Jeje Lalpekhlua

Born in the small village of Hnahthial, Mizoram, Jeje was born in a football-fanatic family. His father and elder brother played for a local club, while his uncle represented Mizoram in the Santosh Trophy. Four months after his father had retired, Jeje made his debut for his club.

Despite initial hesitation from his parents in pursuing football professionally, on account of his strong performance at the state-organised Wai Wai Cup, Jeje made it to the Mizoram U-19 team. He impressed his coaches at the U-19 selection camp in Gwalior and was selected for the national U-19 qualifiers.

Jeje's talent caught the attention of Pune FC, who signed him up when he was 16.{{cite web|title=Jeje Lalpekhlua: Next Superstar of Indian Football|access-date=25 November 2013|url=http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/jeje-lalpekhlua%E2%80%93pune-fc-striker-is-next-superstar-of-indian-football/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203061116/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/jeje-lalpekhlua%E2%80%93pune-fc-striker-is-next-superstar-of-indian-football/|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=live}} Initially playing in their youth setup, Jeje would make his senior debut for Pune, who were then in the I-League 2nd Division, during the 2009 I-League 2nd Division season. The then 18-year old, scored against Sporting Goa on 17 October 2009 in a 2-2 draw, during the 2009–10 I-League season. He scored again in the same season against Chirag United in a 1-1 draw.

File:Jeje Lalpekhlua.jpg training in 2011.]]

On 1 July 2010, Jeje signed for I-League newcomers Pailan Arrows on a one-year loan basis from parent club Pune for the 2010-11 I-League season. The Pailan Arrows team was only made up of Indian under-19 players.{{cite news|title=Indian National Team: I Would Like To See India Reach The Last Eight Of 2011 Asian Cup – AIFF President Praful Patel|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2696/indian-national-team/2010/09/10/2111155/indian-national-team-i-would-like-to-see-india-reach-the|date=10 September 2010|access-date=3 September 2011|archive-date=13 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913061146/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2696/indian-national-team/2010/09/10/2111155/indian-national-team-i-would-like-to-see-india-reach-the|url-status=live}} During the 2010 Indian Federation Cup, he scored 1 goal for Pailan Arrows in the two games he played. On 3 December 2010, Jeje took part in Pailan Arrows first I-League game, against Chirag United, in a 2-1 loss. On 8 December 2010, Lalpekhlua scored his first ever goal for Pailan Arrows against ONGC FC in a 1-1 draw.{{cite news|title=Jeje's first goal for Pailan Arrows|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/12/08/india/i-league/aiff-xi/ongc/1044762/|date=8 December 2010}} After that, Jeje went on a huge goal-scoring run and earned a lot of praise by many top AIFF personnel. On 13 March 2011, Jeje scored 4 goals against Air India in an I-League match which ended in a 5–2 win.{{cite news|title=Jeje's four goals against Air India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/I-League-Jeje-smashes-four-past-Air-India/articleshow/7698047.cms|date=13 March 2011|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131503/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/I-League-Jeje-smashes-four-past-Air-India/articleshow/7698047.cms|url-status=live}} He again scored 4 goals against Mohun Bagan in a thrilling 5-4 win, on 29 May which also was his last match for the club.{{cite news|title=Jeje's four goals against Mohun Bagan|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/I-League-Arrows-pierce-Bagan/articleshow/8643670.cms|date=29 May 2011|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131506/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/I-League-Arrows-pierce-Bagan/articleshow/8643670.cms|url-status=live}} He finished his stellar season with 13 goals in 15 appearances, also becoming the top-scoring Indian player of the season. On 26 September 2011, he won the FPAI Best Young Player Award for the 2010–11 season, beating out players like Raju Gaikwad and Lenny Rodrigues.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2011/09/26/2684067/fpai-awards-mehtab-hussain-walks-away-with-dual-honours-in|title=Jeje wins Best Young Player Award|date=26 September 2011|access-date=27 September 2011|archive-date=26 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026142733/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2011/09/26/2684067/fpai-awards-mehtab-hussain-walks-away-with-dual-honours-in|url-status=live}}

