Rahul Raju (born 20 November 2003) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a forward for I-League club Gokulam Kerala and Super League Kerala team Forca Kochi FC.
Club career Youth Born in the football frenzy state of Kerala, Rahul Raju started his career at an early age with the local clubs United Kochin FC and, later, SB FA Poovar of Thiruvananthapuram. He then caught the attention of Bengaluru FC scouts and was roped in by the club for their reserves side in 2021.
Bengaluru Rahul Raju began his senior career at the fourth-tier football of India with Bengaluru FC B at the 2021–22 season of BDFA Super Division. He scored five goals for the club and had one assist to his name.
The reserves side of Bengaluru FC participated in the maiden season of Reliance Foundation Development League in 2022 and it was a tournament to remember for the then-eighteen-year-old as he went on to secure the golden boot in the tournament with seven goals in seven games for the club who became the league premiers.
Gokulam Kerala After tasting success with Bengaluru FC B, Rahul Raju was loaned out for a season, back to his home state of Kerala but this time to the northern part of the state where the I-League club Gokulam Kerala FC is based. Rahul Raju started for the club fifteen times and found back of the net once in the 2022–23 I-League season.
Forca Kochi FC In his debut for Forca Kochi FC, Rahul Raju scored a long-range goal to defeat Malappuram FC in the added time. It was also Forca Kochi’s first home win against Malappuram FC.
International career In May 2025, India under-23 head coach Naushad Moosa listed Rahul Raju in the 29-members probable squad for two friendlies that will be held in Tajikistan in June 2025.
Career statistics Club
ClubSeasonLeagueLeague CupDomestic CupContinentalTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBengaluru B2022RF Development League7700——77Gokulam Kerala (loan)2022–23I-League19130——221Gokulam Kerala2023–240000 40—402024–251210000—121Gokulam Kerala total312304000382Career total389304000459
Honours Bengaluru FC B Reliance Foundation Development League: 2022
Individual 2022 Reliance Foundation Development League: Golden Boot
References
External links Bengaluru FC Profile