Raphael Messi Bouli joins Punjab FC after Jamshedpur departure

Cameroon centre-forward Raphael Messi Bouli has switched to Punjab FC from Jamshedpur FC on a free transfer, adding an experienced Indian Super League striker to the club’s squad.

The 34-year-old, who was born in Yaounde, joined Punjab on 22 August 2026 after spending the previous season with Jamshedpur. He had moved to Jamshedpur from East Bengal in October 2025, also on a free transfer.

Bouli has recorded 12 goals and four assists in 35 Indian Super League appearances. Across those matches, he has played 2,725 minutes and scored once every 227 minutes.

The left-footed forward has also featured in League One, where he has 60 goals and 20 assists from 134 appearances. His career record includes spells in India, China, Iran and the Czech Republic, as well as earlier periods with clubs in Cameroon.

His move to Punjab represents another change of Indian Super League club after consecutive free transfers involving East Bengal and Jamshedpur. He joined East Bengal after leaving Chinese side SJZ Gongfu in February 2025, before moving to Jamshedpur later that year.

Bouli began his senior career with Canon Yaounde before playing for Apejes FC and YB Funde in Cameroon. He later moved abroad, joining Iranian club Foolad in February 2019. His subsequent career included MFK Vyskov, Kerala Blasters, LN SY Urban, NJ City and SJZ Gongfu.

At 1.86m, Bouli operates as a centre-forward and arrives at Punjab with extensive experience of the Indian top flight. His previous Indian clubs also include Kerala Blasters and East Bengal, giving him familiarity with the competition and its demands.

Punjab’s new signing has a market value of €225,000 and has completed his move from Jamshedpur without a transfer fee. The transfer was registered on 22 August 2026.