ISL 2025-26: FC Goa complete squad for the upcoming season
FC Goa have retained just two foreigners for the 2025-26 ISL season.
FC Goa have been one of the most successful clubs over the last few seasons picking up multiple trophies. They retained their AIFF Super Cup title in December by beating East Bengal on penalties, hence qualifying to play in Asian competitions once again.
While the Gaurs have tasted success in other competitions, the Indian Super League (ISL) title has stayed out of Goa’s reach so far as they have slipped twice in the final hurdle. Under Manolo Marquez, the club has rediscovered its winning habit and they enter the league as one of favourites once again.
While their Indian core is stronger than ever, the uncertainty of the 2025-26 ISL season has seen them lose out on four of their foreign stars. Javier Siverio, Iker Guarrotxena, David Timor and Borja Herrera have left the club in January. Owing to this, Dejan Drazic and Pol Moreno are the other two foreigners available in the squad.
Goalkeepers
The trio of Hrithik Tiwari, Lara Sharma and Bob Raj will be fighting it out for a place in the starting XI. Hrithik is FC Goa’s first choice keeper and is expected to retain his place as he has been consistent and has kept 7 clean sheets in the ISL last season.
Lara Sharma will be the second choice starter for the club. The 26-year-old has played for Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters in the past and has been good for FC Goa whenever he got a chance between the goalposts.
Defenders
FC Goa have a star studded defense with Sandesh Jhingan and Pol Moreno being the first choice Centre backs. They will be backed up by the likes of Nim Dorjee and Seriton Fernandes, who add much needed depth to the defence.
Aakash Sangwan and Jerry Lalrinzuala are the two experienced left-back options while Boris Singh would operate as the first choiced right-back.
Manolo Marquez is someone who likes keeping clean sheets and having a controlled match. This Goa defense is top notch in quality, depth and will be able to go up against any striker in the league this season.
Midfielders
FC Goa’s midfield will suffer with the absence of foreign talent, however, this could be a golden chance for their young midfielders to step up.
The club currently employs the likes of Ayush Chhetri and Sahil Tavora as the two recognisable names to man their midfielder. Alongside the duo, Harsh Patre and Prachit Vishwas will be adding depth to FC Goa’s midfield with a few youngsters from the B-team expected to be called up for the 2025-26 ISL season.
With respect to wingers – Goa are stacked and arguably have the best options in the league that comprises both experience and youth. The Gaurs currently employ Mohamed Yasir, Abdul Rabeeh, Udanta Singh and Brison Fernandes as part of their squad, all of whom are matchwinners on their day.
Forwards
Dejan Drazic is the only foreign attacker that has stayed with FC Goa post their AFC Champions League Two campaign. The Serbian can play as a Centre forward and as a winger, giving flexibility to Manolo Marquez’s tactics.
To challenge Drazic, Goa have signed Ishan Pandita and Daniel Lalhimpuia in January to add to their Centre forward options, both of whom have good experience under their belt.
However, Daniel and Ishan have not scored goals consistently, something that they will be looking to change in the upcoming season.
FC Goa’s 28-member squad for the 2025-26 ISL season
Goalkeepers:
Hrithik Tiwari, Lara Sharma, Bob Jackson
Defenders:
Pol Moreno, Sandesh Jhingan, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Serriton Fernandes, Sanatomba Singh, Akash Sangwan, Nim Dorjee, Boris Thangjam, Sitroy Carvalho
Midfielders:
Ayush Chhetri, Mohammad Yasir, Sahil Tavora, Udanta Singh, Prachit Vishwas, Harsh Patre, Brison Fernandes, Davis Fernandes, Muhammed Nemil, Lalsangliana, Ronney Kharbud, Abdul Rabeeh
Forwards:
Dejan Drazic, Ishan Pandita, Daniel Lalhimpuia, Alan Saji
Who is FC Goa’s head coach for the 2025–26 ISL season?
FC Goa are coached by Manolo Márquez, under whom the club has rediscovered its winning mentality and entered the season as one of the title favourites.
Which foreign players have left FC Goa ahead of the new season?
FC Goa lost four foreign players in January: Javier Siverio, Iker Guarrotxena, David Timor, and Borja Herrera, reducing their overseas options for the upcoming campaign.
How many foreign players are currently available in FC Goa’s squad?
Only two foreign players remain in the squad — Dejan Drazic and Pol Moreno — due to the uncertainty surrounding the 2025–26 ISL season.
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Aasif, a football fan turned writer, has been writing about the sport since 2020. Based in Chennai, it is no surprise that love for Chennaiyin FC runs in his blood. Apart from Indian football, Aasif has also written and edited articles extensively about European football.