Nikhil Mali (born 11 November 1996) is an Indian professional football and futsal player. He was part of the Delhi FC side which won the inaugural Hero Futsal Club Championship in 2021, in which he was named the most valuable player, having scored 24 goals in 5 matches. Therefore, he was called up for India national futsal team inaugural campaign. He also played for Minerva Academy futsal team.
Youth career
Nikhil Mali is a product of DSK Shivajians - Liverpool FC academy. He joined DSK Shivajians in 2015, after being selected during a trial in Pune. After completing his studies, he made a comeback to professional football.
Club career
Delhi FC
The club participated in the 2021 Durand Cup where Mali played an important role in their run to the quarter-finals, scoring in the 1–5 defeat to Indian Super League team FC Goa.
Hero I-League 2nd Division
Having been nominated by their state association (Football Delhi), Delhi FC were one of 10 teams to compete in 2021 I-League Qualifiers. Mali was part of the Delhi FC team which was placed in group B alongside Kenkre FC, Corbett FC, ARA FC and Kerala United. He appeared in every game and provided 3 assists as Delhi FC topped their group to advance to the final round. However, they finished third and failed to qualify for the Hero I-League.
Futsal Club Championship
Delhi FC was one of 16 teams to take part in the inaugural Futsal Club Championship in November 2021, placed in group C alongside Niaw Wasa FC, Telongjem FC and TRAU FC. Mali scored 15 goals in the group stage, helping Delhi FC qualify for the semifinals where they defeated Mangala Club 12–7. Mali scored 4 goals, adding 5 more in the final as Delhi FC defeated Mohammedan SC 7–2 to be crowned champions. He was named most valuable player and top goal scorer of the tournament. He also won the following edition with Minerva Academy, being awarded the top scorer again, with 25 goals.
Aizawl FC
Having helped Delhi FC win the Delhi Football League, Mali was loaned to Aizawl FC for the 2021–22 I-League.