In the Durand Cup final, NorthEast United defeated Mohun Bagan, earning club owner John Abraham his first major prize.
NorthEast United overcame overwhelming odds to win the dramatic Durand Cup 2024 final against Mohun Bagan. Not only does the team’s owner, John Abraham, deserve the triumph, but so does the team’s hardworking players, coach, and support staff, who lifted the team’s first major trophy for years. With his own funds, the actor became the exclusive owner of NorthEast United when he made the initial purchase in 2013. John let his enthusiasm speak for itself, and it took him 11 years to get the results he wanted, while corporates purchased the majority of the other franchisees.The Durand Cup victory over Mohun Bagan, one of the biggest football teams in the country, is a moment to be remembered even though NorthEast United hasn’t yet won the Indian Super League.
A previously unreleased interview featuring actor John Abraham discussing his yearly losses as NorthEast United’s owner has come to light as Indian football fans celebrate the team’s triumph.
“I incur significant losses (from investing in NUFC) every year.” I am a sole proprietor. Multibillion dollar corporations own the remaining teams. I find it more challenging to compete with them. With great pride, I wish to represent NorthEast United, my team. I love them, yet I cry when they lose.It is entirely my own creation. I hope it gets further and is taken up by someone else. In the footage, John could be heard saying, “I hope I get government backing.”
— John Abraham Universe (@TheJafcians_) September 2, 2024
Yet when NorthEast United overcame Mohun Bagan 4-3 in the Duran Cup final, the actor at last experienced a moment of fulfillment.
“I still haven’t fully processed that I won the Durand Cup.” Ultimately, this serves as a reminder to everyone to never give up, to stick with the squad, and to show support for them not just during wins but also during losses, John stated following the match.c
