, 2017–2021)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
2017/181600
2017/18AFC Cup620
2017/18AFC Cup Qualifying210
2017/18311
2017/18ISL Playoffs300
2018/191721
2018/19ISL Playoffs310
2018/19100
2019/201410
2019/20AFC Cup Qualifying100
2019/20ISL Playoffs200
2020/211511
2020/21AFC Cup Qualifying120
Total84113
Bheke contributed significantly to Bengaluru FC's continental campaigns during this period, including notable goal-scoring in the AFC Cup.

Mumbai City FC (2021–2024)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
2021/22Indian Super League1822
2021/22ISL Playoffs200
2021/22Durand Cup400
2022/23Indian Super League1500
2022/23ISL Playoffs200
2022/23Super Cup200
2022/23Durand Cup300
2023/24Indian Super League2000
2023/24AFC Champions League500
2023/24ISL Playoffs300
2023/24Durand Cup400
2023/24Super Cup100
Total7922
During his time at , Bheke featured in multiple title-winning campaigns, with 58 appearances in the alone.

Bengaluru FC (second stint, 2024–present)

SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
2024/252130
2024/25ISL Playoffs400
2024/25510
2025/26300
Total3340
The 2025/26 season statistics are partial, reflecting matches played up to November 2025; further competitions such as the are ongoing.

International statistics

As of November 18, 2025, Rahul Bheke has made 44 appearances for the national team, scoring 3 goals since his debut in 2019. His contributions include key defensive roles in qualifiers and tournaments, with all goals coming in international friendlies. The breakdown of his international statistics by competition is as follows:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
King's Cup (2019)20
Intercontinental Cup (2019)30
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (AFC)130
SAFF Championship (2021)60
International Friendlies123
AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers (2027)30
CAFA Nations Cup (2025)40
Other (2025 friendly and qualifier)10
Total443
In 2025, Bheke featured in seven matches, including the 3-0 friendly win over on March 19 where he scored, the 0-0 draw against in the 2027 qualifiers on March 25, four appearances in the (culminating in a bronze medal via penalty shootout against on September 8, where he converted his spot-kick), and the qualifier against on October 9. These outings added to his tally beyond the 38 caps and 3 goals recorded as of June 10, 2025. Compared to his exceeding appearances, Bheke's international record underscores his reliability as a national team regular, with over 3,500 minutes played for .

Honours

Club honours

Rahul Bheke has achieved significant success at the club level, primarily in India's top domestic competitions, contributing to multiple titles with , , and . His defensive prowess and key scoring interventions, such as match-winning headers, have been instrumental in several triumphs.

East Bengal

  • Calcutta Football League: 2015–16, 2016–17
    Bheke played a key role in East Bengal's back-to-back CFL victories during his stint from 2015 to 2017, helping secure the regional title in Kolkata's premier club competition.

Bengaluru FC

  • ISL League Winners' Shield: 2017–18, 2020–21
    As a right-back, Bheke featured prominently in Bengaluru's unbeaten regular-season campaign in 2017–18, contributing to 18 wins and 2 draws that clinched the Shield. In 2020–21, he helped secure another Shield with strong defensive performances.
  • Super Cup: 2018
    Bheke started in the final where Bengaluru defeated East Bengal 2–1, marking the club's first Super Cup title in the inaugural edition of the competition.
  • ISL Cup: 2018–19
    Bheke scored the decisive extra-time header in the final against FC Goa on March 17, 2019, securing a 1–0 victory and Bengaluru's maiden ISL Cup; he was named Player of the Match for his performance.

Mumbai City FC

  • ISL League Winners' Shield: 2022–23
    Bheke anchored the defense in record 46-point regular season, the highest in ISL history at the time, helping secure the Shield with a 5–3 win over .
  • ISL Cup: 2023–24
    Bheke played every minute of the knockout stages, including the two-legged final where overcame 3–1 on aggregate to win their second consecutive Cup.

Individual Awards

  • Bengaluru FC Players' Player of the Season: 2018–19
    Voted by teammates for his consistent performances, including 20 appearances and the championship-winning goal.
  • ISL Goal of the Season: 2018–19
    Awarded for his 117th-minute header in the ISL Cup final against , a moment that defined Bengaluru's title run.
  • Player of the Match, ISL Cup Final: March 17, 2019
    Recognized for his goal and defensive work in Bengaluru's 1–0 win over .
Bheke has no recorded club honours from his earlier stints with Air India, Pune City, or Kerala Blasters, nor additional individual accolades up to the 2024–25 season with his return to Bengaluru FC.

International honours

Rahul Bheke has been an integral part of the Indian national football team's defensive line since his debut in 2019, contributing to several regional tournament successes. His leadership and consistent performances have helped secure multiple titles in South Asian competitions and invitational cups, establishing him as a key figure in India's international endeavors. Bheke was part of the Indian squad that won the 2019 Intercontinental Cup, defeating 2-1 in the final held in , where his role in the backline provided crucial stability during the tournament. He also featured prominently in the 2023 edition, which culminated in a 2-0 victory over in , marking India's third title in the competition. In the , Bheke contributed to 's victory in the 2021 edition hosted in the , where the team defeated 3-0 in the final to claim the title. He featured in the 2023 tournament in Bengaluru, where won 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw against in the final, securing back-to-back championships and highlighting his defensive organization in high-stakes encounters. Additionally, Bheke played a pivotal role in the 2023 Tri-Nation Series in , where topped the standings with wins over (1-0) and (2-1), clinching the trophy through solid defensive displays that limited opponents' scoring opportunities. While did not secure titles in other recent tournaments, Bheke's participation underscored his reliability; for instance, the team earned at the 2019 with a 1-0 win over for bronze, and repeated the feat at the 2025 , defeating 3–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the third-place playoff. These achievements reflect his enduring impact on 's regional competitiveness.

References

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