Top 10 European players in ISL history

Several European footballers have made their mark in ISL.

Over the years, the Indian Super League (ISL) has fostered some incredible talents from around the globe. However, European players have had a different edge to them in the league, and have enjoyed success like no other. 

So today, we bring to you the top 10 European players, who had the biggest impact in Indian Super League history.  

10. Alberto Noguera

Alberto Noguera started his Indian Super League journey in 2020 with FC Goa and was a key component of their squad. As a result of his impressive performances, Alberto inked a deal with the Islanders in 2022, winning the ISL shield in his inaugural season. 

In the 2023-24 season, Noguera was a standout performer for Mumbai, making a name for himself throughout the league, and also winning the ISL trophy.

9. Florent Malouda

Florent Malouda needs no introduction. The Chelsea legend is indeed one of the biggest names to have played in the Indian Super League, and his impact on his team justifies the stature of the player. 

Maluoda played for Delhi Dynamos in the 2015 and 2016 seasons and was their marquee man on both occasions. Under his leadership, Delhi reached the semifinals for two consecutive seasons, and Malouda was also crowned the ISL Hero of the League in 2016. 

8. Edu Bedia

In the six years he spent at Goa, Edu grew into a legendary figure among the Gaurs, and while every other player came and left, Edu stayed loyal to the Orange crest, and his leadership and guidance were pivotal in Goa’s consistent rise. 

His major notable achievements after he joined the club include winning the 2018-19 Hero Super Cup campaign followed by being crowned as the ISL League Shield Winners in the 2020-21 campaign and winning one of the oldest-ever football tournaments in India, the Durand Cup in the same season.

7. Carl Mchugh

Carl McHugh signed for Mohun Bagan back in 2019 and has ever since been an instrumental figure in the midfield. Despite facing an injury setback in his first season, McHugh bounced back stronger and put in consistent performances in the seasons that followed. 

Despite never receiving the plaudits he deserves; McHugh is one of the most dynamic and technical players in the Indian Super League. The Irishman also won the Indian Super League title with Mohun Bagan last season. 

6. Greg Stewart

Greg Stewart took the Indian Super League by storm during his spell for Jamshedpur FC, helping Owen Coyle’s men win the ISL League Winner’s Shield. Then, he joined and also guided Mumbai City FC to the Indian Super League Winner’s Shield and featured for the Islanders in the AFC Champions League. 

Throughout his journey in the ISL, Greg was a creative force in midfield, constructing beautiful plays, and scoring absolute bangers. 

5. Borja Fernandez

Borja Fernandez has two Indian Super League titles to his name and is one of the best midfielders to have graced the stage in the ISL. In 2014, he was an important component of the ATK midfield, thus helping his side win the inaugural ISL season. 

The former Real Madrid man even captained the side in 2016, when they were crowned champions for the second time. The defensive midfielder played 47 matches in the Indian Super League. In the process, he scored twice and assisted five times.

4. Hugo Boumous

Ever since starting his ISL journey, Boumous has won two Indian Super League Shields, two league titles, the Durand Cup, and also the Super Cup. 

In the 2019-20 season, Boumous won the Player of the Season award, for his astounding numbers, which included 11 goals and 10 assists in 18 games. Boumous’ creative style of play, and his great understanding of the game, made him an unstoppable force at times.

3. Ahmed Jahouh

Ahmed Jahouh started off his Indian Super League journey at FC Goa back in 2018, and straight away sealed his place in the starting lineup. His combative and dominant style of play varied with his inch-perfect passing, made him Goa’s core unit in the middle of the field. 

After a great 2019-20 season, Jahouh made a high-profile signing for the Islanders, where he helped the Blues win two Shields across the span of three years. Last season also, Jahouh was amazing with Odisha and was a key factor in their ISL playoff qualification.

2. Tiri

One of the seasoned players in ISL history, Tiri began his league career in 2015 and has since accumulated 133 appearances, totaling over 11,332 minutes. The Spaniard has two ISL titles to his name, including the latest title he won this season with Mumbai. 

Tiri has the highest number of appearances in the ISL by any foreign player and is undoubtedly a legend of the ISL. His exemplary performances in the back have always been an advantage for his side, and Tiri’s defensive abilities are second to none in the league. 

1. Ferran Corominas

Ferran Corominas or ‘Coro’ as he is fondly called, is considered by many to be the finest striker to grace the competition. He is the most consistent, scoring 48 goals in 57 games with a staggering 0.84 goals-per-game ratio.

Corominas was the most potent weapon of Sergio Lobera’s attacking arsenal at FC Goa. He won consecutive Golden Boots in 2018 and 2019, an unprecedented feat in the competition’s history. Coro also won the inaugural ISL Shield in 2019. 

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