Roars for Redeem: Shillong celebrates its ISL trailblazer

On Friday, as the NorthEast United FC starting lineup was announced at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, just before kickoff against Mumbai City FC, one name stood out as the clear crowd favourite.

Top-scorer Alaaeddine Ajaraie received an enthusiastic response, but the loudest roar was reserved for local talent Redeem Tlang. After all, he had just made history as the first Shillong-born player to feature in an Indian Super League (ISL) match in his hometown.

Every touch of the ball was met with thunderous cheers, echoing across the rolling hills where his journey had begun. Then, in a moment that made the night even more unforgettable, his family and friends lifted signs high above the crowd — “REDEEM STAYS 2027” — in a heartfelt confirmation of his future with the club.

“I have seen Redeem play since he was a kid. He was so passionate, and he gave his life to football,” Redeem’s cousin, Jasminson Tlang, told Sportstar.

“For us as a family, we never thought he would play in the ISL. We assumed that despite his talent, he would just end up in a village. Because where Redeem comes from, everyone loves football, but no one supports it as a profession,” he added.

Redeem’s journey began at the Shillong Lajong Academy, where he steadily rose through the ranks before securing a loan move to NorthEast United FC during the inaugural ISL season in 2014. However, after making just one appearance for the Highlanders, he returned to Lajong, spending four years with the club and recording four goals and one assist in 42 matches across all competitions.

“I don’t remember exactly when Redeem started playing football. I think he was maybe seven or eight years old at the time,” recalled his father, Ram Hinge.

“Initially, we didn’t allow him to play. At that time, there was no real scope for football in India. But later, after he joined Shillong Lajong, we understood he was capable of playing professionally. However, I gave him one condition: if he wanted to pursue football, he had to be courageous so that his career wouldn’t be spoiled in the future,” he added.

In 2018-19, Redeem returned to NEUFC and played a key role in Eelco Schatorrie’s side, which made history by reaching the knockout stages of the ISL for the first time. Despite losing to Bengaluru FC in the semifinals, his performances drew attention from other clubs. In 2020, he joined FC Goa, where he won his first major trophy — the Durand Cup — before moving to Odisha FC on loan the following season.

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, Redeem returned to NEUFC for a third stint and cemented his place in Juan Pedro Benali’s squad. Under the Spaniard’s guidance, he transitioned into a deeper role as a right-back, where he found success, lifting the Durand Cup for the second time last August.

Road ahead

After a slow start to the season, Redeem has started in NEUFC’s last eight matches. Last month, he also reached a significant milestone, making his 100th ISL appearance against Hyderabad FC.

Despite a 0-2 loss to Mumbai City FC in the first-ever ISL match hosted in Meghalaya, Redeem remained optimistic about the future of football in his home State, especially after witnessing the overwhelming support from the local crowd.

Redeem Tlang of NorthEast United FC during Match No 122 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season played between NorthEast United FC & Mumbai City FC held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on 07th February 2025.
| Photo Credit:
FSDL/ISL

“It is disappointing that we didn’t get the points we deserved despite how hard we played. But that is football, and it’s always good to play in front of my home crowd. I’m glad that Meghalaya is getting the chance to host these games,” he said after the match.

With just four matches remaining in the league phase and NEUFC pushing for a playoff spot for only the third time in its history, Redeem’s long-term commitment to the club is a significant boost, according to head coach Benali.

“Redeem is a vital presence for us, and we’re delighted he’ll remain a part of the NorthEast United family. He began his ISL journey with NEUFC, and we hope he finishes his career here,” Benali said.