File:Jeje Lalpekhlua (Indian Arrows).jpg

On 7 July 2011, it was announced that Lalpekhlua was to return to his parent club Pune for the 2011-12 I-League season.{{cite news|title=Jeje set to return to Pune FC|url=https://www.goal.com/en-india/news/141/asia/2011/07/08/2565022/i-league-indian-arrows-star-jeje-lalpekhlua-all-set-to|date=7 July 2011}} Lalpekhlua made his first start and his first overall game for Pune since his return from Pailan Arrows, on 17 September 2011 during the Federation Cup group stage match against Dempo in a 2-1 win.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1773/federation-cup/2011/09/17/2670068/federation-cup-ten-men-pune-fc-register-narrow-win-over|title=Federation Cup: Ten Men Pune FC Register Narrow Win Over Dempo|date=17 September 2011|access-date=17 September 2011|archive-date=25 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925143642/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1773/federation-cup/2011/09/17/2670068/federation-cup-ten-men-pune-fc-register-narrow-win-over|url-status=live}} Jeje then scored his second goal in the Federation Cup on 19 September 2011 against East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium in a 2-1 loss.{{cite news|url=http://www.thesundayindian.com/en/story/east-bengal-scrape-past-pune-fc-wahingdoh-triumph/4/22668/|title=East Bengal scrape past Pune FC|date=19 September 2011|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=31 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111231045638/http://www.thesundayindian.com/en/story/east-bengal-scrape-past-pune-fc-wahingdoh-triumph/4/22668|url-status=live}} Jeje started the 2011–12 I-League season as a regular starter for Pune. In the second game of the season he scored his first goal in the 78th minute to make the score a 1–2 against Sporting Goa, which ended 2–2 on 28 October 2011.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Pune-FC-rally-to-hold-Sporting-Clube-de-Goa-2-2/articleshow/10523093.cms|title=Pune FC 2–2 Sporting Clube De Goa–Home Side Comes Back To Earn A Point|date=29 October 2011|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429054055/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Pune-FC-rally-to-hold-Sporting-Clube-de-Goa-2-2/articleshow/10523093.cms|url-status=live}}

Jeje continued his scoring form in the next match as he scored against Chirag United in what was Pune's first win of the season in a 3–1 win on 1 November 2011.{{cite news|url=https://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2011/11/01/2738230/pune-fc-3-1-chirag-united-kerala-pune-register-their-first|title=Jeje's second goal of the I-League season|date=1 November 2011|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=7 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107003537/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2011/11/01/2738230/pune-fc-3-1-chirag-united-kerala-pune-register-their-first|url-status=live}} He then scored another goal in the I-League against Dempo in the 26th minute on 19 November 2011. Despite the goal, Pune still lost the match 3–1.{{cite news|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/i-league-pune-fc-1-3-dempo-sc-match-report|title=I League:Pune FC 1-3 Dempo SC - Match report|date=19 November 2011|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131514/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/i-league-pune-fc-1-3-dempo-sc-match-report|url-status=live}} On 3 January 2012, Jeje came on as a substitute and scored in the 36th minute against Mohun Bagan in a 2-1 win, which also was his last goal of the season.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Pune-FC-beat-Mohun-Bagan-2-1-in-I-League/articleshow/11354864.cms|title=Pune FC beat Mohun Bagan 2-1 in I-League|date=3 January 2012|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131520/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Pune-FC-beat-Mohun-Bagan-2-1-in-I-League/articleshow/11354864.cms|url-status=live}} He finished the season with 5 goals.

Jeje scored his first goal of the season in the 51st minute, against now dissolved United Sikkim in the 2012 Indian Federation Cup in a 1-0 win, on 20 September 2012.{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/football/pune-fc-edge-past-united-sikkim-1-0-509774.html|title=Pune FC edge past United Sikkim 1-0|date=20 September 2012|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131521/https://www.news18.com/news/football/pune-fc-edge-past-united-sikkim-1-0-509774.html|url-status=live}} Jeje then scored in the club's first game of the 2012-13 I-League season on 8 October 2012, in a 3-2 win against ONGC when he converted from the spot kick.{{cite news|title=Pune FC beat ONGC 3-2 in I-League|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Pune-FC-beat-ONGC-3-2-in-I-League/articleshow/16729080.cms|date=8 October 2012|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131519/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Pune-FC-beat-ONGC-3-2-in-I-League/articleshow/16729080.cms|url-status=live}} He again scored 3 days after, against Mumbai in another 3-2 win. He made his final appearance for the club against Air India on 28 April 2012.{{cite news|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/football/i-league-pune-fc-thrash-air-india-4-0-1537422|title=Jeje's final appearance|date=28 April 2013|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131513/https://sports.ndtv.com/football/i-league-pune-fc-thrash-air-india-4-0-1537422|url-status=live}} He finished the I-League season with 5 goals in 19 appearances.

