The Indian Super League 2024-25 season progresses into the business end of proceedings, and some players have made a name for themselves. The players have made them frontrunners for the Golden Ball award, an honor reserved for the top performer of the Indian Super League.

These players separated themselves from the rest with their goal-scoring prowess, playmaking skills, and consistency on the field. Here is the list of the Top 10 players who will be running for the most prestigious awards for the individual.

1. Alaeddine Ajaraie | NorthEast United FC | 20 Goals

The Moroccan forward has been the most dominant player this season in the Indian Super League and is the leading favorite for the Golden Ball. The NorthEast United FC striker has netted 20 goals in 21 appearances, making him the most lethal goal scorer in the Indian Super League. He also supplied five assists for his teammates.

2. Jesús Jiménez Núñez | Kerala Blasters FC | 11 Goals

As a significant player for Kerala Blasters FC, Jesús Jiménez Núñez has scored 11 goals in the Indian Super League. His attacking skill, technical quality, and finishing have been key to the team's progress. Yet another major contributor to Blasters' pursuit for glory, the Spanish forward remains a key figure.

3. Sunil Chettri | Bengaluru FC | 11 Goals

Bengaluru's legendary captain is the first Indian player, who is hunting for the Golden Ball in the Indian Super League this season. At 40 years old, the Blues legendary captain has scored 11 goals in 20 appearances and provided two assists in yet another challenging season.

4. Wilmar Jordan Gil | Chennaiyin FC | 10 Goals

Chennaiyin FC's not-so-secret weapon, Wilmar Jordán Gil, is one of the top strikers of the side in the Indian Super League, with 10 goals to his name. His combination of strength, finishing ability, and height make him a constant threat to defenders. The Colombian forward is a key figure in the attack for Chennaiyin and will be hoping to guide them to greater success.

5. Jamie Maclaren | Mohun Bagan SG | 10 Goals

Jamie Maclaren has been a vital asset for Mohun Bagan SG, which is looking to capture both the ISL shield and the ISL championship. The 41-year-old scored 10 goals in 20 matches; he has been the man for the Mariners on big occasions this season of the Indian Super League.

6. Armando Sadiku | FC Goa | 9 Goals

Armando Sadiku is the leading scorer for FC Goa with 9 goals in the Indian Super League, the Albanian forward’s ability to finish clinically, find space, and guide play bolsters the attack immensely. A sharp attacker who turns half-chances into goals, he will be an integral part of FC Goa’s challenge.

7. Diego Mauricio | Odisha FC | 9 Goals

The Brazilian forward has been proving his skills and class again. Mauricio scored 9 goals this season in 21 matches, the 2022-23 season Indian Super League golden boot winner playing a crucial role in Odisha's attacking force.

8. Nikolaos Karelis | Mumbai City FC | 9 Goals

Mumbai City FC's Nikolaos Karelis has netted 9 goals in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season. His strength and finishing ability, alongside tactical intelligence, make him a key asset for the team. His contributions in front of the goal, keep Mumbai City FC a potent attacking side.

9. Luka Majcen | Punjab FC | 8 Goals

Playmaker Luka Majcen has been a key player for Punjab FC with 8 goals in the Indian Super League. The Slovenian forward is a key component in attack with his experience, movement, and finishing ability. 

10. Brison Fernandes | FC Goa | 7 Goals

Brison Fernandes is showing his class with 7 goals in the Indian Super League scored for FC Goa. The young midfielder his attacking instincts, technical ability, and goalscoring prowess are all excellent assets. This season, he has added creativity and goal-scoring depth to FC Goa’s attacking play. His creativity and finishing ability are promising for a bright future ahead, for him.

*These stats are accurate as of 22 February 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.

Also Read: Highest scoring footballers of the 21st century

Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

1. Dippendu Biswas | Mohun Bagan Super Giant

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).

Also Read: Top scorers in ISL history

5. Macarton Louis Nickson | NorthEast United FC

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.

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)

• 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.

Read Also: Sunil Chhetri Special Moments in Indian Football

2. Bartholomew Ogbeche (63 goals)

• 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)

• 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).

