Over the last few years, the name Phrangki Buam has become the embodiment of the phrase ‘a hope’ in Indian football. The gaudy numbers add to the awe. Over the last two years, the teenager from Meghalaya trotted his way to 4 Golden Boots with the RFYS League seeing him pummel in 34 goals in just 14 games. 

And in doing so, he has helped Shillong Lajong carve out an identity that promises of not only of a better future in the North East but continued excellence to along with it. However, beyond the dribble and that indomitable spirit that drives this new Gaur, what to know more about Phrangki?

Here are 5 things, you might have not known:

#1 Ronaldo or Messi?

Growing up, the young Phrangki took quickly to the flamboyance of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. As a kid, the new Gaur was taken aback by the skills of the Portuguese maestro as the love affair with football began for the youngster. 

“Well, I became a fan from the very moment I saw him first on the television set. He was just enthralling. His movement, pace and dribbling were mesmerizing. I knew then I wanted to be a football player since then,” remarked Buam. 

“Messi is great and maybe the best player in the world as well, but Cristiano Ronaldo has a special place in my heart. I take great inspiration from his game and work ethic. He was the first person I became a fan of.

“In Indian football, my hero is Sunil Chhetri. He is someone I look up to. He has brought in a wave of professionalism into the game like never before. Quite like me, he is diminutive and uses his attributes to his advantage. I want to emulate him in the days to come.”

#2 Chelsea? Manchester United? Barcelona? Or is it Real?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s introduction in his life not only made his a fan of the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner but also made a Red Devil.

“I would say the initial reason for me falling for Manchester United was Cristiano Ronaldo. He was like the magnet that drew me towards the club,” states the 19-year-old. 

In the years to come, Cristiano Ronaldo would go on to move to Real Madrid in a world-record deal. Phrangki, though remained faithful to his favourite – the Reds of Manchester. 

“You can’t just leave behind the club you love because a player moved out. Yes, I did start supporting Manchester United because of Ronaldo, but as the years go by, you start falling in love with the other aspects of the club. 

“I will support Ronaldo wherever he goes, but Manchester United is the club I support through and through.”

#3 Phrangki’s Dream

Not a car, not a holiday destination and not even meeting with a celebrity. Phrangki’s dream is to build a new house for his family. 

“I come from a very humble background. My father is a farmer and my mother is currently managing the affairs at home. She used to work with the PWD earlier. But that isn’t a regular job,” exclaimed Phrangki.

“I have three sisters and six brothers, all of whom are younger than me. And I feel responsible for giving them a better life and opportunities. This is my dream, this is what fuels my aspirations of making it big. I won’t stop until I do that.”

#4 The man, the supporting hand

Having fallen in love with the game early, it became a big part of Phrangki’s life as he was always seen in around the football ground in his hometown. Even at home, he managed to kick around things to feed his insatiable appetite for the beautiful game. 

The man to help give shape to this obsession and harness his talent was his uncle Ebormi, who is a football player himself.

“It was in 2012 that the Sports Authority of India held trials near my hometown. It was a trial for the U14s and I was just 11 and my mother had instructed me to go for the trials the following as she was afraid that I would get hurt playing with the big boys,” recalls the teenager. 

“It was my uncle who helped convince my parents to let me go to the trials and everything took off from there. He has been a constant support for me and I will be indebted to him for that always.”

Last season, whilst featuring for Lajong in the Shillong Premier League, he went up against his uncle who was featuring in the side for Lashing.

#5 Goals galore

Even though Buam has never appeared for Shillong or Royal Wahingdoh as an out and out striker, he has always known how to send the ball towards the road to the back of the net. 

He was the top scorer for Royal Wahingdoh in the final round of the U15 Youth League back in 2015-16 and has always been on the ascendancy since. The following season saw the youngster feature in both the U16 and U18 Youth Leagues scoring 9 goals in 19 games combined. 

The 2017-18 season saw him take a step further ahead. He scored 7 in 11 in U18 Youth League as he led Shillong to the eventual crown as well.

A season later, he continued to thrive as he scored 27 goals in 33 games in 3 national level tournaments. This included an incredible haul of 15 from 4 games in the RFYS tournament. 

The big bang, though was left for the I-League. He captured the imagination of the nation with his displays in the league as he scored 6 goals en route to becoming the third-highest Indian goalscorer that season. Whilst Shillong experienced a tumultuous season which eventually ended in relegation, Buam had made his biggest mark yet.

Building on the momentum, last season saw him capture 3 Golden Boots. He annihilated opponents in the RFYS tournament, scoring a massive 19 goals in just 9 games en route to the golden boot before top-scoring in the Shillong Premier League and Meghalaya State League with 10 and 14 goals to his name in the respective competitions. 

Playing on loan at FC Bengaluru United, he appeared in 8 games on the 2nd Division League, where he was able to find the back of the net on 3 occasions as well.