Five fan favourite foreigners to have played for Bengaluru FC

Juanan won three significant trophies during his five-year tenure

Bengaluru FC opened its doors on July 20, 2013, and their first competitive season in the I-League began a couple of months later on September 22, 2013.Since then, the team has won two I-League titles (including one in their maiden season), two Federation Cup titles, one Indian Super League title, a Super Cup, and the Durand Cup trophy.

The club has over the years seen the outstanding performances of a number of international players who have made an everlasting impression on the Indian football landscape. A few players stand out as steadfast fan favorites, receiving praise and acclaim for their outstanding achievements on the field.

These foreign players have raised the bar for play with their grace, dedication, and extraordinary skill sets. They have also formed a close bond with the club's devoted fan base, the West Block Blues, solidifying their places in Bengaluru FC's illustrious footballing history.

Looking back over the club's progression, here are the names of five fan-favorite foreigners to play for the Blues:

5. Erik Paartalu

He signed a one-year contract with Bengaluru FC on 5 July 2017 and made his debut for the club in an AFC Cup encounter on 23 August 2017. In 2018 he signed the contract extension with BFC. Paartalu, the playmaker for Bengaluru in the midfield, has appeared in every single one of his team's Indian Super League games in 2020–2021, totaling 18 appearances and 1,512 minutes.

Over the course of 20 games, he has started 17 of their appearances and entered as a replacement once. Despite the fact that Erik Paartalu's versatility made him ideal for Carles Cuadrat's playing style, he departed Bengaluru FC before the 2021–22 season.

He was a solid center-back for Bengaluru FC and at times filled in at defensive midfield. Paartalu, Dimas Delgado, and the Juanan center-back combination together helped Bengaluru keep 11 clean sheets in 20 games during the 2020–21 season, which is what made him so well-liked among Bengaluru FC supporters.

4. John Johnson

John Johnson, widely known as Johnson among Blues fans, arrived in India in July 2013 as one of the first international signings of the then-newly created I-league team JSW Bengaluru FC. John Johnson was the absolute defensive pillar in Bengaluru FC's backline. He formed a strong defensive relationship with fellow countryman Curtis Osano, which strengthened the Blues' defence and won over many BFC supporters.

Johnson scored three vital goals during his rookie season in 2013. Due to his height and pedigree, as well as his defensive skills, he was named "Best Defender" in the I-league. Johnson, a key component in Bengaluru FC's defense yet again, was named "Best Defender" for the second season in three years, helping the side concede the second-fewest goals overall.

He was able to win over the hearts of the club's supporters since he is one of the club's longest-serving defenders, having been with the club from 2013 till the conclusion of the 2017/18 season.

3. Juanan

Juanan signed for Bengaluru FC prior of the club's remarkable run to the AFC Cup final in 2016. Juanan is a true BFC icon after helping Bengaluru FC win the 2016–17 Federation Cup, the 2018 Super Cup, and the 2018–19 Hero Indian Super League during his five memorable seasons there. The Spanish center-back participated in 71 games over the course of four Hero Indian Super League seasons, accumulating 91 tackles, 433 clearances, and 89 blocks.

Juanan has played a key role in the club's title-winning phases and challenges, appearing in 96 games and scoring four goals, the most recent of which came in the 2016 AFC Cup quarterfinal against Johor Darul Ta'zim. He was more than successful in winning the Blues' hearts because he was the club's longest-serving foreigner, having signed in the summer of 2016 until the conclusion of the 2021-2022 season.

2. Miku Fedor

Miku Fedor led Bengaluru FC's forward line as they joined the ISL in the 2017-18 season, with Sunil Chhetri by his side. The Spaniard dominated the league in his debut season, scoring 15 goals in just 20 games. Miku became a fan favorite during his brief appearance and marked an era for BFC with his collaboration with Chhetri.

Bengaluru FC reached the final in their first season of the ISL thanks in large part to Miku, who was the second-highest scorer for the Blues in the competition. After finishing his Bengaluru FC career, the striker recorded a total of 20 goals and four assists in 32 appearances.

1. Dimas Delgado

During his four-year stay in the Hero ISL between 2017 and 2021, Delgado was a crucial component of BFC's midfield, contributing to 4 goals, 14 assists, 198 tackles, 83 interceptions, and 74 clearances in 67 games. Since moving to Bengaluru in 2017, Dimas has been a prominent member of the team.

In the 2018-19 Indian Super League final, Dimas assisted Rahul Bheke's goal in the 117th minute with a corner assist after which he became more prominent and fan-favourite among the other foreigners.

Dimas Delgado was Bengaluru FC's midfield magician. At 36, his prime years may be behind him, but Dimas keeps triumphing over age and time, as seen by his performance for the Blues in the 2018-19 Indian Super League. BFC fans still adore him, as seen by their chanting of Dimas' name during their match versus East Bengal on October 4th, 2023, demonstrating that his name is still widely recognized among the Blues' fans.