ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC rope in Spanish midfielder Alberto Noguera

Alberto Noguera is a familiar face in Indian football.

Chennaiyin FC have added experience and creativity to their midfield by signing Spanish playmaker Alberto Noguera on a short-term contract running through the ISL 2025–26 season.

The move is the ISL side’s first foreign signing of the campaign, following the earlier arrival of Indian forward Imran Khan, as they aim to fix the creative gaps that hurt them last season.

A familiar name for Indian football fans, Noguera joins Chennaiyin FC from Segunda Federación club CF Rayo Majadahonda, where he featured earlier this season. His return instantly brings leadership and tactical intelligence to a squad that finished a disappointing 11th in the ISL 2024–25 standings.

Alberto Noguera’s journey through European football

A product of Spain’s rich footballing system, Noguera developed through the youth academies of Getafe and Rayo Vallecano before progressing to Atlético Madrid’s C and B teams. He tasted top-flight football with two LaLiga appearances and went on to feature 62 times in LaLiga 2, building a reputation as a technically secure and intelligent midfielder.

Beyond Spain, he also experienced English football during a stint with Blackpool FC, further broadening his tactical understanding. Across his professional career, Noguera has racked up an impressive 392 senior appearances, which shows his durability and consistency at a high level.

A proven performer in Indian football

While his European background stands out, Noguera’s biggest impact has arguably come in India. He represented FC Goa, Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC, becoming one of the most reliable foreign midfielders in the league. Across competitions, he played 124 matches in India, including 98 appearances in the Indian Super League.

During his ISL career, he contributed 14 goals and 17 assists, while also adding three goals and five assists in the Durand Cup. His trophy cabinet includes an ISL Cup, an ISL Shield and a Durand Cup. In April 2025, he was named Bengaluru FC Players’ Player of the Year before leaving the club at the end of his contract.

How does Noguera fit into Chennaiyin FC’s system?

Chennaiyin FC sorely lacked midfield creativity last season, except for Connor Shields, who was central to their attacking output despite the team’s struggles. Now, after his departure, a gaping void was to be filled. Although Chennaiyin finished 11th, they still scored 34 league goals, largely driven by individual brilliance rather than structured creativity.

Noguera’s arrival directly addresses that issue. Comfortable as a central or attacking midfielder, he excels in dictating tempo, finding pockets of space and linking midfield with attack. His ability to operate between the lines can help Chennaiyin replace Shields’ creative influence while also offering greater control in possession.

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