The AIFF Player of the Year Award is the annual football award presented to the best footballers in India by the AIFF. Mumbai City FC winger Lallianzuala Chhangte, the "Mizo Flash" won the AIFF Men's Player of the Year award for the season 2022-23. Meanwhile, Manisha Kalyan, the first-ever Indian to feature in UEFA Women's Champions League won the AIFF Women's Player of the Year award. Interstingly, Indian team captain Sunil Chhetri was not even in the nominees of the men's category.
AIFF Men's Player Of The Year | Lallianzuala Chhangte
Mumbai City FC's Lallianzuala Chhangte features in FIFA 23's Golden Team of the week. (Photo by ANI)
If not Sunil Chetri, who is it gonna be? This is the question everyone was asking themselves. But now they've got the answer in the name of Lallianzuala Chhangte, who was said to be leading the race for the Men's Player Of The Year award, has won it against his nation side teammates, Nandhakumar Sekar and Naorem Mahesh Singh.
With 10 goals and 6 assists to his name in 22 matches for Mumbai City FC, Chhangte has convinced the selectors that he is the best Men's Indian Footballer. He's yet to score or assist for his country this year but he has been immense for India as a winger. This is his first AIFF Men's Player Of The Year award and it was a well-deserved one.
The new East Bengal winger, Nandhakumar Sekar were also one of the nominees. He also has not been able to score for his country this season with only 2 appearances to his name but came close a couple of times. Another one of his teammates, Mahesh Singh was also nominated. Mahesh was crucial in India's victory against Nepal in SAFF Championship as he was the provider and the scorer for India.
Manisha Kalyan becomes the first Indian to play in UEFA Women's Champions League. (Photo Credit: instagram/@manisha_kalyan_)
Indian Women's Football team has achieved great heights in recent years and many believe that they have a better chance of competing in the World stages faster than the Men according to Indian Football News.
Manisha Kalyan, the previous year's winner has successfully defended the title of being the best Women's Footballer Of India and has won the award for a second consecutive season.
Manisha Kalyan has again proved her worth to the world and took Indian women's football to great heights. She played for Apollon, Cypriot First Division club and also has 2 UEFA Women's Champions League appearances for the club. She was the favourite to win it and after becoming the first Indian player to play in the Women's Champions League, it was inevitable.
Akash Mishra, the 21-year-old Mumbai City FC defender has impressed everyone with his tackling and defending qualities and has won the AIFF Men's Emerging Player Of The Year award.
On the other hand, Shilji Shaji, the 16 year old sensation from Gokulam Kerala has won the AIFF Women's Emerging Player Of The Year award.
The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad for India’s most promising football talent. Here are top 5 Indian players to watch in ISL 2025.
The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad for India’s most promising football talent. The ISL 2024-25 season was no different, with young stars lighting up the league and charting the future course of Indian football.
Here are top 5 Indian players to watch in ISL 2025.
Dippendu Biswas, 21, made 14 appearances in a star-studded MBSG line-up and carved an impact with his defensive contributions, comprising 14 interceptions and victorious tackles each, 42 duels won and 39 recoveries.
He also occasionally delivered upfront; producing a goal and two assists and was named the ISL Emerging Player of the Month for February 2025.
2. Vinith Venkatesh | Bengaluru FC
Bengaluru FC has a track record of producing young talent for the nation. With Gerard Zaragoza in the managerial position, one of the players who made his mark this season is Vinith Venkatesh.
The 19-year-old impressed many with his dribbling and passing ability. A passing accuracy of 80per cent alongside 191 successful passes and 9 successful dribbles in only 602 minutes makes him a great prospect for the Blues’ future. Vinith has not only got a solitary goal and two assists to his name this ISL season but has also scored twice against Mohammedan SC and once against Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup.
3. Brison Fernandes | FC Goa
Another player that has been a break-out talent this year is Brison Fernandes. From Goa’s under 18 team to being an out right starter, it has been quite a rise for Brison.
Brison has managed to impress with his dribbling and shooting capability scoring seven goals and assisting twice. The 23-year-old created 27 chances for the Gaurs and provided 25 key passes into the final third. With his direct play, the left-winger emerged as one of the most exciting young Indian players to watch this season.
4. Tekcham Abhishek Singh | Punjab FC
In only his second ISL campaign, defender Tekcham Abhishek Singh impressed with returns that saw him become the player with the third-most interceptions (47).
The 20-year-old won seven aerial duels, 17 tackles, 23 clearances, in addition to making 70 recoveries, while forming an impeccable partnership with Nikhil Prabhu, who made the most interceptions in the league in the season gone by (56).