On 15 June 2013, Jeje signed for Dempo on a two-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2013/06/14/4048769/jeje-lalpekhlua-completes-dream-move-to-dempo-sc?ICID=OP|title=Jeje completes 'dream' move to Dempo SC|date=15 June 2013|access-date=16 June 2013|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924144228/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2013/06/14/4048769/jeje-lalpekhlua-completes-dream-move-to-dempo-sc?ICID=OP|url-status=live}} Jeje made his debut for the Goan side during the 2013-14 I-League season, on 22 September 2013 against Shillong Lajong, in which he came on as a substitute for Mandar Rao Dessai in the 55th minute, as Dempo lost the match 3-0.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Shillong-Lajong-FC-beat-Dempo-SC-3-0-in-a-match-of-the-I-League-on-Sunday/articleshow/22897804.cms|title=Jeje's debut for Dempo|website=The Times of India |date=22 September 2013}} He scored his first goal of the club, a week later, against Mumbai in a 1-1 draw.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Mumbai-FC-rally-to-hold-Dempo-1-1-in-I-League/articleshow/23274813.cms|title=Jeje's first goal for Dempo|website=The Times of India |date=29 September 2013|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131521/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Mumbai-FC-rally-to-hold-Dempo-1-1-in-I-League/articleshow/23274813.cms|url-status=live}} He scored his 5th and final goal for the club against his former club Pune, on 28 April 2014 in a 3-0 win.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Dempo-thrash-Pune-FC-3-0-to-finish-fourth-in-I-League/articleshow/34341182.cms|title=Jeje's last goal for Dempo|website=The Times of India |date=28 April 2014|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=23 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523062956/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Dempo-thrash-Pune-FC-3-0-to-finish-fourth-in-I-League/articleshow/34341182.cms|url-status=live}}

On 28 May 2014, it was announced that Jeje would sign a one-year deal with Mohun Bagan.{{cite web|title=Mohun Bagan confirm the signing of Jeje Lalpekhlua|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2014/05/28/4845654/mohun-bagan-confirm-the-signing-of-jeje-lalpekhlua?ICID=SP|date=28 May 2014|access-date=28 May 2014|archive-date=9 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709004411/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2014/05/28/4845654/mohun-bagan-confirm-the-signing-of-jeje-lalpekhlua?ICID=SP|url-status=live}} On 11 August 2014, Jeje scored in his debut, in the 41st minute by earning and converting a penalty, in what proved to be the only goal in a 1–0 win in a match against Tollygunge Agragami in the Calcutta Football League.{{cite web|date=11 August 2014|title=Mohun Bagan 1–0 Tollygunge Agragami: The Mariners kick off with a win in the Calcutta Football League|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2014/08/11/5027327/mohun-bagan-1-0-tollygunge-agragami-the-mariners-kick-off-with-a-?ICID=SP|access-date=13 August 2014|archive-date=16 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216184104/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2014/08/11/5027327/mohun-bagan-1-0-tollygunge-agragami-the-mariners-kick-off-with-a-?ICID=SP|url-status=live}} On 11 August 2014, Jeje scored in his debut, in the 41st minute by earning and converting a penalty, in what proved to be the only goal in a 1–0 win in a match against Tollygunge Agragami in the Calcutta Football League.{{cite web|date=11 August 2014|title=Mohun Bagan 1–0 Tollygunge Agragami: The Mariners kick off with a win in the Calcutta Football League|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2014/08/11/5027327/mohun-bagan-1-0-tollygunge-agragami-the-mariners-kick-off-with-a-?ICID=SP|access-date=13 August 2014|archive-date=16 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216184104/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2014/08/11/5027327/mohun-bagan-1-0-tollygunge-agragami-the-mariners-kick-off-with-a-?ICID=SP|url-status=live}}

