Calicut FC player Rijohn Jose dies in Kozhikode road accident

The accident happened hours after Calicut FC announced its squad for the upcoming Super League Kerala season. The team had also begun preparations for the tournament, which starts on September 25.

Calicut FC footballer Rijohn Jose, 29, died after a road accident near Christian College on Gandhi Road in Kozhikode late Sunday night. His teammate and Santosh Trophy player Gani Ahmed Nigam suffered serious injuries in the collision and is undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital. Tragic news from Kozhikode. Calicut FC footballer Rijon Jose, has died after a bike accident near Christian College last night. His teammate Gani Ahmed Nigam sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment. Despite being rushed to hospital, Rizon could not be saved. pic.twitter.com/ty206QwMZi— Super League Kerala (@SuperLeagueKer) September 21, 2026 Who was Rijohn Jose?Rijohn Jose, 29, was a footballer from Thrissur who had built experience playing for several clubs across India. Before joining Calicut FC, he represented teams including FC Deccan, Wayanad United and George Telegraph, featuring at different levels of the domestic football circuit. He was part of Calicut FC’s newly announced squad and had been training with the team in Kozhikode ahead of the upcoming Super League Kerala season.According to a report by The New Indian Express, the accident took place around 10.30 pm when the motorcycle carrying Rigeon and Gani collided with another motorcycle on the Gandhi Road flyover near Christian College. Kerala Football Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Rijohn Jose of Calicut FC. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, teammates, Calicut FC, and everyone who knew him. May his soul rest in peace.#RijohnJose pic.twitter.com/NjbF8BRnHJ— Kerala Football Association (@keralafa) September 21, 2026 The crash left all four people on the two motorcycles rushed to Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. Despite medical efforts, Rijohn succumbed to his injuries at around 12.15 am. Gani Ahmed Nigam, who has represented Kerala in the Santosh Trophy, sustained serious injuries in the accident. He remains under treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode. Suchika Tariyal’s Asian Games 2026 Heartbreak: Appeal Turns Fight Into Draw, 700g Tiebreak Ends Gold Medal HopesRijohn's death has come as a major setback for Calicut FC, which had been conducting regular training sessions in Kozhikode ahead of the league's scheduled start this week. The accident occurred barely a week before the tournament, adding to the shock surrounding the newly formed squad. His death has also cast a shadow over preparations for Calicut FC's debut season.