Indian footballer Rahul KP is set to don the iconic West Ham United jersey—but not in the way you might think. The rising star will represent the Premier League club in a high-profile seven-a-side tournament in the United States, marking a historic moment for Indian football.

Quick Read

• Rahul KP becomes the first Indian footballer to represent West Ham United in any capacity.

• He will play in The Soccer Tournament (TST), a seven-a-side competition held in the USA.

• The 25-year-old currently plays for Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL).

• Rahul has earned 7 caps for the Indian national team, also known as the Blue Tigers.

• His selection is a significant step for Indian football on the global stage.

On Friday, West Ham United—a club with a rich legacy in England’s Premier League—officially welcomed Rahul Kannoly Praveen, popularly known as Rahul KP, into their fold for a unique international challenge. He’ll be representing the Hammers in The Soccer Tournament (TST), a fast-paced, seven-a-side football tournament in the United States that draws clubs and players from all over the world.

While this isn’t a Premier League call-up in the traditional sense, make no mistake—this is still a massive milestone.

Who is Rahul KP?

If you’re not already familiar with Rahul KP, let’s catch you up.

Rahul is a dynamic, pacey winger known for his explosive runs, agility, and sharp footwork. He currently plays for Odisha FC in the Indian Super League, where he’s steadily built a reputation as one of India’s most promising young footballers. At just 25 years old, he has already represented India at the international level on seven occasions.

Rahul has been in the spotlight in Indian football circles for a while now, but this move gives him—and Indian football—a much broader audience.

Rahul’s Message to West Ham Fans

Shortly after the announcement, West Ham United shared a short video on their official channels featuring Rahul. In it, he greeted fans with genuine excitement:

“Hello, Hammers fans, it’s Rahul KP here. I’m excited to play for West Ham United at TST this summer. See you soon. Come on you Irons.”

For fans of Indian football, hearing those words from Rahul while wearing a West Ham shirt is bound to spark a sense of pride.

What is The Soccer Tournament (TST)?

If you’re wondering what exactly TST is, here’s a quick primer:

• The Soccer Tournament is a seven-a-side competition with fast-paced action and shorter matches.

• It’s held annually in the United States and features a mix of clubs, legends, and up-and-coming talents.

• Teams from around the globe—including Europe, South America, and Asia—compete in a winner-takes-all format.

• The tournament is gaining popularity for its entertainment value and unique team lineups, often blending pros, retired players, and young talents.

West Ham United’s participation this year is part of the club’s efforts to build their global brand—and including a player from India is both symbolic and strategic.

Although the West Ham stint is currently limited to this tournament, it’s a huge networking opportunity and a chance for Rahul to showcase his skills in front of a global audience.

Strong performances here could spark trial offers, training invites, or even future contracts from international clubs.

For now, he’ll return to Odisha FC once the tournament wraps up, but with far more attention on him than ever before.