Read Also: Football teams with the most international trophies.

4. Ferran Corominas (48 goals)

• Goals: 48
• Appearances: 57 (2017-2020)
• Nationality: Spanish 🇪🇸
• Teams played for in ISL: FC Goa

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)

• 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.

Read Also: Manolo Marquez likely to step down as Indian Football team coach

6. Lallianzuala Chhangte (45 goals)

• 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)

• 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.

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

8. Marcelinho (34 goals)

• 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)

• 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).

Read Also:  ISL Winners List since 2014

10. Jorge Pereyra Diaz (31 goals)

• Goals: 31
• Appearances: 72 (2021-2025)
• Nationality: Argentine 🇦🇷
• 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.

In a groundbreaking moment for Indian football, Rahul KP, the dynamic winger of Odisha FC, has been extended a prestigious invitation to represent English Premier League powerhouse West Ham United in the highly anticipated summer edition of The Soccer Tournament (TST), an elite 7 v 7 football competition featuring 48 teams from across the globe.

This is the first time in Indian football history that an Indian player will represent a top-division English Premier League club men’s team. This is a monumental achievement not only for Rahul's burgeoning career and Odisha FC but also for the continued growth and recognition of the state of Odisha and Indian football on the international stage.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 4 to June 9, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. The tournament boasts a diverse international roster, with participating teams and players hailing from countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and India. The star-studded event will notably feature teams led by legendary footballers such as Luis Nani, Sergio Agüero, and Hope Solo.

Rahul KP will join a distinguished West Ham United squad that includes notable personalities like actor Hero Fiennes Tiffin, former Argentina international Mauro Zárate, and several professional athletes who have represented the United States in the World Indoor Football Cup.

The three group stage games featuring West Ham United will be broadcast live on YouTube channels. Additionally, these matches will be televised live on ESPN.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) celebrated the best of Indian football at the AIFF Awards 2025, held today in Bhubaneswar, honouring outstanding players, coaches, referees, and member associations for their contributions during the 2024-25 season.

The ceremony highlighted the growing competitiveness of Indian football, with Mohun Bagan SG’s Subhasish Bose and East Bengal FC’s Soumya Guguloth crowned Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year, respectively. 

AIFF Awards 2025 Winners

Individual Awards

• Men's Player of the Year: Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG, Defender)
  • Recognised for his leadership as captain and stellar performances for Mohun Bagan SG as the mariners became the first team to defend the ISL Shield, along with reclaiming the ISL Cup. Bose kept 13 clean sheets as a defender and scored 6 goals as well. 
• Women's Player of the Year: Soumya Guguloth (East Bengal FC, Forward)
  • Honoured as the top Indian scorer in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and a key player for the Blue Tigresses. She helped East Bengal FC win the IWL 2024-25 title.
• Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG)
  • Awarded for holding the record for the most clean sheets in Indian Super League (ISL) history. Kaith had a record 15 clean sheets in ISL 2024-25 and conceded only 19 goals across 26 appearances
• Most Promising Men's Player of the Year: Brison Fernandes (Midfielder)
  • Noted for his midfield mastery and potential as a rising star.
• Most Promising Women's Player of the Year: Neha (Haryana, Winger)
  • Recognised for her performances, including 2 goals in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship and 3 goals in the Senior Women’s National Championship.
• Men's Coach of the Year: Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC)
  • Won for the second consecutive year for leading Jamshedpur FC to the Kalinga Super Cup semifinals.
• Women's Coach of the Year: Sujata Kar (Sreebhumi FC)
  • Awarded for guiding newly-promoted Sreebhumi FC to a third-place finish in the IWL.
• Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
  • Acknowledged for consistent officiating on the pitch.
• Female Referee of the Year: Tekcham Ranjita Devi
  • Recognised for her officiating excellence.
• Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
• Male Assistant Referee of the Year: Vairamuthu P

