Breaking through at 16: Ilan's golden moment

The teenage forward made the most of a rare senior level opportunity, scoring four goals, including two in the final, to claim the Golden Boot.

Two years ago, Mohamed Ilan Imran lit up the Inter School Tournament and the Youth League with his goal scoring magic. Back then, he was already seen as a goal machine. Former Maldives national team striker Shah Ismail even remarked that Ilan possessed all the qualities required to become a top-class forward.

Yet, with the Maldivian football scene mired in corruption, abandoned seasons, and administrative instability, hopes of seeing young talents flourish began to fade.

But when Maziya won the FAM League Cup last night with a commanding 4–0 victory over Odi Sports in a tournament organized to fill the void left by the halted domestic league; Ilan was handed a rare opportunity to prove himself at senior level. And he rose to the occasion.

Scoring four goals in the competition, including two in the final, he not only helped secure the title for Maziya but also claimed the Golden Boot. He played six matches in total, five of them as a substitute, and scored all four goals coming off the bench.

His first goal came against the mighty New Radiant in a commanding 5 to 1 win. The second followed in a 2 to 0 victory over TC Sports.

Still, few expected Ilan to feature in the final, not even as a substitute, considering Maziya’s attack was led by experienced national team strikers.

But coach Luisma Hernández gave the youngster a chance after Maziya went up by two early goals. Ilan came on and added the final two, making it 4 to 0. And it wasn’t just the goals that stood out. It was the quality of his finishing that truly marked him as a special talent.

His first goal came after he capitalized on a misplaced pass from an Odi Sports defender. With one opponent in front of him and another closing in, Ilan had the chance to drive toward the box. Odi’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Shafeeu, anticipated a shot to the near post. But Ilan, noticing the far corner was exposed, chose not to rush forward. Instead, he calmly placed the ball past the keeper with impressive composure and tactical awareness.

His second goal was a textbook example of a poacher’s instinct. As Hamza Mohamed (Hampu) dribbled into the box, Ilan read both his teammate’s movement and the positioning of the defenders. Although the pass was slightly ahead of him, Ilan reacted instinctively, slid in to reach the ball, and tapped it into the bottom corner. It was a moment that perfectly captured his hunger, awareness, and finishing ability.

Sobah Mohamed Ibrahim, who coached Ilan during his early development, praised his attitude and work ethic.

“Success is not about how you feel. It’s about what you do. Discipline is key. The ones who succeed are those who push themselves even when they don’t feel like it,” Sobah said.

“Results come from consistency, not convenience. Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone, and that push comes from self discipline. Ilan simply does what needs to be done.”

Shah Ismail, who had earlier called Ilan a player who must be closely followed, also offered some words of advice.

“Keep sniffing around the 18 yard box. I look forward to seeing you play for the senior national team with real responsibility.”

Ilan began his football journey at Early Touch Academy under the guidance of veteran coach Heena Ahmed Saleem. He later joined the youth teams of New Radiant, TC Sports, and Valencia. But it was during the Inter School Tournament that his talent first gained widespread attention. In 2023, at just 14 years old, he scored 13 goals in a 29 to 0 win for Iskandhar School against Ameeniyya, finishing the tournament with an astonishing 38 goals in just six matches.

That same year, while representing Valencia in the FAM Youth League, he netted 35 goals. His performances earned him a trial opportunity with UAE club Al Ain’s youth team.

Also at 14, Ilan was called up to the senior national team and made his Dhivehi Premier League debut for Valencia, where he scored and became the league's youngest ever goal scorer. Last year, he signed for Maziya, widely regarded as one of the most well managed and professionally run clubs in Maldives.

Due to ongoing restructuring efforts at the Football Association, Maziya had no competitive fixtures for much of the season. While preparing for the SAFF Under 19 Championship in India with the national Under 19 squad, Ilan had to miss the final selection to sit for his O Level exams.

That twist of fate opened the door for him to participate in the League Cup.

He seized the moment and turned it into a defining chapter of his young and promising career.