For the past few months, all eyes have been on Mumbai City FC. The team has been the talk of the town ever since they qualified for the AFC Champions League 2023-24.
The craze touched the sky when the Islanders drew Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal SC in the group stages of the ACL 2023/24. Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. is likely to accompany the Al-Hilal squad when they travel to India in November.
AFC Champions League 2023-24: How to buy tickets for Mumbai City FC vs Al-Hilal?
Mumbai City FC opened the pre-registration for the Mumbai City vs Al Hilal game. Fans can pre-register for the tickets on Book My Show (BMS). The platform is the exclusive ticketing partner of Mumbai City FC. They just have to provide basic details such as their name, email ID, and phone number. After providing the details, the app will show a message saying further updates of the event will be provided shortly.
What are the ticket prices for Mumbai City FC vs Al-Hilal SC?
Mumbai City will host Al-Hilal on November 6, 2023, in Matchday 4 of the AFC Champions League 2023-24 Group Stage. The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST.
This is a pre-registration so the ticket prices for the event have still not been disclosed. However, the prices are expected to remain high since this is a high-profile match with some of the best players in the world.
The maximum number of tickets available for the AFC clash between Mumbai City FC and Al Hilal is only 38,000 out of the total 55,000 available tickets. 2,000 tickets are reserved for VIP guests, celebrities, and political leaders.
Venue:
The historic game between India's Mumbai City and Asian giants Al-Hilal will be played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The Indian club officially announced the change of venue from Balewadi Stadium in Pune on Tuesday evening.
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.
Who has scored the most goals in the 21st century? In this article, we present to you the top 13 highest-scoring footballers of the 21st century. Check where Messi and Ronaldo stand.
The 21st century has been a golden age for football, filled with breathtaking talents and goal-scoring giants. It gave us the legends whose legacy can never be matched, and moments to cherish for the longest time.
The footballers indeed took this sport to another level, shaping the modern era with passion and brilliance. Join us as we count down the highest-scoring footballers in the 21st century, celebrating their remarkable journey.
13. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (408 goals) | Netherlands
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar celebrating a winning goal in the added time for Netherlands in 2014 World Cup. Image | Facebook
Goals: 408
Matches: 738
Position: Forward
Securing the 13th position is Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar with 408 goals in 738 matches. He made his international debut in 2006 and was widely known for his lethal finishing. He reached the 2010 World Cup Final, where they ended up as runners-up.
Huntelaar won multiple Dutch Cups and Eredivisie titles for Ajax. He had a rollercoaster-like club journey, with his stints for AC Milan and Real Madrid. He later became a fan favourite for FC Schalke 04, where he was the Bundesliga's top scorer in 2011-12.
Samuel Eto'o celebrating a goal with a text on his shirt that reads "MERCI MAMAN," which translates to "Thank you Mom" in French. Image | X
Goals: 424
Matches: 872
Position: Forward
Cameroon's iconic striker and all-time leading goal-scorer, Samuel Eto'o, holds the 12th spot with 424 goals in 872 matches, after his international debut in 1997.
From winning an Olympic gold medal in 2000 to leading the Indomitable Lions to back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (2000, 2002) and winning 3 La Liga titles and 2 Champions League titles (2006, 2009) for Barcelona, he has done it all.
He then moved to Inter Milan and achieved a historic treble in 2010, winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and another Champions League under Jose Mourinho. Samuel is the only player to win back-to-back trebles with different clubs.
Breakdown of Samuel's goals:
Club Matches
Club Goals
Country Matches
Country Goals
754
368
118
56
11. David Villa (426 goals) | Spain
David Villa celebrating a goal for Spain in 2010 FIFA World Cup. Image | Mint
Goals: 426
Matches: 827
Position: Forward
The former Spanish footballer, David Villa, holds the 10th position with 426 goals in 827 matches. He made his international debut in 2005 and has been unstoppable ever since. He was a crucial part of Spain's 2010 World Cup triumph, where his 5 goals made him a joint top scorer.
Villa also found immense success in his club career, where he won numerous titles forBarcelona, including the UEFA Champions League in 2011 and 2 La Liga titles. He also won another La Liga title with Atletico Madrid.
Additionally, he holds the record of being Spain's all-time top scorer, which is unmatched even years after his retirement (in 2019).
Sergio Aguero is an impressive Argentinian footballer who made his international debut in 2006, scoring 426 goals in 786 matches.
He won the 2021 Copa America with the national team, but unfortunately missed the chance to be a part of the World Cup-winning squad of 2022.
He became an icon for Manchester City, transforming into the leading goal-scorer, who played a key part in securing their first Premier League title in 44 years in 2012.
After that famous victory, he never looked back and went on to win 6 Premier League titles, 6 League Cups, and one FA Cup. He also holds the most Premier League hat-tricks (12 times).
Neymar is the only Brazilian footballer to make it to the top 10 of this list, with 442 goals in 731 matches. After his international debut in 2010, he quickly became the face of the national team.
He is now Brazil's all-time leading scorer, surpassing legendary Pele's long-standing record.
Neymar led Brazil to win an Olympic gold medal in 2016 and won the Confederations Cup in 2013. He also did brilliantly at club level, playing for Barcelona and PSG, and later moving to Al-Hilal and Santos.
Neymar is hands down the most exciting and effective attacker of his generation, who is equally fun to watch!