NorthEast United made it to the play-offs after three years, while most of the credits go to its foreign players like Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Nestor Albiach, a player that went under the radar is young midfielder Macarton Nickson.
With 21 appearances and a passing accuracy of 73 per cent, he has really shone under Juan Pedro Benali this season. The 21-year-old has established himself as a box to box midfielder providing both in defence and attack.
Defensively, Macarton has 97 recoveries and 13 interceptions. In attack as well, he has been able to support by providing 2two goals, one assists and 22 successful dribbles making him a beautiful player to watch.
Indian football transfer News: India international Jithin MS to stay with NorthEast United FC till 2028
Jithin, 27, joined the Northeast United FC at the start of the 2022-23 season and turned out for the Highlanders 79 times across competitions with 14 goals and 15 assists so far.
NorthEast United FC on Friday announced that India international Jithin MS has signed a contract extension with the club, which will keep him with the club until the end of the 2028 season.
Jithin, 27, joined the club at the start of the 2022-23 season and turned out for the Highlanders 79 times across competitions with 14 goals and 15 assists so far. Jithin, who won the Santosh Trophy with Kerala (2017-18) and multiple I-League titles with Gokulam Kerala (2020-21, 2021-22), has flourished at NorthEast United FC.
Jithin’s impact reached new heights during the 133rd Durand Cup, where he was awarded the prestigious Golden Ball as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He scored four goals and provided three assists during the campaign, helping NorthEast United FC lift their first-ever major trophy.
In the 2024–25 ISL season, Jithin continued to impress with his electrifying pace and flair down the flanks. He was the only Indian player to feature in the league’s top ten for assists, finishing with five. He is sixth on the list of players with the most chances created (41 chances) and is one of the three NorthEast United FC players on the top-10 list, alongside Alaaeddine Ajaraie (52) and Buanthanglun Samte (43).
“My teammates and the coaching staff have helped me improve a lot, and their support has been instrumental in winning the Golden Ball and earning a call-up to the national team. I’m proud to have achieved these milestones with NorthEast United FC. This club has become home over the past three years, and I’m delighted to continue for another three years,” Jithin said.
“Jithin is an exceptional footballer, one of the best Indian players in his position, and what he has accomplished so far is truly commendable. His rise to becoming an India international is a testament to his relentless hard work, dedication, and hunger to grow every single day. I’m delighted that a player of Jithin’s calibre will continue with us for the next three years,” Juan Pedro Benali, head coach of NorthEast United FC, said.
“Jithin’s journey has been inspiring. His India call-up highlights the dedication and professionalism he brings to the pitch, embodying everything we strive for at NorthEast United FC. He is a key part of our journey, and we’re thrilled to have him with us for three more years,” Mandar Tamhane, CEO, NorthEast United FC, said.
Discover the all-time top scorers in ISL history, featuring Sunil Chhetri's unmatched record and other legendary players in the run. Get the full stats here.
The Indian Super League has completed 11 seasons, which have given us sensational moments to cherish in Indian football. We have witnessed some thrilling matches, and in this highly competitive tournament, players around the globe joined hands to bring the best out of this sport.
Get ready to find out the top scorers in ISL history, with Sunil Chhetri single-handedly dominating the charts with 75 goals.
1. Sunil Chhetri (75 goals)
Sunil Chhetri in action for Bengaluru FC in ISL. Image | NDTV
Goals: 75
Appearances: 183 (2015-2025)
Nationality: Indian 🇮🇳
Teams played for in ISL: Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC
The undisputed king of ISL goal scoring, Sunil Chhetri, is the top scorer with 75 goals in the tournament's history. He is the only Indian footballer in the list who is not only in the top 5, but also holds the first place.
Chhetri has consistently been one of the best performers and a multiple-time ISL Golden Boot contender. He is also the oldest player to score an ISL hat-trick, at the age of 40 years and 126 days in 2024 for his current team, Bengaluru FC.
Bartholomew Ogbeche playing for Hyderabad FC in ISL. Image | The Bridge
Goals: 65
Appearances: 98 (2018-2025)
Nationality: Nigerian 🇳🇬
Teams played for in ISL: NorthEast United, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC, Hyderabad FC.
Bartholomew Ogbeche, known for his adaptability and lethal finishing, has scored 65 goals in the ISL. He found success across multiple clubs and has been a key part of Hyderabad FC's championship-winning side.
Ogbeche won the Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season and holds the record for most hat-tricks in ISL history, scoring 4 hat-tricks in his career.