In 1 September 2014, Jeje was loaned out to Chennaiyin for the inaugural 2014 ISL season by Mohun Bagan.{{cite web|title=Jeje's signs for Chennaiyin on loan|url=https://www.india.com/sports/chennaiyin-fc-isl-team-profile-indian-super-league-2014-teams-and-player-details-167082/|date=1 September 2014|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129123314/https://www.india.com/sports/chennaiyin-fc-isl-team-profile-indian-super-league-2014-teams-and-player-details-167082/|url-status=live}} On 15 October 2014, Jeje made his debut for the club against Goa, coming on as a substitute for Balwant Singh in the 80th minute. He scored his first goal for the club on 28 October 2014, against Mumbai City in the 26th minute in a thumping 5-1 win.{{cite web|title=Jeje's first goal for Chennaiyin|url=https://www.india.com/sports/isl-2014-elano-and-mendoza-brace-powers-chennaiyin-fc-to-5-1-victory-over-mumbai-city-fc-182162/|date=28 October 2014|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131506/https://www.india.com/sports/isl-2014-elano-and-mendoza-brace-powers-chennaiyin-fc-to-5-1-victory-over-mumbai-city-fc-182162/|url-status=live}} On 16 December 2014, Jeje scored a crucial goal for Chennaiyin against Kerala Blasters in the 2nd leg of the 2014 Indian Super League playoffs semi-final, which took the game to extra time. Chennaiyin won the game by 3-1, but failed to qualify for the finals on aggregate.{{cite web|title=Kerala Blasters FC Beat Chennaiyin FC 4-3 to Advance to ISL Final|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/2014/dec/16/kerala-blasters-fc-beat-chennaiyin-fc-4-3-to-advance-to-isl-final-695011.html|date=16 December 2014|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107220850/https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/2014/dec/16/Kerala-Blasters-FC-Beat-Chennaiyin-FC-4-3-to-Advance-to-ISL-Final-695011.html|url-status=live}} He finished the season with 4 goals in 13 appearances, which also made him the India top-scorer of the season.

On 31 December 2014, Jeje returned to his parent club Mohun Bagan after his loan spell with Chennaiyin for the 2014–15 I-League season. On 28 January 2015, he made his I-League debut for Mohun Bagan against Salgaocar, coming on a substitute for Balwant Singh in the 76th minute in a 0-0 draw.{{cite web|title=Salgaocar FC 0-0 Mohun Bagan: Goans held to a goalless draw|url=https://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2015/01/28/8367802/salgaocar-fc-0-0-mohun-bagan-goans-held-to-a-goalless-draw|date=28 January 2015}} He scored his only goal of the 2014-15 I-League season against his former club Pune on 25 April 2015 in a 2-0 win.{{cite web|title=I-League: Mohun Bagan beat Pune FC 2-0|website=The Statesman |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/sports/i-league-mohun-bagan-beat-pune-fc-2-0-59529.html|date=25 April 2015|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131519/https://www.thestatesman.com/sports/i-league-mohun-bagan-beat-pune-fc-2-0-59529.html|url-status=live}}

