Darren Caldeira
Director of Football, Bengaluru FC
Darren Caldeira is the Director of Football at Bengaluru FC, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. His extensive career spans various roles in Indian and international football, reflecting a deep understanding of the sport from both on-field and strategic perspectives.
Before joining Bengaluru FC, Caldeira earned his reputation as a football commentator and pundit. He has been a prominent voice on channels such as Star Sports and Sports 18, providing insightful commentary and analysis for major tournaments including the Asian Cup Qualifiers, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, and the AFC Cup. His role as a guest speaker on Premier League Today further highlights his influence and expertise in football analysis.
Caldeira’s coaching credentials are equally impressive. He holds Asian Football Confederation ‘B’ and ‘C’ Coaching Licenses and has demonstrated his playing acumen across various teams. Notable achievements in his career as a player include victory in the Indian Super League with ATK FC, the Chennai League title with Chennai City FC, the CFL with Mohun Bagan and the I-League and Federation Cup titles with Bengaluru FC.
His tenure with Mumbai FC also saw success with the team winning the I-League II. Additionally, Caldeira’s involvement with Air India and Mahindra United was marked by victories, including the National Football League and IFA Shield. Caldeira’s international exposure includes training and playing at Valencia CF’s CF Cracks Academy in Spain, which enriched his understanding of global football standards.
As a board member of the Football Players Association of India (FPAI), Caldeira is committed to the development and well-being of football professionals in India. His deep-rooted passion for the sport, combined with his strategic and analytical skills, makes him a pivotal figure in the ongoing evolution and success of Bengaluru FC and the Youth Development programs.