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ISL transfer news: All completed transfers before ISL 2024-25

As the 11th season of Indian Super League (ISL) is all set to start in 13th September with the match between Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, we take a look at all the completed ISL transfers.

Sep 10, 2024, 4:58 AM7 min read

ISL transfer news: All completed transfers before ISL 2024-25

Football on and off the field is an exciting game for all the fans. Because, before the game starts on the field, a different game has to be won by the club officials to ensure the coach and the team get players to have a chance at the glory during the season. As the 11th season of the Indian Super League approaches, in the latest ISL transfer news we present you all the completed deals of Indian club football. 

From Anwar Ali and Hector Yuste's move to East Bengal from arch-rival Mohun Bagan, Jamie Maclaren and Greg Stewart signing deals with the Green and Maroon, Jorge Pereyra Diaz's inclusion to Bengalur FC team from Mumbai City FC to FC Goa grabbing Iker Guarrotxena from the Islanders; the trasnfer window was full of fun and tension for the fans and the club officials.

Read Also | From Dimi-Cummings to Roy-Mauricio: Here are the top attacking duos in ISL 2023-24 

Top five deals of the ISL 2024-25 season

Before we give you the completed list of transfers, here are top five signings of the ISL 2024-25 season.

1. Jamie Maclaren to Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Top five deals of the ISL 2024-25 season - Jamie Maclaren to Mohun Bagan Super Giant - sportzpoint.com

All-time leading goalscorer of the A-League, a record five-time Golden Boot winner of the league, and a World Cupper with Australia, Jamie Maclaren joining the ISL shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant for four years, was surely the top signing of the season.

The Aussie striker spent six seasons with Melbourne City FC before heading for the Kolkata club. He has been registered outside the salary cap for Mohun Bagan and will be highest paid player in the Indian Super League this season.

Read Also | "Extremely honoured:" Apuia signs for Mohun Bagan SG for five years 

2. Dimitrios Diamantakos to East Bengal

Dimitrios Diamantakos to East Bengal - sportzpoint.com

East Bengal accuired the services of last season's ISL Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos on a two-year deal from Kerala Blasters FC to solve their goal scoring porblem. Cuadrat had his eye on the Greek-striker and East Bengal management were able to sign him on a free transfer this season.

Read Also | East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Biggest wins in Kolkata derby history 

With 28 goals and 7 assists in just 44 games across two seasons in India, Diamantakos can surely be the saviour East Bengal fans are looking for since last few seasons.

3. Lallianzuala Chhangte's extension with Mumbai City FC

Top five deals of the ISL 2024-25 season - Lallianzuala Chhangte's extension with Mumbai City FC | sportzpoint.com

Regarded as one of the best wingers and attacking midfielders of current Indian football, 'Mizo Flash' Lalianzuala Chhangte has been one of the main reasons of Mumbai City FC's success in the Indian Super League. Since joining the Islanders in 2022, Chhangte went on to win the ISL Golden Ball in 2022-23 season and then in the next seasons became the first Indian player to record more than 15 goal contributions in consecutive seasons with 10 goals and 6 assits.

Read Also | Indian Football Awards: Here are list of winners from AIFF Awards 2024 

Chhangte has been pivotal to Mumbai City winning the ISL Cup in 2023-24 season and thus has been rewarded with a contract extension till 2026-27 season and also has been named as the captain of the side for this season.

4. Jesus Jimenez to Kerala Blasters FC

Jesus Jimenez to Kerala Blasters FC - sportzpoint.com

Jesus Jimenez, the 30-year-old striker from Spain has the experience of the playing in the Spainsh second division, Polish first-division and the MLS. Moreover, he has played in the Europa League as well.

Jimenez started his carrer with Club Deportivo Leganés and then flourised at FC Talavera where he helped the club to be promoted in the Sapnish second-division league. Then he joined Polish first-division club Górnik Zabrze and scored 43 goals along with 26 assists in four seasons before moving to MLS. 

He will join the Manjapadas in a free transfer for two years from Greek club OFI Crete where he spent the last season.