3. Roy Krishna (58 goals)
Roy Krishna playing for Odisha FC in ISL. Image | X
Goals: 58
Appearances: 116 (2020-2025)
Nationality: Fijian 🇫🇯
Teams played for in ISL: ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Odisha FC
Roy Krishna made his ISL debut in 2020 and climbed to the Top 3 in a very short period of time. His contributions with goals as well as assists become a vital part of every team he plays for, especially his current club, Odisha FC.
Krishna is a constant threat in the tournament, known for his ability to score from various positions. He holds the record for most goals scored by an individual against a single club in ISL (10 goals against Jamshedpur FC).
The fiery Spanish striker, Ferran Corominas, holds the fourth place, having scored 48 goals in only 57 appearances. He showcased his immediate impact by scoring hat-tricks in his third and fourth ISL matches for FC Goa.
Coro has won the most ISL Golden Boot awards (2 times), in consecutive years (2017-18 with 18 goals and 2018-19 with 16 goals). He is one of the incredible footballers in the tournament who set the standard for foreign strikers.
5. Diego Mauricio (47 goals)
Diego Mauricio in ISL. Image | X
Goals: 47
Appearances: 92 (2020-2025)
Nationality: Brazilian 🇧🇷
Teams played for in ISL: Mumbai City FC, Odisha FC
Diego Mauricio has been a powerful striker for Odisha FC since his debut season in 2020. He scored 47 goals in his ISL career so far and made his mark brilliantly.
He won the Golden Boot in the 2022-23 season with 12 goals, also helping them qualify for the playoffs for the first time. Diego was a key player in Odisha FC's Kalinga Super Cup triumph in 2023, which is their first-ever major title.
Lallianzuala Chhangte playing for Mumbai City FC in ISL. Image | X
Goals: 45
Appearances: 163 (2017-2025)
Nationality: Indian 🇮🇳
Teams played for in ISL: Delhi Dynamos FC, Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC
Lallianzuala Chhangte is the only Indian footballer, after Chhetri, to cross the 40-goal mark in ISL history. Known for his speed and dribbling skills, he scored 45 goals, spanning from 2017 to 2025.
Chhangte has consistently improved during his ISL career, playing for clubs like Mumbai City FC and achieving a swift pace in his goal-scoring technique.
7. Cleiton Silva (36 goals)
Cleiton Silva in the Indian Super League. Image | Facebook
Goals: 36
Appearances: 95 (2020-2025)
Nationality: Brazilian 🇧🇷
Teams played for in ISL: Bengaluru FC, East Bengal FC
The Brazilian forward, Cleiton Silva, is known as a reliable goal scorer and calm finisher. He has performed well for both Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC, often keeping the limelight.
He has scored 36 goals throughout his ISL career, which places him in the 7th position here.
Marcelinho playing for FC Pune City in an ISL match. Image | Pinterest
Goals: 34 goals
Appearances: 87 (2016-2022)
Nationality: Brazilian 🇧🇷
Teams played for in ISL: Delhi Dynamos FC, FC Pune City, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, ATK Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United. FC
Marcelinho is one of the early stars of this tournament, who played his last ISL season for NorthEast United FC in 2021-22. He scored 34 goals in his tenure and also won the Golden Boot in 2016 with Delhi Dynamos FC, scoring 10 goals in that season.
He is known for his powerful shots and ability to create scoring chances.
9. Hugo Boumous (34 goals)
Hugo Boumous representing Mumbai City FC in ISL. Image | Instagram
Goals: 34
Appearances: 122 (2017-2025)
Nationality: French 🇫🇷
Teams played for in ISL: FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, ATK Mohun Bagan, Odisha F.C.
Hugo Boumous stands out as the only midfielder in this list, having scored 34 goals in his ISL career. He has been a key player for multiple teams and is known for his creativity, scoring, and assisting.
Boumous is among the top players for all-time ISL goal contributions (goals + assists).
Teams played for in ISL: Kerala Blasters FC, Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC
Jorge Pereyra Diaz is a hard-working forward who debuted for Kerala Blasters FC in 2021. He mainly contributes with goals and link-up play. He scored 31 goals in his 72 ISL appearances.
Diaz was a key figure in Mumbai City FC's League Shield triumph in 2023 and ISL Cup win in 2023-24.
DPDL Launches Nationwide Campaign to Tackle Age Fraud in Youth Football
Double Pass Development League (DPDL) has announced a new regulatory framework, designed to curb age and identity fraud, which includes a two-season limit per age group and the introduction of the DPDL Digital ID Card.
In a major step toward strengthening the integrity of grassroots and youth football in India, the Double Pass Development League (DPDL) has announced the rollout of a comprehensive set of age verification reforms for the upcoming season.