Jeje was retained by Chennaiyin for the 2015 Indian Super League season.{{cite web|date=15 May 2015|title=Chennayin FC Retain Top Home-grown Players for 2015 ISL|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league/chennayin-fc-retain-top-home-grown-players-for-2015-isl-1500497|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131521/https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league/chennaiyin-fc-retain-top-home-grown-players-for-2015-isl-1500497|url-status=live}} He scored his first goal of the season in the opening match on 3 October 2015, against defending champions ATK in a 3-2 loss.{{cite web|title=ISL: Postiga brace gives ATK 3-2 win over Chennaiyin in opener|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/isl-postiga-brace-gives-atk-3-2-win-over-chennaiyin-in-opener-266219-2015-10-03|date=3 October 2015|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131522/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/isl-postiga-brace-gives-atk-3-2-win-over-chennaiyin-in-opener-266219-2015-10-03|url-status=live}} He scored his first career ISL brace against then ISL club Delhi Dynamos on 24 November 2015 in a 4-0 thrashing.{{cite web|title=Chennai thrash Delhi 4-0 in ISL|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/chennaiyin-thrash-delhi-4-0-in-isl-115112401334_1.html|date=24 November 2015|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125194835/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/chennai-thrash-delhi-4-0-in-isl-115112401334_1.html|url-status=live}} He also scored in the 1st leg of the semi-final playoffs against ATK on 12 December 2015 in a 3-0 win.{{cite web|title=ISL 2015 semi-final: Chennaiyin FC thrash Atletico de Kolkata 3-0 in first leg|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-2015-semi-final-chennaiyin-fc-thrash-atletico-de-kolkata-3-0-first-leg|date=12 December 2015|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=14 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151214162944/http://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-2015-semi-final-chennaiyin-fc-thrash-atletico-de-kolkata-3-0-first-leg|url-status=live}} He played in the 2015 Indian Super League Final on 20 December 2015, winning the 2015 ISL title for the first time.{{cite web|title=Chennai beat Goa 3-2 to win ISL|url=https://www.india.com/sports/isl-2015-live-score-updates-fc-goa-vs-chennaiyin-fc-indian-super-league-2015-final-800829/|date=20 December 2015|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=23 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123151639/http://www.india.com/sports/isl-2015-live-score-updates-fc-goa-vs-chennaiyin-indian-super-league-2015-final-800829/|url-status=live}} He finished the season with 6 goals and 3 assists in 11 appearances. He was also chosen as the Emerging Player of the Season.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/slideshow/football-looking-award-winners-season-2-indian-super-league|title=Jeje winning Emerging Player award|date=21 December 2015|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=15 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415222334/http://www.sportskeeda.com/slideshow/football-looking-award-winners-season-2-indian-super-league|url-status=live}} Jeje scored 9 goals from 20 appearances in the 2017–18 Indian Super League including twice in the playoffs semil-final against Goa. Chennai won their second ISL title with a 3–2 win over Bengaluru in the final and Jeje become the first Indian season top-scorer of the club.{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/isl-semi-final-chennaiyin-fc-ease-past-fc-goa-4-1-over-2-legs-to-reach-final-1188563-2018-03-13|title=ISL semi-final: Chennaiyin FC ease past FC Goa 4-1 over 2 legs to reach final|publisher=India Today|date=13 March 2018|access-date=30 November 2021|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130184709/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/sports/football/story/isl-semi-final-chennaiyin-fc-ease-past-fc-goa-4-1-over-2-legs-to-reach-final-1188563-2018-03-13|url-status=live}} 2018–19 Indian Super League season saw a drop in Jeje's form as he only managed to score a single goal in 16 appearances while Chennai finished the season bottom of the table. Jeje missed whole 2018–19 season due to a major knee injury.{{cite web|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/coronavirus-outbreak-jeje-lalpkhlua-chennaiyin-fc-indian-super-league-2019-20-isl-news/article31142414.ece/|title=Jeje: Comeback postponement a setback, but no complaints in current situation|publisher=Sportstar|date=23 March 2020|access-date=30 November 2021|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130184708/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/coronavirus-outbreak-jeje-lalpkhlua-chennaiyin-fc-indian-super-league-2019-20-isl-news/article31142414.ece/amp/|url-status=live}} On 8 September 2020, Jeje announced his exit from the club after six years of association.{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/sports/indian-football-jeje-lalpekhlua-announces-exit-from-chennaiyin-fc-with-emotional-post-2858567.html|title=Indian Football: Jeje Lalpekhlua Announces Exit from Chennaiyin FC with Emotional Post|publisher=NEWS18|date=8 September 2020|access-date=30 November 2021|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130190212/https://www.news18.com/amp/news/sports/indian-football-jeje-lalpekhlua-announces-exit-from-chennaiyin-fc-with-emotional-post-2858567.html|url-status=live}}