Read Also | ISL Winners List since 2014 

5. Vishal Kaith's contract extension with Mohun Bagan SG

Top five completed deals of the ISL 2024-25 season - Vishal Kaith's contract extension with Mohun Bagan SG | sportzpoint.com

Surely one of the best goalkeepers going around in India, Vishal Kaith has extended his contract with his favourite club Mohun Bagan despite having lucrative offers form other clubs in India. Vishal had been a part of the franchise (it was ATK Mohun Bagan back then) since 2022 and since then has been on the best in business.

Kaith's skill underneath the goalpost has helped Mohun Bagan win the ISL Cup in 2022-23 and then win the ISL Shield in the following season. Kaith has manged 27 clean sheets in 71 games for Mohun Bagan so far in his career and had won five back-to-back penalty shootouts before his record was broken in the Durand Cup 2024 final against NorthEast United.

 

All completed transfers of ISL 2024-25

ISL 2024-25 Transfers

Bengaluru FC

Players In
Pedro Capo (Joined from Eldense)
Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Joined from Mumbai City FC)
Alberto Noguera (Joined from Mumbai City FC)
Lalthuammawia Ralte (Joined from Odisha FC)
Rahul Bheke (Joined from Mumbai City FC)
Edgar Mendez (Joined from Club Necaxa)
Mohammed Salah (Joined from Punjab FC)
Players Out
Parag Shrivas
Keziah Veendorp (Contract Terminated)
Shankar Sampingiraj (End of Contract)
Amrit Gope (End of Contract)
Vikram Singh (End of Contract)
Oliver Drost (End of Contract)
Slavko Damjanovic (End of Contract)
Javi Hernandez (End of Contract)
Rohit Kumar (End of Contract)
Robin Yadav (End of Contract)
Amay Morajkar (End of Contract)
Lara Sharma (Joined FC Goa)
Jayesh Rane (End of Contract)

Chennaiyin FC

Contract Extension
Connor Shields
Jiteshwor Singh
Ryan Edwards
Samik Mitra
Players In
Laldinliana Renthlei (Joined from Odisha FC)
Vignesh Dakshinamurthy (Joined from Hyderabad FC)
Lalrinliana Hnamte (Joined from Mohun Bagan SG)
Mohammad Nawaz (Joined from Mumbai City FC)
Lukas Brambilla (Joined from Othellos Athienou)
Gurkirat Singh (Joined from Mumbai City FC)
Mandar Rao Dessai (Joined from East Bengal FC)
Kiyan Nassiri Giri (Joined from Mohun Bagan SG)
Wilmar Jordan Gil (Joined from Punjab FC)
Daniel Chima Chukwu (Joined from Jamshedpur FC)
PC Laldinpuia (Joined from Jamshedpur FC)
Elsinho Dias (Joined from Jamshedpur FC)
Jitendra Singh (Joined from Jamshedpur FC)
Players Out
Alexander Romario Jesuraj (Contract Terminated)
Ayush Adhikari (Contract Terminated)
Lazar Cirkovic (Joined Jamshedpur FC)
Sachu Siby (Contract Terminated)
Prateek Kumar Singh (On Loan to Dempo SC)
Rahim Ali (End of Contract)
Sweden Fernandes (End of Contract)
Ninthoi Meetei (End of Contract)
Rafael Crivellaro (End of Contract)
Aakash Sangwan (End of Contract)
Jordan Murray (End of Contract)
Cristian Battocchio (End of Contract)
Sarthak Golui (End of Loan)
Mobashir Rahman (End of Loan)
Debjit Majumder (End of Contract)

East Bengal FC

Contract Extension
Mohamad Rakip
Hijazi Maher
Cleiton Silva
Saul Crespo
Players In
Hector Yuste (Joined from Mohun Bagan SG)
Jeakson Singh (Joined from Kerala Blasters FC)
Debjit Majumder (Joined from Chennaiyin FC)
Provat Lakra (Joined from Jamshedpur FC)
Nishu Kumar (Joined from Kerala Blasters FC)
Madih Talal (Joined from Punjab FC)
Mark Zothanpuia (Joined from Hyderabad FC)
David Lalhlansanga (Joined from Mohammedan SC)
Dimitrios Diamantakos (Joined from Kerala Blasters FC)
Players Out
Sarthak Golui (Contract Terminated)
Kamaljit Singh (Contract Terminated)
Mobashir Rahman (Joined Jamshedpur FC)
Mandar Rao Dessai (End of Contract)
Felicio Brown Forbes (End of Contract)
Victor Vazquez (End of Contract)
Aleksandar Pantic (End of Contract)
Ajay Chhetri (End of Loan)

