Darren Caldeira (born 19 September 1987) is an Indian former professional association footballer who played as a central midfielder. He is currently serving as director of football for Bengaluru FC.[3] Caldeira has also worked as a commentator in the Indian Super League for Star Sports.

Darren Caldeira
Personal information
Date of birth (1987-09-19) 19 September 1987 (age 37)[1]
Place of birth Mumbai (Bombay), India[2]
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)[2]
Position(s) Central midfielder
Team information
Current team
Bengaluru FC (director of football)
Youth career
Mahindra United
2005 Valencia C.F.
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2011 Air India 7 (6)
2011–2013 Mumbai 10 (7)
2013–2015 Bengaluru FC 11 (3)
2015–2016 Mumbai FC 6 (3)
2016–2017 Bengaluru FC 3 (2)
2017 Chennai City FC 9 (4)
2017–2018 ATK 3 (1)
2018–2019 Mohun Bagan 13 (0)
2019–2020 Kerala Blasters 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 24 July 2019

Career

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Early career

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Born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Caldeira spent his youth career with Mahindra United. He later spent a year with the under-18 team of Spanish La Liga side Valencia CF.[4][5] Then in 2010, after Mahindra United disbanded, Caldeira signed with Air India FC of the I-League.[2] After spending two seasons with Air India Caldeira signed with Mumbai FC.[2]

Bengaluru FC

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In July 2013, it was announced that Caldeira had signed with new direct-entry side Bengaluru FC.[6] He then made his debut for the side on 29 September 2013 against Rangdajied United F.C. in which he started and played the full 90 minutes as Bengaluru won the match 3–0.[7]

He was signed by Bengaluru FC again in August 2016 for a four-months deal, and was released by the club in November 2016.[8]

Mumbai

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In 2015, Caldeira signed for Mumbai FC

Chennai City

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In 2017, Caldeira was signed by new I-League entrant Chennai City FC and made his first appearance for the club as a substitute in the first game against Minerva Punjab F.C.

In September 2017 he joined ATK of Indian Super League. This was his first ever stint in ISL.[9] He didn't really have an ideal season for ATK and couldn't do anything to turn around their disappointing campaign. He was given a lot of opportunities by manager Ashley Westwood and even though he did well to keep things moving in midfield, he lacked an attacking spark.

Mohun Bagan

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In July 2018 it was announced that Mohun Bagan have signed caldeira for the upcoming Calcutta Football League & I-League seasons.[10]

Final years at Kerala Blasters

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In 2019, Caldeira was signed by Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters. He was affected by a sports injury, and only made one appearance during the season. At the age of 33, he retired from professional on 31 December 2020.[11]

Career statistics

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As of 31 May 2016[12]
Club Season League Federation Cup Durand Cup AFC Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Bengaluru FC 2013–14 15 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 16 0
2014–15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mumbai FC 2015–16 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Bengaluru FC 2016–17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career total 17 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 18 0

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Darren Caldeira". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d "Darren Caldeira". Football Database. Archived from the original on 10 March 2017. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  3. ^ Release, Press (30 January 2023). "ISL 2023: Albert Roca join Bengaluru FC as new Technical Consultant - Check Out". www.insidesport.in. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  4. ^ "Player profile: Darren Caldeira". khelnow.com. Archived from the original on 1 March 2023. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  5. ^ Laurie, Carlyle (20 August 2005). "They dared to dream and achieved it". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 March 2017. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  6. ^ "JSW Sports launches Bengaluru FC". The All India Football Federation. Archived from the original on 18 September 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  7. ^ "BENGALURU VS. RANGDAJIED UNITED 3 - 0". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
  8. ^ "Midfielder Alvaro Rubio leaves Bengaluru FC". ESPN. 30 November 2016. Archived from the original on 1 December 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  9. ^ "ATK sign Jaaskelainen, Mohanraj & Darren Caldeira for ISL-4!". arunfoot.com. 1 September 2017. Archived from the original on 7 August 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  10. ^ "Revealed: How Mohun Bagan could lineup next season". khelnow.com. 2 May 2018. Archived from the original on 29 July 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  11. ^ Raghunathan, Abhijit (2 January 2021). "Former Bengaluru FC midfielder Darren Caldeira announces retirement at 33". www.sportskeeda.com. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  12. ^ Darren Caldeira at Soccerway
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