Cavani celebrating a goal against Portugal in 2018 World Cup. Image | Sky Sports
Goals: 456
Matches: 865
Position: Forward
The Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani, who debuted internationally in 2008, scored 456 goals in 865 matches, which earned him the deserved spot here. He played a key role in Uruguay's 2011 Copa America win.
His scoring rate and passion made him the leading goal-scorer for Paris Saint-Germain (a record later surpassed by Kylian Mbappe). During his time at PSG, he won a collection of trophies, including six Ligue 1 titles, four French Cups, and five French League Cups.
Cavani also had successful spells at Napoli, Manchester United, and Valencia.
Breakdown of Cavani's goals:
Club Matches
Club Goals
International Matches
Country Goals
729
398
136
58
7. Harry Kane (461) | England
Harry Kane celebrating a goal for England. Image | ESPN
Goals: 461
Matches: 714
Position: Forward
Breaking into the top goalscorers and finally breaking his much-discussed trophy drought is England's captain, Harry Kane, with an impressive 461 goals in 714 appearances.
After his debut in 2015, he quickly established himself due to his all-around striking ability, pinpoint passing, and other skills.
For years, Kane's individual excellence, including winning multiple Premier League Golden Boots, was paired with an absence of team silverware. This narrative finally changed in 2025, after his transfer to Bayern Munich, where he played a pivotal role in their dominant 2024-25 Bundesliga title win.
France and Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema is currently the sixth in the list of highest scoring footballers in the 21st century. One part of the famous B-B-C trio of Real Madrid, Benzema, is the second-highest goal scorer in Real Madrid's history.
Entering the Top 5 of highest scoring footballers in the 21st century is the Swedish maestro Zlatan Ibrahimovic with 558 goals in 949 matches. He was widely recognised for his boldness, acrobatic finishes and lively personality.
In his 10 years for Sweden (2006-2016), he became the top scorer with 62 goals, most likely to remain unmatched for a long time. He represented his nation in multiple World Cups and European Cups.
Moving on to his legendary individual records, he won the FIFA Puskas Award in 2013 for his phenomenal overhead kick against England. He is also the only player to score 50 Serie A goals for both Inter Milan and AC Milan.
Breakdown of Zlatan's goals:
Club Matches
Club Goals
Country Matches
Country Matches
827
496
122
62
4. Luis Suarez (574 goals) | Uruguay
Luis Suarez celebrates a goal for Uruguay. Image | BBC
Goals: 574
Matches: 972
Position: Forward
Uruguay's all-time leading goalscorer,Luis Suarez, makes his way to fourth rank with 574 goals in 972 matches. Known for his incredible skills and finishing, he was always a central figure in his nation's success since his debut in 2007.
Suarez won the 2011 Copa America and helped them reach the WTC semi-final in 2010. His club career is equally impressive. After winning the Dutch Cup with Ajax, he moved to Liverpool, becoming a Premier League top-scorer and earning a European Golden Shoe.
His prime time arrived at Barcelona, where he formed a fearsome attacking trio with Messi and Neymar. With Barcelona, he won La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey trophy, as well as the Champions League in 2015.
Lewandowski celebrating a goal for his nation. Image | The Bridge
Goals: 695 goals
Matches: 981
Position: Forward
Coming in at no. 3 is the Polish goal-machine, Robert Lewandowski, with 695 goals in 981 matches. He swiftly became his nation's all-time top scorer with the kind of positioning skills and consistency he has.
He made his international debut in 2008 and became one of the most celebrated Polish footballers of this century. He won two Bundesliga titles at Borussia Dortmund and later moved to Bayern Munich, where he cemented his status as one of the greatest strikers.
Lewandowski holds astonishing goal-scoring records, such as surpassing Gerd Muller's record for most goals in a single Bundesliga season (41 goals in 2020-21) and became the tournament's leading foreign scorer.
He also won two consecutive European Golden Shoes and 2 FIFA Best Men's Player awards.
Messi kissing the World Cup after their victory over France in 2022. Image | Mint
Goals: 886
Matches: 1108
Position: Forward
Probably the most anticipated name on the list, Argentina's golden boy, Lionel Messi, holds the 2nd position with a staggering 866 goals in 1108 matches. Having made his international debut in 2005, he had a career full of greatness, which shaped the modern era of football.
From Copa America glory to the 2022 World Cup triumph, which made the dreams of millions come true, there is not a single title left for him to fill his cabinet. He spent the majority of his career at the club level at Barcelona, becoming their all-time leading scorer.
Messi's unimaginable dribbling and scoring prowess earned him eight Ballon d'Or awards (which is the most by any player) and six European Golden Shoes. He also holds the record for most goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012).
It is really difficult to put the legacy of the greatest of all time into words and summarise in a couple of paragraphs!
Crowning the list as the highest scoring footballer in the 21st century is Portugal's indomitable Cristiano Ronaldo with 938 goals in 1281 matches. Following his debut in 2003, he was unstoppable and reached heights with his scoring talent.
He led Portugal to their first major international title (UEFA European Championship) in 2016 and followed it with the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. At club level, he won multiple titles with Manchester United, and later moved to Real Madrid, where he became the leading scorer.
Ronaldo's hunger for goals saw him achieve five Ballon d'Or awards and four European Golden Shoes.
His fitness and dedication to this game help him maintain an elite level of goal scoring in his late 30s, making him one of the greatest in the history of this sport.
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