FC Goa

Players In
Hassan Sulaimon (Joined from Mohun Bagan SG)
Romario Jesuraj (Joined from Chennaiyin FC)
Komal Thatal (Joined from Hyderabad FC)
Vikram Singh (Joined from Bengaluru FC)
Sandesh Jhingan (Joined from Kerala Blasters FC)
Players Out
Nikola Katić (End of Contract)
Edgar Silva (End of Contract)
Jorge Ortiz (End of Contract)
Brandon Fernandes (End of Loan)
Rohit Kumar (End of Loan)

Kerala Blasters FC

Players In
Chinglensana Singh (Joined from Odisha FC)
Valentin Vazquez (Joined from FC Goa)
Nemanja Gudelj (Joined from Sevilla FC)
Yasir Shah (Joined from Hyderabad FC)
Players Out
Gursimrat Singh (End of Contract)
Alberto Noguera (Joined Bengaluru FC)
Shahbaz Ali (End of Loan)
Vineeth Kumar (End of Loan)
Next Article

“Everybody in the Indian football ecosystem is worried,” Sunil Chhetri says the current state of Indian football is deeply concerning

Sunil Chhetri has expressed deep concern over the suspension of the Indian Super League and the future of India's footballing ecosystem.

Jul 16, 2025, 9:00 AM3 min read

“Everybody in the Indian football ecosystem is worried,” Sunil Chhetri says the current state of Indian football is deeply concerning

Former Indian national football team captain Sunil Chhetri has expressed deep concern over the suspension of the Indian Super League and the future of India's footballing ecosystem.

Also Read: Jude Bellingham to miss twelve weeks after shoulder surgery in London

“The current situation that Indian football finds itself in, is very concerning. I’ve received a flurry of texts from players, staff members, physios, masseurs - not just from my club, but from other clubs as well,” Chhetri wrote on his social media handle X (formerly Twitter).

Worried about the future - Chhetri 

Chhetri, who plays for Bengaluru FC in the ISL, wrote on social media, “I’ve received a flurry of texts from players, staff members, physios, masseurs – not just from my club, but from other clubs as well.

“Everybody in the Indian football ecosystem is worried, hurt, scared about the uncertainty we are faced with,” he added.

There is no new agreement between AIFF and FSDL

The 2025-26 season of the ISL has been put 'on hold' as the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and organising company Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) has not been renewed yet.

The Supreme Court has directed the AIFF not to enter into any new agreement with FSDL until a final decision is taken on the AIFF.

A 15-year agreement was signed in 2010

A 15-year agreement between FSDL and AIFF was signed in 2010, under which FSDL pays Rs 50 crore every year to AIFF in return for the rights to broadcast, manage and promote Indian football (including ISL and the national team).

Please stay calm - Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri appealed to all the players and support staff to maintain patience and support each other. He expressed confidence that football will resume soon. The AIFF has also said that it understands the importance of ISL, but it is compelled to follow the court's order.

Also Read: Who is Olivia Smith? Arsenal are ready to pay the most expensive transfer fee for her

“I may not have all the answers, but my message to all those involved with Indian football – and more importantly the ones whose livelihood depends on it, the players, staff, kitmen, masseurs, medical teams, production crews, operations staff – please stay calm.”

“We’ll ride this storm together. Stick together and look out for each other. Keep training and getting better. Football has to resume soon. It will,” Sunil Chhetri shared.

Next Article

Indian Men's Football Team Drops 6 Places to 133rd, Lowest FIFA Ranking in 9 Years

The Indian men's football team dropped 6 rankings lower to 133 in the lastest FIFA World ranking update. Get the full story behind this significant dip the national squad.

Jul 12, 2025, 11:44 AM3 min read

Indian Men's Football Team Drops 6 Places to 133rd, Lowest FIFA Ranking in 9 Years | sportzpoint.com

The latest update of FIFA Men's World Ranking, released on July 10, 2025, brings in disappointing news for Indian football fans. It revealed that the Indian men's football team dropped 6 rankings to 133, putting them at the lowest standing in nine years (since 2016).

