Who was Rijohn Jose? A 29-year-old footballer died in a road accident in Kozhikode

Calicut FC footballer Rijohn Jose died in a road accident in Kozhikode late Sunday night, days before the start of the new Kerala Super League season.The 29-year-old man was traveling on a motorcycle with fellow footballer Ghani Ahmed Nigam when their vehicle collided with another motorcycle near Christian College on the Gandhi Road flyover around 10.30 pm, news agency ANI reported.Both the players were taken to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital after the accident. Rijohn succumbed to his injuries around 12:15 PM IST. He was from Thrissur.Nigam, who is also representing Kerala in the Santosh Trophy, sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment.The accident happened just hours after Calicut FC announced their squad for the upcoming Kerala Super League season. The team also started preparing for the tournament, which starts on the 25th.Both Rijohn and Nigam arrived in the city as part of the club’s preparations.Rijohn played as a defender for Forca Kochi in the previous edition of the Kerala Super League before returning to Calicut FC for the 2026 season.

Gokulam Kerala Condoles FC Rijohn’s death

Gokulam Kerala FC on Monday condoled Rijohn’s death.In a post on Instagram, the club extended its support to Rijohn’s family, teammates and Calicut FC.“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Rijohn José of Calicut FC. Our deepest condolences to his family, teammates, friends and the entire Calicut FC family. May they find strength and comfort at this difficult time,” the club wrote.“You left too soon. We weren’t ready to say goodbye. We weren’t ready to lose you Rijohn. We keep your family, friends, teammates and all those dear to you close in our thoughts. Forever our champion. Rest in peace Rijohn,” Calicut FC said in an Instagram post.

Who was Rijohn Jose?

Born in September 1997 in Thrissur, Rijohn Jose was a household name in Kerala football and represented several clubs in domestic football.He started his professional career with FC Deccan before playing for Wayanad United, Sreebhumi FC and George Telegraph SC.He later became a regular defender for Forca Kochi FC in 2024 and 2025 in the Kerala Super League.Ahead of the 2026 season, Rijohn returned to Calicut FC, a club he helped win the inaugural Kerala Super League title in 2024 after defeating Forca Kochi FC 2–1 in the final.