Naorem Priyangka Devi stands as a defining figure in the tactical evolution of women’s football in India. A midfielder who combines elegant ball control with a clinical edge in front of goal, she has transitioned from a prolific youth prospect into a cornerstone for both club and country. Currently honored as the FPAI Young Player of the Year for 2025, Priyangka represents a new era of technical mastery, moving beyond raw athleticism to dictate the tempo of matches at the highest level of the game.
At a Glance
- Full Name: Naorem Priyangka Devi
- Date of Birth: April 9, 2003
- Place of Birth: Leikai, Manipur
- Position: Midfielder (Mezzala)
- Current Club: East Bengal FC
- National Team: India
The Story So Far
Born in the footballing powerhouse of Manipur to a farming family, Priyangka Devi’s journey is rooted in resilience and hard work. Growing up in a region that has produced legends like Oinam Bembem Devi and Bala Devi, she developed her technical skills on communal grounds where uneven surfaces demanded a high level of concentration. This upbringing instilled a mental fortitude that has become a hallmark of her professional career.
Priyangka first caught the eye of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) scouting network as a teenager. In 2018, at just 15 years old, she was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) as India secured the SAFF U-15 Women’s Championship. She continued this upward trajectory three years later, finishing as India’s top scorer with four goals at the 2021 SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship, proving she was far more than just a creative midfielder.
Her senior club career began with the Indian Arrows, a developmental side where she was given the freedom to lead. During the 2021-22 season, she produced a staggering nine goals in 11 matches, including a four-goal “poker” against Mata Rukmani FC. This earned her the IWL Emerging Player of the Season award and a high-profile move to Kerala Blasters FC. However, her time in Kerala was cut short when the club paused its women’s operations, a setback she met with professional grace by joining Sethu FC. At Sethu, she proved her clutch ability by scoring a decisive brace against East Bengal FC—a performance so dominant that East Bengal signed her to a permanent two-year contract the following season.
At East Bengal, Priyangka has entered a golden era. In December 2025, she played a vital role in guiding the club to the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship title in Kathmandu. By helping her team keep five consecutive clean sheets while dictating the midfield, she became part of the first generation of Indian women to secure a continental club trophy.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Priyangka Devi is best described as a Mezzala—a central midfielder who thrives in the half-spaces between the center and the wing. Her game is built on a foundation of sublime ball control, allowing her to receive the ball under heavy pressure and turn toward the attack without losing momentum. This technical ability makes her the essential link between the defensive line and the forwards.
Her tactical value is split into three key areas:
- The Creative Hub: She possesses the vision to release pacy wingers into space. In the national team setup, she is often tasked with drawing defenders toward her before playing precise through-balls that unlock opposition defenses.
- The Long-Range Threat: Priyangka is a sniper” from distance. Her 25-yard strike against Jordan in the 2025 Pink Ladies Cup is a testament to her ability to punish teams that drop too deep. This threat forces defenders to step up, which in turn creates space behind them for her teammates to exploit.
- Set-Piece Mastery: She is a specialist in dead-ball situations. Her deadly deliveries from corners and free-kicks provide constant goal-scoring opportunities, making her a vital asset in tight tournament matches.
Despite her technical flair, she maintains a high work rate. Her ability to score goals late in matches, such as her 88th-minute strike against Nita Football Academy in early 2026, highlights elite fitness levels and a professional refusal to switch off before the final whistle.
Future Outlook
Now 23 years old, Priyangka Devi is entering the prime years of her career. Having already conquered regional club football, her next challenge lies in bridging the gap between South Asian football and the powerhouses of East and Central Asia. Her experience in the AFC Women’s Champions League against teams from China and Uzbekistan has provided a blueprint for the speed of thought required at the elite level. As India moves toward the 2027 Asian Cup qualification cycle, Priyangka is no longer just a rising star—she is the standard-bearer for the national team’s midfield.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
Individual Honours
- FPAI Young Player of the Year: 2025
- IWL Emerging Player of the Season: 2021-22
- SAFF U-19 Championship Top Scorer: 2021 (4 goals)
- SAFF U-15 Championship MVP: 2018
Team Honours
- SAFF Women’s Club Championship: Winner (2025, East Bengal)
- SAFF U-15 Women’s Championship: Winner (2018, India)
- National Games Gold Medal: 2022 (Representing Manipur)
The Record (Career Statistics)
| Season | Club | League | Appearances | Goals |
| 2021-22 | Indian Arrows | IWL | 11 | 9 |
| 2022-23 | Kerala Blasters | IWL/KWL | – | – |
| 2023-24 | Sethu FC | IWL | – | 2+ |
| 2024-26 | East Bengal FC | IWL | – | 1+ |
Note: Table reflects available senior league data; Priyangka also holds 15 senior international caps with 3 goals as of February 2025.
