Weekends are for matches, weekdays for hustling…and a little to explore if time and body permits.
At 26, Sarpreet Singh is putting in the hard yards, training in Portugal – where he plays for Uniao de Leiria, to sharpen his skills and stay match-ready.
The All Whites have made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The win sees New Zealand represented at the biggest sporting event in the world for the first time in 16 years, after the iconic 2010 and 1982 campaigns.
With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Singh’s eyes are firmly set on securing a spot, knowing the immense significance it holds for both New Zealand and India.
"The World Cup is a massive event for us. We’re training in full swing and looking forward to it,” Singh tells The Indian Weekender.
The Kiwi-Indian midfielder is not just another name on the team sheet—he’s making a mark, representing New Zealand on the international stage and carrying the hopes of football fans back home.
New Zealand, like cricket, has a passionate football fan base as well. The national football team, known as the All Whites, competes in international tournaments, and Singh has emerged as a crucial part of their midfield.
Born in Auckland to Punjabi parents, Singh recalls his childhood in New Zealand fondly.
“A lot of family, uncles and aunts,” he quips, reminiscing about backyard barbecues and playing sports with his relatives.
Football, however, was more than just a pastime—it was in his blood.
Singh’s mother was the first to recognise his talent. At seven, she enrolled him in the Wynrs Wynton Rufer Soccer Academy, setting him on a path that would lead to professional football. By 17, his career had already begun taking shape, and he soon found himself playing for New Zealand’s U-17 national team.
Singh is also on the brink of history. In 2019, he became the first player of Indian descent to play in the German Bundesliga after being signed by six-time European champions Bayern Munich. Now, as he eyes the FIFA World Cup, he carries the hopes of both New Zealand and the nation of his origin.
If he takes the field, he will become only the second player of Indian heritage—after France’s Vikash Dhorasoo in 2006—to compete in the tournament’s nearly 100-year history.
“As you grow older and start playing professionally, you face challenges—physical strength, conditioning—it’s a big step up,” Singh reflects.
He credits his coaches and teammates for shaping his journey, helping him refine his focus and professionalism.
“Being around some of the best players in the NZ team helped me a lot. They gave me great advice on how to conduct myself on and off the field.”
Singh’s commitment extends beyond training—he pays close attention to his nutrition and recovery, ensuring he remains in peak condition for upcoming matches. “I’ve learnt a lot about my body over the years. Right now, I feel like I’m in a good place in terms of recovery.”
While Singh enjoys life in Portugal, home is never far from his thoughts. “I miss New Zealand’s culture and the peaceful nature of the country, but at this stage in my life, I’m enjoying my time here.”
He is also acutely aware of the expectations placed on him by Indian football fans, as the sport continues to gain traction in the country. “I feel very proud, and I hope to elevate their morale and expectations, as well as my own.”
One of his most memorable experiences was playing against India in 2018. “It was a very good experience,” he recalls, hinting at the deep connection he feels with both nations.
As he continues his football journey, Sarpreet Singh remains a shining example of determination and dedication, inspiring young players across New Zealand and India alike.
ISSUE