The team currently has 1113 rating points, positioned right below Congo and above Central Africa. But what exactly caused this dip for the Blue Tigers?

Let's dive into the details and reasoning behind the rank drop of the Indian men's football team.

Read Also: Best Indian Football Stadiums – Ranked by Capacity

Indian men's football team dropped 6 rankings to 133: What could be the reason?

Indian Men's Football team dropped 6 rankings lower to 133 | sportzpoint.com
The Indian men's football team practicing before the football friendly against Thailand in June'25. Image | The Bridge

Exactly a month before the FIFA World Ranking was released, the Indian men's football team faced a humiliating defeat of 0-1 against lower-ranked Hong Kong, in the Asian Cup qualification round match (on 10 June, 2025).

They had a momentum break before this qualification match, as they lost to Thailand (0-2) in an international friendly on June 4. Despite hosting intensive training camps and sessions, nothing worked for the team.

After a disastrous year in 2024, where the Indian men's football team did not win a single match, leading to a poor Asian Cup campaign and crashing out of FIFA World Cup qualification, the streak continued even in this year. Out of the four matches played this year, they won one, drew another, and lost two.

India recorded only a single win in 8 matches played under Marquez, which came in a friendly against the Maldives in March.

These results directly led to the rumours of the head coach's resignation, which culminated in Manolo Marquez's departure from the AIFF earlier this month (2 July, 2025).

Read Also: How can Indian Women's Football team qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup?

India's lowest ranking since 2016

Indian Men's Football Team Drops 6 Places to 133rd, Lowest FIFA Ranking in 9 Years | sportzpoint.com

Indian men's football team's best ranking was recorded in February 1996, when they found themselves at 94. In contrast, their lowest was recorded in March 2015, with 173rd rank in the charts.

The latest FIFA World Ranking update placed India at 133, following their disappointing performances in 2024-25. The last time India had a worse ranking was in 2016, placed at 135.

The above-mentioned performances and results are the sole reason why the Indian men's football team dropped 6 rankings to 133.

Next Article

How can Indian Women's Football team qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup?

Good news for India! With the recent qualification for the AFC Asian Cup, the dream is alive for the Indian women's football team. How can Indian women's football team qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup? Explore their path and details here.

Jul 7, 2025, 12:19 PM3 min read

How can Indian Women's Football team qualify for FIFA World Cup? | sportzpoint.com

The ultimate dream for any footballing nation is to compete on the biggest stage like the World Cup, and for Indian women's football team, the dream feels closer now.

On July 5, 2025, India secured AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification with a 2-1 victory over Thailand. The sensational midfielder from Bengal, Sangita Basfore scored both the goals to seal this historic win for the nation!

This crucial win, added to their strong performances againsy Mongolia, Timor-Leste, and Iraq, marked their return to the Asian Cup after 22 years. This success has now fueled the high hopes and big dream of reaching the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Now the question is: How can Indian Women's Football team qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup? Let's explore the details below.

Read Also: Best 10 Women's Footballers in the World Right Now

Why does AFC Asian Cup qualification matter?

How can Indian Women's Football team qualify for FIFA World Cup? | sportzpoint.com
The AFC Women's Asian Cup. Image | Hindustan Times

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the regional body for football in Asia, operating under FIFA. Crucially, the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 isn't just a continental championship; it's Asia's direct qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

For 2027, Asia gets six direct World Cup spots and two additional play-off chances. This means performing well in this tournament is absolutely vital for India's World Cup dreams.

They will have to fight for the World Cup spot against 11 nations (7 other qualifying nations from 2025, the host Australia, and the top 3 teams from the previous 2022 edition).

Teams qualified alongside India in 2025 Asian Cup qualifiers:

  1. Bangladesh
  2. Phillipines
  3. Vietnam
  4. Chinese Taipei
  5. North Korea
  6. Uzbekistan
  7. TBD

The Top 3 teams of 2022 edition:

  1. China (Champions)
  2. South Korea (Runners-up)
  3. Japan (Third place)

Read Also: Best Indian Football Stadiums – Ranked by Capacity

India's qualification roadmap for the 2027 FIFA World Cup

How can Indian Women's Football team qualify for FIFA World Cup? | sportzpoint.com
Winning moments from the decisive match against Thailand in Asian Cup qualifiers. Image | X

To reach the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, India's performance at the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 is everything.