Image | DPDL
The new regulatory framework is designed to curb age and identity fraud — a growing concern that has undermined the credibility of youth competitions nationwide.
Founded in 2019, the Double Pass Development League (DPDL) is India’s largest AIFF-approved grassroots and youth football league. With operations in multiple cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi, and a partnership with European football development leader Double Pass, DPDL delivers structured, competitive, and long-term development environments for players aged 5 to 18.
The new measures, effective immediately across all DPDL cities, aim to ensure fair participation, safeguard honest academies, and promote age-appropriate player development.
The league, which has operated since 2019 in partnership with Belgium-based Double Pass and is recognised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), is among the most structured youth football ecosystems in the country.
Introduction of the DPDL Digital ID Card Each player will now receive a unique DPDL ID card embedded with a photograph, date of birth, verified documents, and a QR code for on-ground verification. This will be scanned at match venues to prevent impersonation and misrepresentation.
Two-Season Limit Per Age Category In a move to ensure players compete at appropriate age levels, individuals will now be allowed to participate in a single age category for a maximum of two seasons. This rule will also take into account participation in past seasons dating back to 2019.
Independent Age Verification Committee An expert panel will be established to evaluate disputed or extreme cases of suspected age discrepancy. The committee will include senior DPDL officials, football association representatives, pediatric specialists, and documentation experts. Where necessary, advanced assessments such as TW3 bone age tests may be recommended.
Two-Year Ban for Proven Violations Teams found guilty of age or identity fraud will face suspension from all DPDL competitions for two consecutive seasons. The league has also stated that coaches or staff complicit in such cases may be subject to further disciplinary measures.
Standardised Physical Benchmarks for Younger Age Groups For the U7, U9, and U11 categories, DPDL will implement height and weight benchmarks defined by pediatric consultants. This step addresses concerns regarding physical dominance in early age groups that may not align with documented age.
“Youth football must be built on the pillars of fairness and integrity,” said Sarthak Dubey, Founder and CEO of DPDL. “These reforms are not just administrative updates — they are essential safeguards to ensure that honest players and ethical academies are protected. We are committed to building a credible and transparent footballing pathway for India.”
The announcement builds on DPDL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its integrity framework, following isolated incidents in past seasons where discrepancies in player documentation and eligibility were identified.
In each confirmed case, the league took prompt and appropriate disciplinary action — including point deductions, disqualification from knockout stages, and temporary suspensions of involved personnel — reinforcing its commitment to fair play and accountability.
With the new framework in place, DPDL hopes to set a national benchmark for how youth football leagues across the country address age fraud.
Note: This article has been created from an official press release
National Football team coach Manolo Marquez has decided to resign after team's poor performance against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Manolo Marquez, who could not even beat a weak team like Hong Kong, which is 26th behind the Indian team in the FIFA rankings, mailed his resignation to the federation the night after the match. The federation has decided to officially announce the resignation of the national coach around Wednesday afternoon.
Indian men’s football has endured a challenging 18 months, marked by a single victory in 16 matches since the start of 2024. A 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday exacerbated the situation, bringing the team’s struggles into sharp focus.
Fan discontent with head coach Igor Stimac’s successor, Manolo Marquez, have intensified after a string of demoralising losses, including three consecutive goalless games against Bangladesh, Thailand, and Hong Kong, leaving fans questioning the team’s ability. India’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Asia Cup are now precarious, and speculation surrounds Marquez’s future.
Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation
Rumours of Marquez’s potential resignation had already started doing the rounds as sources suggest that the Spaniard, who replaced Stimac in July 2024, is contemplating stepping down within a year of his appointment.
However, an All India Football Federation (AIFF) source confirmed Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation. The federation awaits official communication from him regarding his intentions but that too many not be simple.
“He can do so only after mutual agreement, that the AIFF gives him permission to part ways," an AIFF source said.
“We have not got any request in writing from Manolo that he wants to leave from the job. We can apply our mind only after he informs us what he wants," the source added.
India must win their remaining four matches
India must win their remaining four matches to maintain any hope of qualification, currently languishing at the bottom of their group. While home and away fixtures against Singapore are scheduled for the October international break, Marquez’s presence for those games remains uncertain.
Follow Us
/sportzpoint/media/post_attachments/4c57e25e538a916aab3d2484a571c67f52c5760319f00ce814663f1fd5fa84b0.jpg)
/sportzpoint/media/post_attachments/e7ad04f21c1a2f4283aeb20203e1a7354e56a4851f7c4fee4a909b19d1ce82cf.png)
/sportzpoint/media/post_attachments/2c1740842c04a922e3e2ca48ce1035a1786eddae05cc8b6074fba4f245ac2f46.jpg)