file:Jeje Lalpekhlua (India U23).jpg

On 8 January 2016, Jeje was loaned to Mohun Bagan by parent club Chennaiyin for the 2015-16 I-League campaign.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/chennaiyin-fc-loan-seven-players-to-2015-16-hero-i-league|title=Chennaiyin FC loan seven players to 2015-16 Hero I-League |date=8 January 2016|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131527/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/chennaiyin-fc-loan-seven-players-to-2015-16-hero-i-league|url-status=live}} On his return, he scored his first goal against Tampines Rovers in the preliminary round of the qualifying stage for the 2016 AFC Champions League group stage, which ended in a 3-1 win.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Mohun-Bagan-create-history-beat-Tampines-Rovers-in-AFC-Champions-League-qualifiers/articleshow/50746911.cms|title=Mohun Bagan create history, beat Tampines Rovers in AFC Champions League qualifiers|website=The Times of India |date=27 January 2016|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109060630/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Mohun-Bagan-create-history-beat-Tampines-Rovers-in-AFC-Champions-League-qualifiers/articleshow/50746911.cms|url-status=live}} He then scored his first league goal of the season on 13 February 2016, against eventual champions Bengaluru in a 2-0 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/sports/i-league-mohun-bagan-down-bengaluru-2-0-123411.html|title=I-League: Mohun Bagan down Bengaluru 2-0|website=The Statesman |date=13 February 2016|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717131519/https://www.thestatesman.com/sports/i-league-mohun-bagan-down-bengaluru-2-0-123411.html|url-status=live}} On 24 February 2016, Jeje scored a brace against Maziya in the 2016 AFC Cup group stage match, in a 5-2 drubbing.{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/sports/report/afc-cup-mohun-bagan-drub-maldivian-club-maziya-sports-5-2/20160224.htm|title=AFC Cup: Mohun Bagan drub Maldivian club Maziya Sports 5-2|date=24 February 2016|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=21 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821171005/http://www.rediff.com/sports/report/afc-cup-mohun-bagan-drub-maldivian-club-maziya-sports-5-2/20160224.htm|url-status=live}} He again scored a brace against Yangon United in the 2016 AFC Cup group stage match, on 16 March 2016, in a thrilling 3-2 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/afc-cup-mohun-bagan-edge-past-yangon-united-3-2|title=AFC Cup: Mohun Bagan edge past Yangon United 3-2|date=16 March 2016|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=20 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320222352/http://www.sportskeeda.com/football/afc-cup-mohun-bagan-edge-past-yangon-united-3-2|url-status=live}} He finished the 2015-16 I-League season with 4 goals in 14 appearances, finishing runner-up to Bengaluru in the process. He also had a productive AFC Cup campaign, chipping in with 6 goals in 7 appearances. He started the 2015–16 Indian Federation Cup campaign by scoring a brace against Salgaocar in the quarter-final 1st leg 3-2 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.the-aiff.com/article/jejes-brace-leads-mohun-bagan-to-a-2-3-win-over-salgaocar|title=Jeje's brace leads Mohun Bagan to a 2-3 win over Salgaocar|date=2 May 2016|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=7 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907233751/https://www.the-aiff.com/article/jejes-brace-leads-mohun-bagan-to-a-2-3-win-over-salgaocar|url-status=live}} He then scored a hat-trick against Shillong Lajong in the semi-final 1st leg 5-0 drubbing, on 8 May 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.the-aiff.com/article/jeje-hat-trick-leads-bagan-to-5-0-win-over-lajong|title=Jeje hat-trick leads Bagan to 5-0 win over Lajong|date=8 May 2016|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=7 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907231603/https://www.the-aiff.com/article/jeje-hat-trick-leads-bagan-to-5-0-win-over-lajong|url-status=live}} On 21 May 2016, he capped off his exceptional season with Mohun Bagan, by scoring in the final against Aizawl and winning his first Federation Cup trophy. He was adjudged as the top goal-scorer of the 2015-16 Indian Federation Cup campaign with 8 strikes. He was named as the Best Indian Player by his fellow professionals for his stupendous 2016-17 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2016/04/25/22770412/indian-football-awards-jeje-lalpekhlua-named-best-indian|title=Indian Football Awards: Jeje Lalpekhlua named Best Indian Player|date=6 June 2016|access-date=6 June 2016|archive-date=31 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531102052/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2016/04/25/22770412/indian-football-awards-jeje-lalpekhlua-named-best-indian|url-status=live}}

On 18 October 2020, Jeje joined East Bengal on a one-year deal ahead of the 2020–21 Indian Super League season.{{cite web|url=https://khelnow.com/football/isl-2020-21-sc-east-bengal-sign-jeje-lalpekhlua|title=Official: SC East Bengal rope in experienced striker Jeje Lalpekhlua|publisher=Khel Now|date=18 October 2020|access-date=30 November 2021|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130122842/https://khelnow.com/football/isl-2020-21-sc-east-bengal-sign-jeje-lalpekhlua|url-status=live}} He scored in a 6–5 loss against Odisha.{{cite news|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league/odisha-fc-edge-out-sc-east-bengal-to-win-highest-scoring-match-in-isl-history-2380178|title=Odisha FC Edge Out SC East Bengal To Win Highest-Scoring Match In ISL History|website=sports.ndtv|date=27 February 2021|access-date=30 November 2021|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130122844/https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league/odisha-fc-edge-out-sc-east-bengal-to-win-highest-scoring-match-in-isl-history-2380178/amp/1|url-status=live}}

File:Zohib Islam Amiri (in red uniform) vs Jeje Lalpekhlua (in blue uniform).jpg in 2011]]