Here's how they can make it possible:

  • Reach the semi-finals: This is the clearest path for qualification as all four semi-finalists in the Asian Cup will automatically be eligible to qualify for WC.
  • In case they don't reach semi-finals: If India reaches the quarter-finals but loses, there's still a chance. The losing teams will play additional matches against each other for the remaining two direct World Cup spots and the two play-off berths.

In short, India must aim to be among the top six teams in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 to have a direct shot at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Next Article

Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India

Discover the most promising U-21 footballers in India who are set to define the future of Indian football. Know about their current status and journeys.

Jul 4, 2025, 6:45 PM7 min read

Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India | sportzpoint.com

The dynamic landscape of Indian football is on the cusp of a new era and set to be carried forward by a generation of young talent. Finding the most promising U-21 footballers in India is the key, as they are the ones who will decide where we stand next.

Let's take a look at some special youngsters who are not only catching the eye of coaches, but are also inspiring the youth with their skill, dedication and ambition.

Suhail Ahmad Bhat (20 years)

Suhail Ahmad Bhat is one among the Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India | sportzpoint.com
Suhail Ahmad Bhat practicing with the Blue Tigers. Image | Facebook
  • Born: 8 April 2005, Jammu and Kashmir
  • Position: Centre-Forward
  • Current team: Mohun Bagan SG

Suhail Ahmad Bhat is a 20-year-old promising young talent, who has quickly become a name to watch in Indian football. He made his mark with the Indian Arrows, and his progress led him to Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

He has consistently proved his ability to find the net and did well across various competitions like the Durand Cup, CFL, and Super Cup. His journey began with early recognition, even being featured by The Guardian as one of the best young talents globally born in 2005.

Suhail already represented India in U-16 (where he scored on his debut match) and U-23 level. He also recently got called up for the senior India national team and debuted in 2025.

Read Also: Top scorers in ISL history

Joseph Sunny (21 years)

Joseph Sunny is among the Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India | sportzpoint.com
Joseph Sunny captured between practice sessions for Hyderabad FC. Image | X
  • Born: 13 October 2003, Kerala
  • Position: Forward
  • Current team: Hyderabad FC 

Joseph Sunny is a tall attacking striker who has emerged as a key player for Hyderabad FC. His strength lies in his style of play, which turns out to be really impactful for the team. He played in tournaments like the Kalinga Super Cup and I-League and made his ISL debut in the 2023-24 season.

Sunny has made his deserving spot in the playing XI for Hyderabad, featuring in most of their matches. His ISL performances highlighted his eagerness to contribute to the team and also his rising stature.

Korou Singh Thingujam (18 years)

Korou Singh Thingujam is among the Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India | sportzpoint.com
Korou Singh Thingujam playing for Kerala Blasters in ISL. Image | Instagram
  • Born: 3 December 2006, Manipur
  • Position: Second Striker, Right Winger
  • Current Team: Kerala Blasters FC

Korou Singh Thingujam has rapidly risen through the ranks at Kerala Blasters FC, showcasing exceptional skill as a second striker. He initially made an impact by scoring on his debut with the reserve team, and then quickly earned his spot in the senior team.

His ISL debut in 2024 made him one of the youngest players to do so. He also got an extension of contract for Kerala Blasters till 2029, which highlights the team's faith in his abilities.

Korou was a part of the Indian U-17 team that won the 2022 SAFF U-17 Championship, and even scored in the final. He also got to play for the U-20 side in 2024, scoring 1 goal in 5 appearances.

Mohammed Sanan (21 years)

Mohammed Sanan is among the Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India | sportzpoint.com
Mohammed Sanan playing for Jamshedpur FC in ISL. Image | Instagram
  • Born: 5 April 2004, Kerala
  • Position: Left Winger
  • Current Team: Jamshedpur FC

Mohammed Sanan is a talented young left-winger, who emerged from the Reliance Foundation Young Champs' (RFYC) academy. His strong foundation saw him get a long-term deal with Jamshedpur FC.

Sanan quickly made his way to the senior team, starting with the Durand Cup and later making it to the ISL. He is the most reliable young performer in the team, who also appeared in two games for the India U-23 team in his international career.

