A look at FC Goa's foreign contingent for ISL 2026-27
The Gaurs have completely revamped their foreign contingent ahead of the 2026-27 season.
FC Goa have pressed the reset button on their foreign contingent ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season. After a decent ISL 2025-26 campaign, finishing 7th in the league, the Gaurs have entered a new chapter under head coach Gouramangi Singh, who will have the task of blending a largely new overseas group into a cohesive unit.
The club now have five foreign players in their ranks, four Spaniards and one Argentine, giving the squad a distinctly Spanish flavor. The overhaul comes after several foreign players departed following FC Goa’s Super Cup triumph in November 2025. After which, the club were left with only Dražić and Pol Moreno in the squad for the 2025-26 ISL Season, bringing an end to an era that had delivered silverware and memorable performances.
Replacing established names is never straightforward, particularly when expectations are high. Gouramangi Singh must ensure the newcomers adapt quickly to FC Goa’s style while maintaining the attacking identity that has become synonymous with the Gaurs.
Amid the sweeping changes, there is also a familiar face. Jorge Ortiz Mendoza has returned to FC Goa after 4 years, adding experience and familiarity to an otherwise revamped contingent.
FC Goa’s Foreign Players 2026-27
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Francisco “Franchu” Feuillassier
FC Goa started their foreign recruitment with the signing of Argentine attacking midfielder Francisco ‘Franchu’ Feuillassier. The 28-year-old has joined the Gaurs from Kerala Blasters, bringing with him valuable ISL experience along with a strong background in Spanish football.
Before moving to India, Franchu developed at Real Madrid’s academy and made his senior debut for the Spanish giants in the Copa del Rey. He also played for Fuenlabrada, Eibar and Cartagena in Spain, besides gaining experience with Hungary’s Diósgyőri and Cyprus’ Karmiotissa.
His technical ability, creativity and influence in the final third are key qualities that could benefit the Gaurs. Franchu also offers tactical flexibility, with the ability to operate as a No. 10 or from either flank. This allows Goa to use him centrally as a creator or deploy him wider when required.
- Age: 28
- Country of Birth: Argentina
- Position: CAM/LW/RW
- Preferred Foot: Right
- Played for: CF Fuenlabrada, Eibar, FC Cartagena, Real Madrid Castilla
Álex Vallejo
FC Goa brought in Spanish defensive midfielder Álex Vallejo, making him their second foreign signing of the summer. The 34-year-old arrives with plenty of European experience, having played across Spain, England, Cyprus, Poland and Hungary, including stints with Huddersfield Town and Diósgyőri.
His calmness on the ball, positional awareness and experience in protecting the defence make him an appealing addition for Gouramangi Singh’s side. Vallejo could provide the balance Goa need when their attacking players move forward.
His versatility is another advantage, as he can play as a holding midfielder or drop into the defensive line, giving FC Goa different options depending on the opposition and game situation.
- Age: 34
- Country of Birth: Spain
- Position: CDM/CM/CB
- Preferred Foot: Right
- Played for: Deportivo Alavés B, Mallorca, Huddersfield Town
Alex Zalaya
The Gaurs have added former Barcelona Atlètic Spanish centre-back Álex Zalaya ahead of the 2026-27 season, the only overseas recruitment in defense to pair with captain Sandesh Jhingan.
The 28-year-old joined from Racing Ferrol after spending the entirety of his career in Spain, with previous spells at Sporting Gijón B, UE Cornellà, Barcelona Atlètic, Real Murcia, Atlético Baleares and Ourense. Zalaya’s reading of the game, aerial strength and composure in possession could make him a useful addition to Goa’s backline.
His comfort with playing out from defence also suits the team’s possession-based approach. With the ability to defend space while progressing the ball from deep, Zalaya gives Gouramangi Singh another option at centre-back, particularly if Goa opt for a high defensive line.
- Age: 28
- Country of Birth: Spain
- Position: CB/LB
- Preferred Foot: Left
- Played for: Barcelona Atlètic, Real Murcia, Racing de Ferrol, Sporting Gijón B, UE Cornellà
Also Read: ISL 2026-27: Foreign contingents of all Indian Super League clubs
Christian ‘Chiki’ Isabel
FC Goa brought in Spanish forward Christian ‘Chiki’ Isabel ahead of the 2026-27 season, looking to add more variety to their attack. The 29-year-old arrived from FC Cartagena after spending his entire career in Spain, where he represented Leganés B, Rayo Majadahonda, Sporting B, UE Cornellà, Alcorcón and Racing Ferrol.
Chiki is not simply a player who waits for opportunities inside the box. His movement, work rate and ability to combine with teammates allow him to contribute to the build-up as well. He can lead the line or move into wider areas, giving Gouramangi Singh room to adjust Goa’s attacking shape.
His movement can also create spaces for runners around him, adding another layer to the Gaurs’ attacking options.
- Age: 29
- Country of Birth: Spain
- Position: CF/RW/LW
- Preferred Foot: Right
- Played for: Leganés B, Rayo Majadahonda, Sporting B, UE Cornellà
Jorge Ortiz Mendoza
Jorge Ortiz Mendoza returns to FC Goa ahead of the 2026-27 season, signing a one-year deal after spells with Shenzhen Peng City and Mumbai City. The Spanish forward is already familiar with the Gaurs, having previously scored 16 goals for the club, during his time for FC Goa between 2020 to 2022
His experience in Spain, India and China gives him a broad understanding of different playing styles, while his previous stint in Goa could help him settle into the squad quickly. Ortiz brings directness and creativity to the final third, with his ability to carry the ball, take on defenders and create chances make him a useful attacking outlet.
He can operate from either flank or move into central areas, allowing Gouramangi Singh to adjust his attacking shape. His familiarity with Goa’s footballing philosophy could also help him build a quick understanding with the club’s new attacking recruits.
- Age: 34
- Country of Birth: Spain
- Position: CAM/LW
- Preferred Foot: Right
- Played for: Getafe U-19, Real Oviedo, Cultural Leonesa, Shenzhen Peng City, Mumbai City FC
Note: This article will be updated once FC Goa announce their complete roster for 2026-27 season….!
Who are FC Goa’s foreign signings for the 2026–27 ISL season so far?
FC Goa have completely revamped their foreign contingent with Francisco ‘Franchu’ Feuillassier, Álex Vallejo, Álex Zalaya, Christian ‘Chiki’ Isabel and Jorge Ortiz Mendoza.
Which FC Goa foreign player has returned for a second stint at the club ahead of the 2026-27 season?
Jorge Ortiz Mendoza has returned to FC Goa for a second stint. He previously played for the Gaurs from 2020 to 2022, before returning on a one-year deal on September 5, 2026.
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