ISL: Youngest player to feature for Indian Super League clubs

Former NorthEast United FC striker Alfred holds the record for the youngest ever player to feature in ISL.

While there were times in the Indian Super League when only veteran Indian players were given opportunities and inexperienced players were frequently kept out of the matchday squad, the situation has altered dramatically this season.

With clubs saving costs and the ISL mandating the inclusion of development players in matchday squads, the number of young players getting opportunities to play and share the dressing room with experienced pros has increased in recent years.

We’ve also seen numerous players, like Prachit, Prakadeswaran, and Vinith, make it to their clubs’ first teams after years of hard work in the academy and reserves, which is always a positive indication for any football ecosystem throughout the world.

As the renowned Sir Matt Busby famously remarked, “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough” and these young players appear to be more at ease and unconcerned with the significance of playing in the ISL.

Let’s take a look at the youngest players to represent each team in the ISL.

NorthEast United FC – Alfred Lalruotsang (16 years 07 months 25 days)

Alfred, formerly regarded as one of the country’s greatest up-and-coming attackers, made his ISL debut in a 5-1 loss to Hyderabad FC, thanks to Khalid Jamil.

However, Alfred has fallen short of expectations and is now playing for FC Xiga United in the Arunachal League.

East Bengal FC – Tomba Singh (16 years 10 months 18 days)

Tomba Singh, who has lately made headlines in the ISL with his outstanding performances for Inter Kashi, began his ISL career in 2020 as a 16-year-old at East Bengal FC under Robbie Fowler.

While he was not able to make it back at East Bengal, he has established himself as one of the finest midfielders in the country.

Punjab FC – Vishal Yadav (17 years 01 month 12 days)

The Indian U-20 striker, who has recently been on fire for the NT, is the youngest player to have ever represented Punjab FC in the ISL, just ahead of Shami, Pramveer, and Suhail.

Vishal continues to advance his career with the Punjab FC reserves, while also participating in first-team trainings and appearing in ISL matchday squads.

Kerala Blasters FC – Korou Singh (17 years 04 months 03 days)

Korou Singh, who captained the Indian U-16 team in the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, joined Kerala Blasters from Sudeva Delhi following strong performances.

He instantly drew the attention of Ivan Vukomanovic, who gave the 17-year-old Korou his debut against NorthEast United FC in 2023-24 ISL.

Jamshedpur FC – Sandip Mandi (17 years 07 months 22 days)

If you thought of Gourav Mukhi when you saw Jamshedpur FC, don’t worry; no Indian football fan will forget that embarrassing incident.

However, Sandip Mandi, a graduate of the TATA Football Academy, became the club’s youngest-ever player to play in the ISL when he made his debut against ATK FC in February 2020.

Bengaluru FC – Rishi Singh (17 years 10 months 23 days)

Rishi, who joined Bengaluru FC from Classic FA ahead of the 2025/26 ISL season, made his ISL debut right away thanks to Renedy Singh, who had previously worked with the youngster at the youth level.

He played three games in the 2025/26 ISL before departing for the Indian U-20 camp for the SAFF U-20 Championship.

Odisha FC – Thoiba Singh (17 years 11 months 11 days)

Thoiba, one of the brightest players to emerge from the renowned Minerva Academy, joined Odisha FC ahead of the 2020/21 ISL season and created a quick impression under then-head coach Stuart Baxter.

Thoiba made his debut for the club at the age of 17 and continues to stay with the club. He has played an important part under several head coaches.

Chennaiyin FC – Baoringdao Bodo (18 years 01 month 02 days)

While Chennaiyin FC has provided opportunity to young players such as Jerry, Deepak Tangri, Thapa, and Rahim Ali, it is Baoringdao Bodo who is the youngest player to ever play for the team in the ISL.

Despite playing for a variety of teams, Bodo has fallen into the wasted potential category, and he is presently playing for local club FC Green Valley in Guwahati.

Mohun Bagan SG – Engson Singh (18 years 01 month 04 days)

Engson was a member of the ATK FC academy and remained with the club after Mohun Bagan and ATK FC merged in 2020. His only appearance in the ISL came as a substitute against Odisha FC during the 2020/21 season, for which he holds the record.

Engson, who is currently a free agent, spent a lengthy time with the Mohun Bagan reserves before being released last summer.

Mumbai City FC – Gyamar Nikum (18 years 03 months 24 days)

Gyamar Nikum excelled at Rajasthan United and made a large money move to Mumbai City FC for a high transfer fee in January 2023. In the same season, he became the club’s youngest ever player to play in the ISL, appearing for the final few minutes against East Bengal FC on the last matchday.

However, his career has suffered a significant hit, with the winger struggling for minutes in the previous two seasons despite flourishing on loan for Inter Kashi.

FC Goa – Sanatomba Singh (18 years 05 months 18 days)

Sanatomba Singh, a product of the prestigious RFYC program, signed with FC Goa ahead of the 2024/25 ISL season.

Manolo Marquez gave the young left-back his debut in the club’s 3-0 victory over Bengaluru FC. With this outing, he broke Nawaz’s record as the youngest player to represent the club in the ISL.

Mohammedan SC – Lalngaihsaka (19 years 05 months 00 days)

In what has been a difficult season for Mohammedan SC in terms of finances and transfer bans, it is encouraging to see Indian kids given opportunities at the top level.

Lalngaihsaka made his ISL debut this season at the age of 19, impressing the coach with his actions in the Durand Cup and the Super Cup.

Sporting Club Delhi – Sanatomba Singh (19 years 09 months 11 days)

Sanatomba, who moved from FC Goa to SC Delhi alongside Alan Saji in a swap deal involving Rabeeh, now holds the record for being the youngest player to represent both FC Goa and SC Delhi in the ISL.

Surprisingly, he achieved this record against his previous club FC Goa, coming on as a half-time substitute.

Inter Kashi FC – Tomba Singh (22 years 13 days)

Tomba Singh is the youngest player to represent Inter Kashi in this league in the club’s brief two-month ISL existence.

He joined Kashi in their first season and has been a regular in their midfield ever then. His outstanding efforts this season earned him a call-up to India’s U-23 team.

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