Anwar Ali

Born in Adampur, Punjab, Anwar started to play football at the age of seven for a local club. He started as a striker but later shifted to the defensive line.

Minerva Punjab

Anwar joined the youth set-up of Minerva Punjab in 2015 and played for the club in different youth level competitions, including the Elite League. His performance at the club earned him national team call-ups.

Indian Arrows (loan)

After an impressive 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign, Anwar joined Indian Arrows on a season-long loan from Minerva Punjab ahead of the 2017–18 I-League. He made his professional debut in a 3–0 home win over Chennai City.

Mumbai City

On 7 August 2018, Anwar joined Indian Super League club Mumbai City on a three-year deal. He was loaned out to Indian Arrows for the 2018–19 I-League. He was named in Mumbai City's squad for the 2019–20 Indian Super League but later withdrew after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition. Later, his contract was terminated on mutual terms and medical grounds.

Mohammedan SC

On 24 August 2020, Anwar joined Mohammedan for their 2020 I-League Qualifiers, but the AIFF directed the club no not allow him to train with the club, citing his heart condition. Mohammedan chose to release him, considering directions from the top football body, despite a verdict from the Delhi High Court that allowed him to join the club.

Techtro Swades United

On 23 November 2020, Anwar joined Techtro Swades United of the…

Youth level

In 2015, Anwar was called up for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup preparatory squad of India under-17 after head coach Luís Norton de Matos impressed with his defensive display for Minerva Punjab youth side against India U-17 in a practice match. Two successful years with the national side saw him in the final 21-member squad for the U-17 World Cup, which was hosted in India He started in all of India's group stage matches. Anwar scored the winner in India U-20's historic 2–1 win against Argentina U-20 in the 2018 COTIF Tournament.

Senior debut

In May 2019, Anwar was called up for the India senior team national camp but was later sent back after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition. In March 2022, Anwar was called up for the India squad by coach Igor Štimac for two friendly matches against Bahrain and Belarus. He made his debut on 23 March against Bahrain in a 2–1 defeat. Anwar scored his first international goal on 14 June 2022 against Hong Kong in a 4–0 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification win.

Club

As of match played 16 April 2025

International

As of 6 October 2026

India score listed first, score column indicates score after each Ali goal

In 2019, Anwar Ali was forbidden from playing football by the AIFF as he was diagnosed with a rare heart disease, namely Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle wall becomes abnormally thick and affects the pumping of blood. Later in 2021, Anwar got clearance from the AIFF to play following a Delhi High Court verdict.