How Shyam Thapa Escaped East Bengal and Joined Mohun Bagan to Play Against Pelé

Shyam Thapa was one of the most glamorous and charismatic figures in Indian football during the 1970s. His name carried a unique aura, and whenever the transfer market opened, both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal were eager to secure his services.

But before the 1977 season, one of the most dramatic transfer sagas in Indian football history unfolded—a story filled with intrigue, suspense, and a daring midnight escape. Years later, Shyam himself recounted the remarkable tale.

The Pelé Factor

In 1977, the football world was buzzing with excitement because Pelé was coming to Kolkata.

The legendary Brazilian's club, the New York Cosmos, was scheduled to play against Mohun Bagan. The visit was made possible largely through the efforts of Mohun Bagan official Dhiren Dey.

For Shyam, the prospect of sharing the field with Pelé was irresistible.

Recalling the moment, he said:

"One day Dhiren Dey called me to his house and asked, 'Will you play for Mohun Bagan? Whatever you want, I'll give you. And one more thing—I'm bringing Pelé to Kolkata. You'll get to play against him.' I was stunned. Play against Pelé? I immediately gave him my word."

East Bengal Tightens Security

Soon after, Shyam traveled to Patna to participate in the Santosh Trophy. By then, word had reached East Bengal FC that he might leave the club.

Determined not to lose their star striker, East Bengal officials kept a close watch on him.

Shyam was sharing a hotel room with Pradip Chowdhury, a Mohun Bagan player. Outside the room, however, three East Bengal representatives were effectively guarding him. Wherever he went, they followed.

He found himself trapped.

The Midnight Escape

Then Shyam noticed something.

There was a back door connected to the bathroom.

What followed sounds more like a scene from a movie than a football transfer.

"I couldn't get out. Every time I left the room, East Bengal officials followed me. Then I discovered a door behind the bathroom. Late at night, I took my suitcase and slipped out through it."

But escaping the hotel was only half the challenge.

Behind the building stood a high boundary wall.

"I wondered how I would get over it. Then I saw some bricks lying nearby. I stacked them up, climbed onto them, and first threw my luggage over the wall. Mohun Bagan officials were waiting with a car on the other side."

With no turning back, Shyam climbed the makeshift platform and jumped.

"I landed awkwardly and hurt my foot badly. But after that, I was gone—with Mohun Bagan."

The Search Begins

The next morning, East Bengal officials discovered that their prized player had vanished.

According to Shyam:

"When they realized I had left, they started looking for me in places like Delhi and Dehradun. But by then I had already traveled by car to Varanasi and then to Mussoorie."

Despite the dramatic escape, he admitted feeling guilty about leaving East Bengal in such a manner.

"I felt bad for East Bengal. But the chance to play against Pelé was simply too great to ignore."

A Hero's Welcome

Mohun Bagan ensured that Shyam was heavily protected when he finally returned to Kolkata.

The excitement surrounding his signing was enormous.

"Around five thousand people gathered when I went to sign. Many East Bengal supporters were there too. They wanted to see whether I was really leaving."

Among the crowd, one familiar voice stood out.

"Shankar Baba was calling out, 'Shyam! Shyam!' Seeing him broke my heart. He loved us like his own children. I shouted back, 'Don't be sad. I'll come back again.'"

A Place in Both Histories

The move achieved its purpose. Shyam fulfilled his dream of playing against Pelé when Mohun Bagan faced the New York Cosmos in one of the most famous matches in Indian football history.

He then spent the next seven to eight years with Mohun Bagan, becoming an integral part of the club's story.

Today, Shyam Thapa occupies a unique place in Kolkata football history. He is remembered not only as an East Bengal legend but also as a beloved Mohun Bagan icon. Few players have earned such affection from supporters of both clubs.

Now a long-time resident of Kolkata, Shyam still looks back fondly on those golden years—the packed stadiums, the fierce rivalries, and the unforgettable night when he climbed a wall, escaped into the darkness, and chased a dream called Pelé.