Who was Rijohn Jose? 29-year-old footballer dies in road accident in Kozhikode

Rijon Jose

Calicut FC footballer Rijohn Jose died in a road accident in Kozhikode late Sunday night, days before the start of the new Super League Kerala season.The 29-year-old was travelling on a motorcycle with fellow footballer Ghani Ahmed Nigam when their vehicle collided with another motorcycle near Christian College on the Gandhi Road flyover at around 10.30 pm, news agency ANI reported.

Both players were taken to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital after the accident. Rijohn died from his injuries at around 12.15 am IST. He was a native of Thrissur.Nigam, who also represents Kerala in the Santosh Trophy, suffered serious injuries and is undergoing treatment.The accident happened just 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.Both Rijohn and Nigam had reached the city as part of the club's preparations.Rijohn had played as a defender for Forca Kochi in the previous edition of the Super League Kerala before returning to Calicut FC for the 2026 season.

Gokulam Kerala FC condoles Rijohn's death

Gokulam Kerala FC on Monday expressed condolences over 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 sorrow that we mourn the passing of Rijohn Jose of Calicut FC.

Our heartfelt condolences to his family, teammates, friends, and the entire Calicut FC family. May they find strength and comfort in this difficult time," the club wrote."You left too soon. We weren’t ready for a goodbye. We weren’t ready to lose you, Rijohn. Holding your family, friends, teammates and everyone dear to you close in our thoughts. Forever, our champion. Rest in peace, Rijohn," Calicut FC said in a post on Instagram.

Who was Rijohn Jose?

Born in September 1997 in Thrissur, Rijohn Jose was a familiar name in Kerala football and had represented several clubs in domestic football.He began 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 the 2024 and 2025 editions of the Super League Kerala.Ahead of the 2026 season, Rijohn returned to Calicut FC, the club he had helped win the inaugural Super League Kerala title in 2024 after defeating Forca Kochi FC 2-1 in the final.