Gilbertson Sangma, one of Assam’s most celebrated footballers, passed away on 4 April 2026 at the age of 71. Widely known as the “Man with the Golden Boot,” Sangma was recognized for his skill, agility, and goal-scoring ability.

Born on 12 April 1955 in Dibrugarh, Assam, Sangma began his football training at the Assam Police Reserve in Dergaon. He made his senior debut in 1973 representing Golaghat in the Inter District Football Championships and was immediately selected for the Assam state team in the Santosh Trophy. He played seven seasons for Assam from 1973 to 1980 and was instrumental in taking the state to the quarter-finals in 1974–75 by scoring the decisive goal against Kerala.

Sangma joined Assam Police and became a regular player for Assam Police AC from 1972. He led the team to victory in several tournaments, including the Bordoloi Trophy scoring the winning goal in the 1981 final against Dempo SC Independence Day Cup, and ATPA Shield. At the international level, he represented India in 1975 in friendly matches in Indonesia and Thailand.

After retiring from Assam Police as a senior official, Sangma remained active in local football activities in Guwahati. NorthEast United FC expressed condolences, stating, “We mourn the passing of Gilbertson Sangma, one of Assam’s notable footballers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones in this difficult time.”