Mohammed Salim

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Mohammed Abdul Salim (born 1904 in Calcutta, India) was an Indian footballer. Famously the first Asian to play for a British football team during a short but significant spell with Celtic F.C.

After showing amazing skills as an essential member of Calcutta's Mohammedan Sporting Club side in colonial India, a cousin urged Salim to try his hand at European football. In the summer of 1936 Salim arrived in Glasgow by ship. In August of 1936 Salim was signed for Celtic by manager Willie Maley after impressing and winning over doubters in a trial. Mohammed proved to be an extremely skilful and daring winger at Celtic and became popular with the Parkhead faithful during his time in Glasgow. Salim also became famous for playing the game in bandaged bare feet instead of the customary football boots. On his debut in 1937 Salim, in bare feet, proved exceptional helping Celtic win 5-1. In his second match against Galston, Celtic won 7-1 and his performance led the Scottish Daily Express to write: "Indian Juggler - New Style." Ten twinkling toes of Salim, Celtic FC's player from India, hypnotised the crowd at Parkhead. He balanced the ball on his big toe, lets it run down the scale to his little toe, twirls it, and hops on one foot around the defender. Despite the attempts of the club to persuade him to stay Salim left Celtic, feeling deeply home sick, after only a few months. He returned to Calcutta where he continued his career with the Mohammedan Sporting Club. Celtic had discovered a true gem but the culture shock ultimately prevented the Scottish public from witnessing the full extent of this talent.