On 23 February 2011, Lalpekhlua played his first international game and scored his first goal for the Indian U-23 team in the 2–1 victory over Myanmar.{{cite news | url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2715/india-colts/2011/02/23/2365702/pre-olympic-qualifiers-india-2-1-myanmar-desmond-bulpins | work=goal.com | first=Rahul | last=Bali | title=Pre-Olympic Qualifiers: India 2–1 Myanmar – Desmond Bulpin's Side Win First Leg But Asean Outfit Score Crucial Away Goal | date=23 February 2011 | access-date=3 September 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430022521/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2715/india-colts/2011/02/23/2365702/pre-olympic-qualifiers-india-2-1-myanmar-desmond-bulpins | archive-date=30 April 2011 | url-status=live }} On 21 March 2011, Lalpekhlua made his senior debut in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualification match against Chinese Taipei and also scored his first goal.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/57989/india-vs-chinese-taipei/report |work=goal.com |title=AFC Challenge Cup 2012 Qualifiers: India 3–0 Chinese Taipei – Perfect Start For Team India |date=21 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714173241/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/57989/india-vs-chinese-taipei/report |archive-date=14 July 2011 }} On 23 March 2011, Lalpekhlua scored two more goals in his second match against Pakistan, also in the Challenge Cup qualifiers.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/57800/pakistan-vs-india/report |work=goal.com |title=AFC Challenge Cup 2012 Qualifiers: Pakistan 1–3 India – Great Second Half Comeback By Team India |date=23 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714185439/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/57800/pakistan-vs-india/report |archive-date=14 July 2011 }} On 25 March, he scored the fourth goal of his senior international career in a draw against Turkmenistan.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/57801/turkmenistan-vs-india/report |work=goal.com |title=AFC Challenge Cup 2012 Qualifiers: Turkmenistan 1–1 India – Jeje Scores Again As Unbeaten Team India Win Group B |date=25 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912235929/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/57801/turkmenistan-vs-india/report |archive-date=12 September 2011 }} On 28 July 2011, Lalpekhlua scored a goal in a 2–2 draw against the United Arab Emirates in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification phase. The draw was a historic moment, but it wasn't enough to help India advance as they lost 3–0 in the first leg.{{cite news | url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/63599/india-vs-uae/report | work=goal.com | first=Rahul | last=Bali | title=India 2–2 (2–5 aggregate) UAE: A Two Goal Fight Back Not Enough For Armando Colaco's Boys To Keep The 2014 World Cup Dream Alive | date=28 July 2011 | access-date=3 September 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016220624/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/63599/india-vs-uae/report | archive-date=16 October 2012 | url-status=live }} Then, on 16 November 2011, Lalpekhlua scored against Malaysia in a 3–2 friendly win.{{cite news | url=http://the-aiff.com/pages/news/index.php?N_Id=2835 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715081034/http://the-aiff.com/pages/news/index.php?N_Id=2835 | url-status=dead | archive-date=15 July 2012 | work=the-aiff.com | first=Upender | last=Singh | title=Chhetri's brace seals it for India | date=16 November 2011 }} After impressing in a trial with Rangers of Scotland, Lalpekhlua participated in his first competitive tournament, the SAFF Cup and started the first match of the tournament against Afghanistan on 3 December 2011.{{cite news | url=http://the-aiff.com/pages/news/index.php?N_Id=2858 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718112545/http://the-aiff.com/pages/news/index.php?N_Id=2858 | url-status=dead | archive-date=18 July 2012 | work=the-aiff.com | first=Upender | last=Singh | title=India split points with Afghanistan; Sri Lanka win | date=3 December 2011 }} His first goal did not come until 7 December 2011, when he scored against Sri Lanka.{{cite news | url=http://the-aiff.com/pages/news/index.php?N_Id=2870 | work=the-aiff.com | first=Nilanjan | last=Datta | title=Clinical India romp into SAFF Championship semis | date=7 December 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715140226/http://the-aiff.com/pages/news/index.php?N_Id=2870 | archive-date=15 July 2012 | df=dmy-all }} Then, he followed it up by scoring in the final as India defeated Afghanistan 4–0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on 11 December 2011.{{cite news | url=http://the-aiff.com/pages/news/index.php?N_Id=2874 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716023802/http://the-aiff.com/pages/news/index.php?N_Id=2874 | url-status=dead | archive-date=16 July 2012 | work=the-aiff.com | first=Nilanjan | last=Datta | title=The march is on – India defend title with ease | date=11 December 2011 }}

In a historic 1–4 win against Thailand at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, he scored the fourth and last goal of the match. However, India lost their next two matches and were eliminated in the group stage.

