The Kerala football community is in deep mourning after the sudden passing of Calicut FC defender Rijohn Jose in a motorbike accident in Kozhikode, India. Jose, 29, lost his life following a road accident on the Gandhi Road flyover near Christian College. He had been riding a motorcycle alongside his Calicut FC teammate Gani Ahammed Nigam when their bike collided with another motorcycle.
According to reports, the collision occurred at around 10:40 pm on Sunday, and the force of the impact threw both players onto the road. Jose sustained severe chest injuries and was taken to hospital immediately, but doctors were unable to save him. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Nigam, who also represents Kerala in the Santosh Trophy, sustained injuries and was still receiving treatment following the incident.
Rijohn Jose had carved out a steady career in Kerala's domestic football circuit. He started his professional journey with FC Deccan before going on to represent Wayanad United, Sreebhumi FC, and George Telegraph SC. He later joined Forca Kochi, featuring in the first two editions of the Super League Kerala, before making the switch to Calicut FC ahead of the 2026 season.
During his time at Calicut FC, Jose was part of the squad that clinched the inaugural Super League Kerala title in 2024, defeating Forca Kochi 2-1 in the final. His death came just days before Calicut FC's new Super League Kerala season was set to kick off on September 25. The Kerala football community is in shock, and his teammates and coaches are paying their tributes to the late defender.
Jose's death has sent shockwaves through the football community, with many paying their respects to the 29-year-old. His teammates and coaches have expressed their condolences, describing him as a talented and dedicated player. The incident has also raised concerns about road safety, particularly for motorcyclists.
Gani Ahammed Nigam, who was also involved in the accident, is still receiving treatment for his injuries. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, and a report is expected to be released soon. The football community is rallying around Nigam and Jose's family during this difficult time.
The sudden passing of Rijohn Jose is a significant loss for the Kerala football community, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and uncertainties of life, and the importance of cherishing the time we have with loved ones.
Key points
- Calicut FC defender Rijohn Jose dies in motorbike accident in Kozhikode, India
- Jose was part of the Calicut FC squad that won the inaugural Super League Kerala title in 2024
- The Kerala football community is in mourning after Jose's sudden passing
