ISL 2025-26 Top Scorer: Youssef Ezzejjari tops list, Maclaren eyes Kashi clash to overtake

Effiong Nsungusi impresses the most

The Indian Super League 2025-26 season has started with new hope for Indian football. As the league slowly stepped up, the respective teams rose against all odds to become the table toppers because this is the new version of ISL.

In this new format, any point loss will be a key miss for any team, where they could try to gain the important points by scoring a ton of goals and making the team’s defence stand still. As teams begin their campaign, many players have already made a strong start for the ISL Golden Boot 2025-26.

After all teams have played almost 10-12 games in the group stage of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season, the race is now heating up between two players mainly. East Bengal FC’s Youssef and Maclaren from Mohun Bagan are the top two with their respective goal numbers.

Right now, Youssef Ezzejari, East Bengal FC’s newest addition this year, has scored 10 goals after their recent good run of form. As he became the new ISL top scorer, surpassing Jamie Maclaren. But Jamie Maclaren, who leads the race with Youssef, after his game against FC Goa, is currently in second spot in the ISL with nine goals. Followed by them, Dezan Drazic scored six goals.

But after so long, Punjab FC forward Effiong rises from the ashes, as he is in the third position, having scored seven goals for The Shers.

In the Indian Super League, many players have stepped up early to score as much as possible. Several attackers and midfielders have started their journey towards the ISL Golden Boot to prove their worth and help their respective teams win the league title.

As the league continues to unfold, the legacy it brings and the competition among the top scorers begin.

Drazic with six goals

As the league continues to regain its form, traditionally, many players stand out very highly to prove themselves. Dezan Drazic made his name in the list. The Striker who played for Celta Vigo once, FC Goa Striker Dezan Drazic, is performing day in and day out for The Gaurs in the ISL.

He scored six goals for FC Goa, keeping the pressure on the leaders. His ability to find the net regularly has played a key role in their team’s attacking performances in the ISL.

Drazic’s ability to operate across the forward line, combined with his technical skills and creativity, has allowed him to influence games in multiple ways. If you need a goal, you can call him anytime, and he will deliver by scoring goals or creating chances for teammates, who have proven to be a valuable asset for FC Goa.

Delhi’s Babovic strikes five times in the ISL

Matija Babovic will be the player to watch out for in the ISL. His attacking intent and presence are the most important things that could haunt the opposition defence. He can be effective at home by using his physical presence and technical control, as his ball control is very sharp and clean. He scored five goals for SC Delhi.

Matija might open the space for players like Joseph Sunny, and then Delhi easily takes those chances and converts them. Along with Matija, a striker like Joseph Sunny, who has a knack for his forward movement and positioning in the final third, will create problems.

Effiong Nsungusi shines for Punjab FC

On the other hand, Punjab FC foreigner Effiong Nsungusi also has seven goals under his name. His aerial presence and physicality make him different from others. The Nigerian forward has already delivered important goals for his team, which makes him a constant threat to the opponents.

Jamie Maclaren is two goals away from being the top scorer

Currently sitting in the second spot of the Indian Super League Golden Boot race, Jamie Maclaren is the prolific striker from Mohun Bagan SG. The Australian forward has again shown his class by scoring a hat-trick against Odisha FC. He has enjoyed a sensational start to the campaign, scoring nine goals this season till now. He scored one goal against FC Goa very early.

His sharp movement inside the penalty area, intelligent positioning and clinical finishing have been the key factors behind his goal-scoring ability. Time and time again, he has converted half-chances into goals that made him one of the most dangerous attackers in the Indian Super League.

But after East Bengal overpowered Odisha FC with a score line of 3-0, relying on Youssef’s brace, and one goal against Mumbai City FC, Maclaren find himself second on the spot with nine goals in hand. But the Australian forward is the most proven player among all others in the list; he needs to be focused in their next game against Inter Kashi FC.

Youssef Ezzejari surpassed Maclaren

East Bengal FC has done something different in this ISL season. With a lot of expectations from the Moshal fans, East Bengal FC has started their journey after constant heartbreak and poor results. Under the guidance of Spanish coach Oscar Bruzon, they are really impressive this season, which has allowed them to be at the ISL top of the table.

Youssef Ezzejjari topped the ISL Golden Boot race with 10 goals under his belt, as he scored a brilliant brace against the Juggernauts in their past fixtures and also scored a penalty against Mumbai City. He scored ten times for the Red and Gold Brigade.

He has been a key figure for the team. The forward has displayed the pace and excellent finishing ability inside the box. His goals have come at crucial moments, helping the Kolkata-based club remain competitive in their early fixtures.

His performance against Mohammedan SC, where East Bengal FC scored a record seven goals against the Black Panthers, was really the reason for his race-leading instinct. Also, he scored against Odisha FC.

But in the last game against Punjab FC at home, he looked much more stagnant with defenders, as he failed to deliver a good performance. Youssef will set his eye on the Kolkata Derby on 17th May.

Players with the most goals in ISL 2025-26:

• Youssef Ezzejjari (East Bengal) – 9 goals
• Jamie Maclaren (Mohun Bagan SG) – 8 goals
• Effiong Nsungusi (Punjab FC) – 7 goals
• Dejan Drazic (FC Goa) – 6 goals
• Matija Babovic ( SC Delhi ) – 5 goals

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