Five fan favourite foreigners to have played for Chennaiyin FC

Stiven Mendoza currently plays for Santos in Brazil

Chennaiyin FC has won the Indian Super League twice in their history, being only the second club to win it more than once. While their present situation may not be that good, the club can boast of a successful past where some of the finest foreign players represented them in the ISL.

In the past few seasons, Chennaiyin FC is struggling to make into the Indian Super League playoffs but there was a time when it used to be the title contender in every season. It was partly due to their strength on paper. Several notable foreign players contributed to the club’s success and developed a deep connection with the fans in the process.

Those players are still fondly remembered for their service and impact. Glancing at the club’s past seasons, here is a look at the top five fan-favourite foreigners to play for Chennaiyin FC:

Elano Blumer

Elano Blumer’s time at Chennaiyin FC was full of highlights and the fans remember his contribution very fondly. The midfielder won the ISL with CFC in 2015. One cannot forget his overall contribution. He played 26 games for the Marina Machans where he scored 12 goals and made six assists while finishing as the top goalscorer during the inaugural 2013-14 season with eight goals. 

Nerijus Valskis

Nerijus Valskis took the Indian Super League by storm with his goalscoring prowess. The striker joined Chennaiyin FC in 2019 and scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 20 overall appearances that season. He also scored in the second leg of the semi-final in the ISL playoffs and the final against ATK which CFC lost by 3-1 eventually.

The second-highest goalscorer in the club’s history (17), Nerijus Valskis, returned to Chennaiyin FC in August 2022 after a season with Jamshedpur FC which sent a wave of excitement to the CFC fanbase. While the second stint did not produce the ideal results, his popularity with the fans did not dwindle.

Lucian Goian

Chennaiyin FC was the last club Lucian Goian played for before retiring as a professional. He joined the club in September 2020 and played 20 times for the club, scoring twice in the process. However, his contribution came in defence as the centre-back emerged as one of the best leaders in CFC’s history.

His personality and leadership qualities made him an instant hit with the Chennaiyin FC fans. If one speaks with a CFC fan today, they will still hold Goian in high regard and rate him quite highly in the list of foreigners to play for the club.

Rafael Crivellaro

Rafael Crivellaro returned to Chennaiyin FC for the Indian Super League 2023-24 season. This news filled the CFC fans with immense joy as they prepared to welcome their star player and former skipper. The attacking midfielder joined the club initially in 2019 and resigned before the 2023-24 season after a spell with Jamshedpur FC.

In the 33 games he has played for Chennaiyin FC, the midfielder has scored 11 times and provided nine assists. Judging by the reactions of the fans who were thrilled to have him back, clearly they hold him in high regard and he will be central to their resurgence in the days going forward.

Stiven Mendoza

Stiven Mendoza was simply sublime in the Indian Super League. He currently plays for Santos in Brazil and turned out for the Columbian national team which suggests his quality as a player. He scored 13 goals in the ISL-winning campaign for CFC in 2015, including the winner in the final against FC Goa.

In 25 overall appearances for the club, he scored 17 goals and made five assists. Many hail Stiven Mendoza as the best foreigner ever to play in the ISL. He certainly had an incredible impact on Chennaiyin FC and the fans love to reminisce about his time at the club.