Indian Super League (ISL) has been the stage for great football, which has taken Indian football to new heights. We have witnessed talent that goes beyond just goal scoring and making saves. We have seen from our players’ great leadership and commitment, which inspires millions. These Indian Super League players helped shape the identity of the league, and in this article, we’ll explore who truly deserves the title of the best player in ISL history.
Who is the Best Player in ISL History? We are going to dive into the lives of 11 incredible footballers who have become ISL legends, leaving behind stories that are still discussed by fans.
11. Jorge Pereyra Díaz
Argentine forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz has gained a reputation as one of the best ISL players. Diaz has proven himself to be consistent in 72 appearances with 31 goals and 12 assists. He started his career with Kerala Blasters FC and proceeded to contribute to their victories in the ISL League Shield (2022-23) and ISL Cup (2023-24).
Diaz spent a brief period at Bengaluru FC, and in 2025, he went back to Mumbai. And so far, he is proving his worth as one of the best players in ISL. Fans enjoy watching him because of his energy, work rate, and link-up play, while defenders hate watching him as he is a nightmare.
10. Marcelinho
We mention flair and creativity, and we immediately refer to Marcelinho. The Brazilian magician appeared 87 times, scored 34 goals, and made 18 assists. His 2016 season with Delhi Dynamos is one that will always be remembered, as he became the Golden Boot winner with 10 goals and four assists.
Marcelinho later joined FC Pune City, Hyderabad FC, and Odisha FC and has become one of the legends who played in the ISL. What made him one of the best players in ISL history is his technical brilliance and the ability to make plays.
9. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is the tallest goalkeeper in India and a rock at the back, and the symbol of consistency. After coming to Bengaluru FC in 2017, he was immediately the core of their defense. Having 53 clean sheets, Gurpreet has been a key figure in many victories.
Bengaluru has won the ISL trophy and has a good defensive record due to its leadership and composure. The mention of the best player in ISL history will always include the name of Gurpreet because of the presence he commands at the goal line.
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8. Cleiton Silva
Cleiton Silva is a talented and all-round Brazilian striker who turned out to be the talisman of East Bengal FC. During his 96 games, he had 36 goals and 13 assists. His calmness and ability allowed East Bengal to win the Super Cup, in which he also scored the goal of the game.
In 2025, he departed the club following an excellent three-season run, but his contribution was unquestionable. His plays qualify him as one of the ISL’s best players in recent years.
7. Hugo Boumous
Creativity has a name in ISL, and it’s Hugo Boumous. The French-Moroccan player is the all-time ISL assist leader with 124 appearances, 35 goals, and 39 assists.
Boumous has played for FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, Mohun Bagan, and Odisha FC, and he is among the Indian Super League’s best players. His talent speaks volumes with his 2019-20 Hero of the League award. His vision and technical genius illuminated the midfield, which is the reason why he is frequently referred to as the best player in ISL history or the ISL’s best player.
6. Lallianzuala Chhangte
Lallianzuala Chhangte is one of the brightest homegrown icons in India with a record of more than 168 matches, 46 goals, and 20 assists. From his days at a young age in Delhi Dynamos to being a star in Mumbai City FC, Chhangte has a very fast pace and is a finisher, making him one of India’s best ISL players.
The season of 2022-23 was his breakout season as he scored 10 goals and also won the Player of the Season award. He still remains an essential part of the debate on the best ISL player of all time.
5. Diego Maurício
Odisha FC’s record scorer Diego Maurício has carved his name as one of the best players in ISL history. With 47 goals and 13 assists in 93 appearances, he played a main role in leading Odisha to their first playoff and Super Cup victories.
The 2022–23 season was special for him as he won the Golden Boot, scoring 12 goals in 21 matches. His ability to deliver under pressure makes him one of the top 5 football players in ISL history and an ISL legend.
4. Ferran Corominas (Coro)
The magic year of Coro was with FC Goa (2017-2020). He scored 48 goals and 16 assists in his 57 matches, making him a dominant player in the ISL. The Spaniard was a winner of two Golden Boots in a row in 2017-18 and 2018-19, and he established great expectations among strikers.
Coro is one of the best players in ISL history with sharp instincts and clinical finishing. He was not just a goal machine; he was one of the best football players in ISL history and the golden age of FC Goa.
3. Roy Krishna
It is the consistency and determination of Roy Krishna that have made him one of the best players in ISL history. He has scored 58 and assisted 26 in 116 games and has been a powerhouse of his own.
At Odisha FC, he scored 13 goals during the 2023-24 season, a club record, and was the December 2023 Player of the Month. He is now one of the ISL’s best players, even after struggling with his injuries.
2. Bartholomew Ogbeche
There is no need to introduce the name Bartholomew Ogbeche. He is one of the top players in ISL with 63 goals and nine assists in 98 appearances. Ogbeche has played with several clubs, such as Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City, and Hyderabad FC, and he has left a mark on all of them.
He became the winner of the Golden Boot in 2021-22, and Hyderabad FC became the first champion in the history of the ISL. An intelligent, goal-getter, and a hustler, he remains one of the best players in ISL history and is loved by the fans and teammates.
1. Sunil Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri is the only name when it comes to describing greatness. He is undoubtedly the best player in ISL history. Since 2015, Chhetri has played in the ISL and has played more than 183 games, scoring 75 goals and assisting 13 times.
His leadership, determination, and humility made him special, having taken Mumbai City FC to the face of Bengaluru FC. The Indian captain still plays to the best of his abilities, reaching 14 goals this 2024-25 season, his highest goal score.
He is 40 years old, yet he plays like a 25-year-old, which inspires young players and fans around the country. There is no overstatement to say he was the best player in ISL History and the best ISL player of all time.
Views of Amit Mishra
Looking back at these legends, it’s clear that the being one of the ISL best players isn’t just about goals or trophies. All of these Indian Super League best players came with a passion, energy, and heart. Others turned into fan favorites, a few set records, but all of them helped to make the ISL what it is today, a celebration of football excellence.
FAQs
1. Who is the best player in ISL?
Sunil Chhetri is considered the best player in ISL history because he is consistent, a leader, and has an unsurpassed record in scoring in 11 seasons.
2. Who is the ISL top scorer?
The ISL top scorer all time is Sunil Chhetri, who has scored 75 goals in 183 matches and is considered the best player in ISL history.
3. What is the most influential foreign player in the history of ISL?
Ferran Corominas (Coro) was remarkable because of his two consecutive golden boots and unprecedented consistency with FC Goa. He is one of the best players in ISL history.
4. Where would I get the Indian Super League stats all-time?
To get the latest records, assists, and goal charts, you can see the official ISL site.