Read Also: Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

Bikash Yumnam (21 years)

Bikash Yumnam is among the Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India | sportzpoint.com
Bikash Yumnam in ISL. Image | Instagram
  • Born: 6 September 2003, Manipur
  • Position: Centre Back
  • Current team: Kerala Blasters FC

Bikash Yumnam is a 21-year-old solid centre-back who has established himself as a decent defensive presence. He has gained experience playing for clubs like Chennaiyin FC and Punjab FC, before joining Kerala Blasters FC

He seems to constantly develop his game, along with focusing on positioning, tackling, and aerial abilities.

Bikash was a part of the 2022 SAFF U-20 Championship winning squad of India and was also a part of the U-16 team that reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 AFC U-18 Championship in Malaysia.

Tekcham Abhishek Singh (20 years)

Tekcham Abhishek Singh is among the Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India | sportzpoint.com
Tekcham Abhishek Singh playing for Punjab FC. Image | Transfermarkt
  • Born: 2 January 2005, Manipur
  • Position: Left back
  • Current team: Punjab FC

Tekcham Abhishek Singh is a highly praised left-back, known for his defensive solidity and energetic run. His journey began at Minerva Academy, from where he moved to Punjab FC and became a crucial part of the team.

Abhishek's impressive ISL performance led to a tug-of-war between major Kolkata clubs for his signature, ultimately leading his move to Mohun Bagan SG. He will soon be joining their side and will continue to play brilliant football.

After playing for the U-20 and U-23 Indian teams, he got a call-up to the senior national team under coach Manolo Marquez. He has already made his debut with the team and has a long way to go.

Nikhil Barla (21 years)

Nikhil Barla is among the Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India | sportzpoint.com
Nikhil Barla in ISL. Image | X
  • Born: 5 August 2003, Jharkhand
  • Position: Right Back
  • Current team: Jamshedpur FC

Nikhil Barla is a 21-year-old emerging talent who trained at the prestigious TATA Football Academy. He began his journey with Jamshedpur FC's youth and reserve teams, where he worked tremendously hard to transition into the senior squad.

Barla quickly became an integral part of their defence and gained significant experience playing in the ISL. This hardworking boy is steadily climbing towards his dream with immense discipline and dedication.

His consistent performance earned him a place in India's U-23 probable squad, and there's more to come!

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

Vinith Venkatesh (19 years)

Vinith Venkatesh is among the Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India | sportzpoint.com
Vinith Venkatesh celebrates a goal for Bengaluru FC. Image | NDTV Sports
  • Born: 31 July 2005, Bengaluru
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Current team: Bengaluru FC

Vinith Venkatesh made his senior debut in the 2024 Durand Cup for Bengaluru FC, where he also scored against Mohun Bagan SG in the semi-finals. He made his ISL debut in the same year, potentially growing his skills while playing alongside experienced footballers.

Bengaluru FC is a club known for youth development, and the inclusion of a talented youngster like Vinith makes the vision for the future even brighter. As a midfielder, he contributes to ball distribution, tackling, and both offensive and defensive transitions.

Sahil Poonia (19 years)

Sahil Poonia is among the Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India | sportzpoint.com
Sahil Poonia in his debut ISL match for Bengaluru FC. Image | Instagram
  • Born: 8 March 2006, Haryana
  • Position: Goalkeeper
  • Current team: Bengaluru FC

Sahil Poonia is another 19-year-old young talent who represents Bengaluru FC as a goalkeeper. He hails from Haryana and has worked really hard to come his far and keep up with the dynamic football world. 

Poonia has already featured for India at various youth levels, including U-17, U-20, and U-23 teams, which is a strong indicator of his potential as a future national team goalkeeper.

Singamayum Shami (18 years)

Singamayum Shami is among the Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India | sportzpoint.com
Singamayum Shami in ISL. Image | Cricketnmore
  • Born: 18 April 2007, Manipur
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Current team: Punjab FC

Singamayum Shami is a highly exciting attacking midfielder for Punjab FC. He swiftly made his mark in his flourishing career and became the youngest goalscorer in the history of ISL (at 17 years) in 2025. 

