Rahul Kannoly Praveen, commonly known as Rahul KP, is an Indian professional footballer who primarily plays as a winger. Born on March 16, 2000, in Thrissur, Kerala, the 25-year-old has garnered attention for his recent signing with English Premier League club West Ham United for The Soccer Tournament (TST) in the United States. This move marks a significant moment in his career, as he becomes the first Indian footballer to participate in the tournament for the club.

Rahul's football journey began in his home state of Kerala, where he represented the Thrissur district and Kerala state teams at the under-14 level. His talent was evident early on, as he emerged as the top goalscorer in the under-14 category of the national championship held in Kolkata in 2013. He further honed his skills at the AIFF Elite Academy before embarking on his professional career.

Rahul made his professional debut with Indian Arrows in 2017, showcasing his abilities in the I-League. In 2019, he joined Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), where he spent six seasons. During his time with the Blasters, he made 81 appearances and scored nine goals, becoming a prominent figure in the team's attacking lineup. January 6, 2025, Rahul signed a two-year deal with Odisha FC.

Rahul has also represented India at various youth levels, including the U-17 team at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he made his debut against the United States. He has since played for the India U-20 and U-23 teams, and earned seven caps for the senior national team.

Now, Rahul is set to represent West Ham United in the upcoming TST, a 7-a-side tournament held in Cary, North Carolina. West Ham United participated in the inaugural edition of the event in 2023. The tournament, known as The Soccer Tournament (TST), is a week-long event. The 2025 edition will consist of 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with other prominent clubs such as AFC Bournemouth, Villareal CF, Borussia Dortmund and Atlético de Madrid participating.

West Ham United highlighted Rahul's skills, particularly his trickery and speed, which are well-suited for the fast-paced 7-a-side format.

Rahul expressed his excitement about joining West Ham United in a video message, stating, "Hello, Hammers fans, it's Rahul KP here. I'm excited to play for West Ham United at TST this summer. See you soon. Come on you Irons!"

While this move to West Ham is for a specific tournament, it provides Rahul with an opportunity to showcase his talent on an international platform and gain experience with a renowned football club. It could also potentially open doors for other Indian footballers to explore opportunities abroad.