Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Punjab FC Signs Cameroonian Striker Raphael Messi Bouli
Punjab FC has signed a football player named Raphael Messi Bouli.
His surname sounds like Lionel Messi’s name, but they are not related.
Raphael Messi Bouli is from Cameroon.
He is 34 years old and plays as a centre-forward.
He has played football in India before.
With Kerala Blasters, he scored eight goals in 17 matches.
He also played for East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC.
Punjab FC hopes his strength and scoring ability will help the team in the next Indian Super League season.
Punjab FC signed Cameroonian centre-forward Raphael Eric Messi Bouli through May 31, 2027.
The 34-year-old striker has no connection to Argentine football star Lionel Messi.
Messi Bouli previously played for Kerala Blasters, scoring eight goals in 17 appearances during 2019-20.
He also represented East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC in Indian football.
Punjab FC expects his physical strength, aerial ability and penalty-box presence to strengthen its attack for the 2026-27 ISL season.
- Who
- Punjab FC and Cameroonian striker Raphael Eric Messi Bouli.
- What
- Punjab FC signed Messi Bouli on a contract running until May 31, 2027.
- When
- Ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season.
- Where
- The signing concerns Punjab FC in India; Messi Bouli was born in Yaounde, Cameroon.
- Why
- Punjab FC wants his experience, physicality, aerial ability and penalty-box presence to strengthen its attack.
- Player
- Raphael Eric Messi Bouli
- Nationality
- Cameroonian
- Age
- 34
- Position
- Centre-forward
- Contract
- Runs until May 31, 2027
- Previous Indian clubs
- Kerala Blasters, East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC
- Kerala Blasters record
- Eight goals in 17 appearances during the 2019-20 season