Bala Devi becomes first Indian to sign for Rangers FC

In a historic moment for Indian football, Rangers FC have signed Bala Devi on an 18-month deal after a successful spell on trial in November.

Devi, who plays as a striker, is from Manipur Police Sports Club. It makes Devi, the first Indian woman to become a professional footballer anywhere in the world and she also becomes Rangers’ first Asian international footballer.

Dev is the current top scorer for the Indian national women’s team, netting an impressive 52 times in 58 games since 2010, also making her the top international goal scorer in the South Asian region. She has also served as her national team captain in a distinguished international career, which began when she was called up aged just 15.

Devi expressed her delight. She said, “To play my football in Europe with one of the biggest clubs in the world is something I could never have dreamed of.

“I’m looking forward to making the most of the top-class facilities and coaching and I am certain I will benefit immensely from the standard of training and competition.

“I’m very grateful to Amy McDonald, the coaching staff and the entire management at Rangers for believing in me.

“Also, this move wouldn’t have been possible without Bengaluru FC who have been instrumental throughout. I can’t wait to get to Glasgow, join my teammates and give this my best shot.”

Amy McDonald, Women’s and Girls’ Football Manager said, “We are thrilled to welcome Bala to Rangers. She is an exciting signing on so many levels.

“Bala is a playmaker who likes to play as a number 10 and we believe she will contribute goals and assists to the team.

“She will provide us with an attacking threat and a versatility that we can utilise to our benefit going into the 2020 season.

“Her move can be inspirational for players everywhere to show them where football can take them and what it can help them achieve.”