Career
Mondal has played for East Bengal Club, Tata Football Academy and JCT Football Club. The Noamundi born defender has played in every defensive role both at club and international level with equal consistency. After graduating from the Tata Football Academy in 1998, the year which had graduates like Mahesh Gawli, Lukram James Singh et cetera, Deepak Mandal signed for JCT. But he came into the limelight during his spell with East Bengal. His performances for the red and gold brigade impressed many and in 2001 he made his international debut.
Although not the tallest, Deepak is very good in the air but his real strength lies in the tackles and the ability to read the game and make vital interceptions.
But before winning the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Cup in 2003, it was the year before that Mandal established himself as one of the best defenders of India. He was at the top of his game while playing for East Bengal but it was in the twin friendlis against Jamaica that Mandal impressed the most.
Mandal then moved to Mahindra United and constituted the best defence in the country along with Mahesh Gawli, North.S. Manju and Surkumar Singh. Mandal returned to Kolkata, this time signing for Mohun Bagan.
During Bob Houghton’s tenure he has been a regular in the squad but injuries have prevented him from earning a place in the starting eleven.
Emergence of the likes of Gouramangi and Anwar, now sees Mandal being considered as fullback but his experience of representing India for nearly a decade will be very important in the Indian dressing room during Qatar 2011. On 17 August 2011 it was announced that Mondal signed with Prayag United South Carolina (U.S.) of the I-League. On 9 May 2014 Deepak signed for East Bengal F.C. on a two year deal.