IFL 2025-26: Top 5 best players from group stage ft. Marcus Joseph, Antonio Moyano
The top six IFL clubs fight for ISL promotion, and the remaining four will play to save from relegation.
The Indian Football League 2025-26 (IFL) season has come to an end after its first phase of the league phase, with a total of the top six clubs battling for the next season’s ISL promotion. And the remaining four teams play in the relegation zone with a strong eye to survive.
Diamond Harbour FC are currently the league leader with 22 points. Following them, Shillong Lajong FC and Sreenidi Deccan made their path into the top three standings. These teams have shown consistency over the season.
For all teams, many players have put their feet and put their best possible efforts. As a result, many players proved themselves in the IFL phase 1, scored goals, and played a pivotal role in their respective teams’ midfield and defensive line.
From clinical goal scorers to creative playmakers, IFL phase 1 saw some individual brilliance, and how can we forget about the goalkeeping position. A bunch of goalkeepers played their hearts out for the clubs, as they are the last line of the defence.
Khel Now is back with another analysis of the Indian football League.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 players in the IFL 2025-26 phase 1.
5. Bhabindra Malla Thakuri – GK ( Rajasthan United FC )
Captaining his side in the IFL 2025-26 season under the goalpost was not easy for Bhabindra Malla Thakuri. He has been very impressive for the Desert Warriors in this phase 1, as they finished the first round in third position in the table with 17 points.
Believing the 33-year-old veteran keeper paid off for Rajasthan United FC as they conceded just 10 goals in nine games. Bringing experience and stability, Bhabindra is their most trusted option in this season. He played a key role in Rajasthan’s some important results, as now the ISL promotion will be on the line.
4. Kenstar Kharshong – CB ( Shillong Lajong FC )
The Meghalaya-born defender emerged for Shillong Lajong FC in this Indian Football League season, as they have produced some incredible games throughout their season. Shillong Lajong FC find themselves second on the points table in the first phase with 17 points, just behind the league leader, Diamond Harbour FC.
He made nine appearances in the IFL this year and stood like a tank in the backline. Kenstar is one of the key players for them. In his nine games, he also scored one goal for his team. His ability to stay calm under pressure is his biggest trait, as Shillong Lajong conceded just nine goals in their first phase.
3. Antonio Moyano – CAM ( Diamond Harbour FC )
Diamond Harbour FC also made a presence, as Antonio Moyano made their name in the list. Players from such clubs have also encouraged the legacy of the Indian Football League, as this makes the Golden Boot race very exciting for the fans. He also scored four goals for his club, which made him very important for the team.
His partnership with Hugo Diaz and Luca Majcen has been the trump card for DHFC head coach Kibu Vicuna. Not just scoring four goals for the team, he made the defence break passes for the forwards, as he got four assists under his name. Antonio Moyano’s immense performance is a pivotal thing as Diamond Harbour topped the group stage.
2. Everbrightson Sana – CF ( Shillong Lajong FC )
The second squad player from Shillong Lajong FC, which indicates the positives about the team. They really played a proper team game in this entire first phase of the IFL 2025-26. Alongside Kenstar Kharshong, the centre forward Everbrightson Sana also made the list of top five players who were the standout performers in the first round.
He scored four goals for the team, which helped them to finish second in the group stage with 17 points. They will be wishing to have the same form in the championship round, as they will eye strong for ISL promotion.
1. Marcus Joseph – ST ( Dempo SC )
Marcus Joseph is a well-known name in the Indian Football League as well as in the Indian football circuit. Played for Mohammedan Sporting Club and many more, he is known for his ability to score and clinical finishing, with a lot of experience in the top-flight football.
He scored seven goals for the Golden Eagles. Marcus Joseph is leading the goal scorer chart in the Indian Football League 2025-26 season.
He is a quality, reliable goal scorer for Dempo SC, known for his strength, intelligence and positioning. The Trinidad and Tobago international forward has been a key attacking player for Dempo SC in the 2025-26 Indian Football League season. Dempo SC qualified for the ISL promotion race as they finished sixth on the table.
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Rohit Mistri is a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience in the field. He has extensively covered Indian football, including major tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League. His work spans on-ground reporting, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling, along with interviews of prominent sporting personalities. Rohit brings strong communication skills and a deep passion for sports narratives to everything he writes.