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In March 2023 Lalpekhlua joined the Zoram People's Movement to contest in the 2023 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election where he won with 5,468 votes.{{Cite news |title=South Tuipui assembly election results 2023: ZPM's Jeje Lalpekhlua wins |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/south-tuipui-assembly-election-results-2023-zpms-jeje-lalpekhlua-leading-with-4203-votes-mnfs-dr-r-lalthangliana-and-incs-c-laldintluanga-trailing-behind/articleshow/105715482.cms |access-date=2024-02-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

{{blockquote|Becoming an MLA was not my dream. All I wanted to see is an end to poverty and hunger. Until I retired from professional football, I was not interested in politics. Even when I was playing for clubs and the country, political parties invited me but I rejected their offers}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/jeje-lalpekhlua-profile-know-all-about-former-india-footballer-who-beat-mizoram-health-minister-in-2023-assembly-elections-news-334951|title=Jeje Lalpekhlua Profile: Know All About Former India Footballer Who Beat Mizoram Health Minister In 2023 Assembly Elections|access-date=25 May 2024}}

Statistics accurate as of 8 October 2021{{Cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/jeje-lalpekhlua/100674/ |title=India – J. Lalpekhlua – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway |access-date=20 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218092532/http://int.soccerway.com/players/jeje-lalpekhlua/100674/ |archive-date=18 December 2017 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.soccerpunter.com/players/100674-Jeje-Lalpekhlua |title=Jeje Lalpekhlua – Profile and Statistics – SoccerPunter.com |access-date=11 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513095150/http://www.soccerpunter.com/players/100674-Jeje-Lalpekhlua |archive-date=13 May 2015 |url-status=live }}

{{Updated|14 January 2019}}{{NFT player|id=42684|name=UJeje Lalpekhlua|accessdate=13 July 2019}}

{{Updated|6 January 2019}}

:Scores and results list India's goal tally first.{{Soccerway|jeje-lalpekhlua/100674}}

India

• SAFF Championship: 2011, 2015; runner-up: 2013
• Tri-Nation Series: 2017
• Intercontinental Cup: 2018

India U23

• SAFF Championship: 2009

Mohun Bagan

• I-League: 2014–15
• Federation Cup: 2015–16

Chennaiyin

• Indian Super League: 2015
• Indian Super League: 2017–18

Individual

• FPAI Best Young Player Award: 2010–11
• AIFF Emerging Player of the Year: 2013
• Indian Super League Emerging Player of the League: 2015
• Federation Cup Top Goalscorer: 2015–16
• Federation Cup Best Player: 2015–16
• FPAI Indian Player of the Year: 2015–16
• AIFF Player of the Year: 2016
• Indian Super League Fans' Player of the Month: December 2017{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/player-of-the-month|title=The official Website of the Hero Indian Super League Fans' Player of the Month|work=Indian Super League|access-date=2018-01-04|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105011722/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/player-of-the-month|archive-date=5 January 2018|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist|2}}

{{Portal|India|Biography|Association football}}

• {{Twitter|jejefanai}}
• {{WorldFootball}}
• {{NFT player}}
• {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524165406/http://www.goal.com/en-india/people/india/21723/jeje-lalpekhlua |title=Jeje Lalpekhlua – Goal.com }}
• {{Soccerway}}
• {{GSA player|jeje-lalpekhlua/57838}}

{{Indian Super League Emerging Player of the League}}

{{India squad 2019 AFC Asian Cup}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lalpekhlua, Jeje}}

Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Lunglei district

Category:Mizo people

Category:Indian men's footballers

Category:Footballers from Mizoram

Category:I-League players

Category:India men's international footballers

Category:India men's youth international footballers

Category:Pune FC players

Category:Indian Arrows players

Category:Dempo SC players

Category:Mohun Bagan Super Giant players

Category:Indian Super League players

Category:21st-century Indian sportsmen

Category:Chennaiyin FC players

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:Footballers at the 2010 Asian Games

Category:2019 AFC Asian Cup players

Category:Asian Games competitors for India

Category:Zoram People's Movement politicians

Category:Mizoram MLAs 2023–2028