NorthEast United FC have pulled off a major coup by signing Spanish winger Jairo Samperio — a UEFA Europa League winner with Sevilla FC — ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
The 31-year-old attacker, unveiled as the Highlanders’ new No. 7 during an open training and media session on Sunday, arrives with a wealth of experience at the highest levels of European football. His signing marks a significant statement of intent by the Guwahati-based club as they prepare to defend their Durand Cup title and aim for a strong ISL season.
Jairo’s most notable career highlight came during his time with Sevilla FC in the 2013–14 season, where he played a key role in the club’s victorious UEFA Europa League campaign. The Spaniard made 25 appearances and scored four goals that season, helping the La Liga side lift the coveted European title — a feat that still resonates with fans of the Andalusian club.
Following his successful stint at Sevilla, Jairo spent three seasons in the Bundesliga with Mainz 05, where he famously scored in a 2-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich. He later featured for Las Palmas, Hamburg, and Malaga, with recent spells in Hungary and the Spanish lower divisions.
“I am delighted to join NorthEast United FC and ready for this exciting chapter of my career in India,” said Jairo. “Playing in a new league and representing such a passionate region is something I’m looking forward to. I cannot wait to feel the energy of the Highlanders’ fans and contribute to the team’s success.”
Head coach Juan Pedro Benali was full of praise for the new signing, highlighting Jairo’s pedigree in elite European competitions. “Jairo brings with him an incredible pedigree, having played at the highest levels in Spain and Germany. His technical quality, intelligence in the final third, and ability to impact games with both goals and assists will add a different dimension to our attack,” Benali said.
Echoing the sentiment, club CEO Mandar Tamhane added, “Signing a player of Jairo’s calibre is a statement of intent. His experience in elite European competitions, combined with his hunger to embrace new challenges, makes him a valuable addition to the club.”
With pre-season preparations now underway, Jairo’s arrival gives NorthEast United a timely boost as they look to build on the momentum of last season and make a deeper impact in both domestic and continental competitions.