Shami had an exceptional ability to handle pressure and even score at those times. He was a part of the India U-20 team that won the SAFF U-20 Championship in 2025. Not only was he a key part of the team, but also earned the most valuable player award of the tournament.

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

Gurnaj Singh Grewal (18 years)

Gurnaj Singh Grewal is among the Most Promising U-21 Footballers in India | sportzpoint.com
Gurnaj Singh Grewal representing East Bengal. Image | X
  • Born: 9 January 2007, Punjab
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Current team: East Bengal FC

Gurnaj Singh Grewal is a promising midfielder who has been a part of the youth setup at East Bengal FC. He has an amazing ability to control the tempo of the game and initiate offensive plays.

He has contributed to East Bengal's reserve squad, contributing to their success, including winning the Calcutta Football League 2024-25. Internationally, he represented India at the U-17 and U-19 levels and was a part of the SAFF U-19 Championship-winning squad. 

Next Article

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

There have been several players who led the Indian football team to reach the stage where it is right now. Let’s have a look at top 10 Indian football captains of all time.

Jun 30, 2025, 12:45 PM4 min read

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

Indian football is currently in its growing stage and has gained immense popularity in the last few years. The Indian football team is yet to achieve many big milestones on international level, which are anticipated to get achieved in the upcoming years. With the rise of Indian football over the years, there have been several players who led the Indian football team to reach the stage where it is right now. 

Let’s have a look at top 10 Indian football captains of all time.

Top 10 Indian Football Captains

10. Talimeren Ao

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 1948

The very first captain of independent India, Talimeren Ao led the national side in it's first ever game at the Olympics in 1948.

He played only six times for India, but his name will be long remembered for being the very first captain of the new nation.

Hailing from Nagaland, Ao was a centre-back as well as a qualified physician. There are two stadiums in Assam named after him.

9. Prasun Banerjee

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 1980

The younger brother of PK Banerjee, Prasun played for India between 1974-1985 and captained the team five times in international tournaments.

He was a defensive midfielder in his playing days, but is currently an MP from Howrah in the Lok Sabha.

8. Mohammed Habib

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 1965-1975

Represented and captained the side between 1965-1975. Habib was a household name amongst football fans in the country back then with PK Banerjee once calling him 'the Indian Pele'.

7. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: Occasional captain

The giant goalie is another who has in recent years been handed the armband by coach Constantine. He led the side out against Puerto Rico in 2016.

6. Jarnail Singh

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 1965–67

Captained the Indian Football team between 1965-1967. Jarnail Singh was another in the long list of centre-backs to have captained the side.

He was notably named in the Asian All Star team of 1966.

5. Sailen Manna

  • Tenure: 1949–54

Considered one of the best defenders to pull on the India blue, Manna played 14 times for India between 1948-1956. He captained the side to gold at the Asian Games in 1951.

The English FA back in 1953 rated him amongst the 10 best captains in the world in it's annual yearbook.

4. Chuni Goswami

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 1960–64

He was one of those multi-sport figures having played international football for India as a striker as well as first-class cricket for the Bengal Ranji Trophy team. He earned 50 caps for India between 1956-1964.

He was captain when India won gold at the Asian Games in 1962 and silver at the Asia Cup two years later.

3. PK Banerjee

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 1960–61

Made 84 appearances for India and is one of the most distinguished Indian footballers of all time. He scored 65 times for the side after making his debut in 1955. He captained the side at the 1960 Olympics.

2. Bhaichung Bhutia

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 2000-11

The man who really popularized the game of football in the nineties and noughties, the Sikkimese Sniper Bhaichung Bhutia first became captain in 2000-2011. 

The legendary striker who played for over 16 years for the team was captain on numerous occasions including the successful SAFF Championship run in 2005.

1. Sunil Chhetri

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 2012–24

The current record goalscorer for the national side, Sunil Chhetri has made the armband his since 2012. It started with the AFC Challenge Cup back then and it has been his to lose ever since. 

With over 150 caps and 95 goals to his name and many other honours, Chhetri will go down as one of the most successful captains of all time when he hangs up his boots.

Chhetri captained India to a record-extending ninth SAFF Championship title. Not only did he finish as that edition’s top scorer with five goals, he became the joint-highest goalscorer in SAFF championship history with 23 goals, along with Maldives’ Ali Ashfaq.

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