Member Association (MA) Awards

• Most Successful MA (Club Competitions): Indian Football Association (West Bengal)
  • For dominance in men’s competitions, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal winning major titles.
• Most Successful MA (NFC Competitions): All Manipur Football Association
  • Recognised for success in the National Football Championships.
• Best MA for Supporting Women’s Football: Punjab Football Association
  • Honoured for contributions to women’s football development.
• Best MA for Hosting Most AIFF Competitions: Football Association of Odisha and Goa Football Association
  • For hosting numerous AIFF events.
• MA with Most Player Registrations (Men’s): Kerala Football Association
  • For the highest number of male player registrations.
• MA with Most Player Registrations (Women’s): Western India Football Association (Maharashtra)
  • For leading in female player registrations.
• Special Award for MA Launching New Projects: Gujarat State Football Association
  • For innovative football initiatives.
• MA with Most Grassroots Activities: Gujarat State Football Association
  • For extensive grassroots programs.
• MA with Most Youth Tournaments Conducted: Karnataka State Football Association
  • For organising numerous youth tournaments.
• MA with Most Coaching Courses: Punjab Football Association
  • For conducting the most coaching courses.
• MA with Most Refereeing Courses: Gujarat State Football Association
  • For leading in referee training programs.

On a vibrant Saturday evening, April 26, 2025, Mohun Bagan SG’s youthful squad clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 quarter-finals, securing their spot in the semi-finals.

The Mariners, boasting an all-Indian lineup save for Portuguese defender Nuno Reis, showcased their attacking flair with goals from Sahal Abdul Samad in the 22nd minute and Suhail Ahmad Bhat in the 51st. Despite a late strike from Kerala Blasters’ Sreekuttan MS in the 94th minute, Mohun Bagan SG held firm, thanks to a stellar performance by goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem. Bastab Roy’s team now awaits the winner of the FC Goa vs. Punjab FC clash in the semi-final on April 30.

The match kicked off cautiously, with both sides probing without overcommitting. For the first 20 minutes, neither team managed to create clear chances. Then, Mohun Bagan SG sparked the game to life with a moment of brilliance.

Salahudheen Adnan dazzled down the right, weaving past Naocha Singh before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box. Sahal Abdul Samad, with a deft shoulder drop, shook off Ruivah Hormipam and delicately lifted the ball over goalkeeper Sachin Suresh to break the deadlock.

The goal jolted Kerala Blasters into action, and they pushed hard for an equaliser. Noah Sadaoui, fresh off a spectacular long-range goal against East Bengal, tried his luck from distance but sent the ball straight to Dheeraj Singh.

Read Also | India expresses formal interest to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031

The Blasters grew threatening from set pieces, particularly short corners. In the 30th minute, Sadaoui’s low cross after a quick one-two with Vibin Mohanan was cleared by Dippendu Biswas. Moments later, Hormipam’s looping cross nearly sneaked into the top corner, only for Dheeraj to tip it over.

Just before halftime, Mohammed Aimen cut in from the left and unleashed a curling shot that sailed narrowly over the bar, leaving the Blasters frustrated.

The second half began with Mohun Bagan SG striking early. In the 47th minute, Sachin Suresh pulled off a stunning save to deny Salahudheen in a one-on-one, but the warning went unheeded. Four minutes later, Ashique Kuruniyan tore down the left, breezed past Hormipam, and rolled a precise pass to Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who calmly slotted it home to double the lead.

From there, the game became the Dheeraj Singh show. Kerala Blasters threw everything forward, but the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper stood tall. Jesús Jiménez squandered two golden opportunities, blasting over the bar in the 65th minute and dragging a shot wide two minutes later. In the 70th minute, Dheeraj denied substitute Kwame Peprah’s angled effort, and with five minutes left, Peprah’s low cross found Jiménez, who couldn’t connect cleanly.

Read Also | Will Indian-Origin players ever get to play for India? AIFF keeps showing its aimless approach

Dheeraj’s heroics continued as he thwarted Peprah from point-blank range, with Amandeep clearing Ebindas Y’s follow-up off the line. The Blasters finally broke through in stoppage time when Jiménez set up Sreekuttan, who rifled a shot past Dheeraj. But the goal came too late to spark a comeback.

Salahudheen Adnan earned the Kalinga Player of the Match award for his electrifying performance.