Five youngest players to play in ISL 2025-2026

Many of them played crucial role in propelling Blue Colts to AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia

Over the years, the Indian Super League (ISL) saw legendary veterans in the world of football, including the likes of Roberto Carlos, Diego Forlan, Sunil Chhetri, Tim Cahill and Dimitar Berbatov take over the footballing spotlight with their goals, headers, and inspiring presence on the field.

Amid the unbearable weight of expectations on fading veterans, there is another story of boys standing on the brink of becoming men. Across the length and breadth of this country, from the galleries of Kochi to the gullies of Kolkata, a new generation of talents waits impatiently to etch their name in golden letters in history books.

From young Lallianzuala Chhangte making his ISL debut to captaining Mumbai City FC, from Jeakson Singh playing in the fields of Thoubal to becoming the most expensive Indian player in ISL history, the league has seen the rise of some of the best footballing talents in this country from scratch.

In this article, we take a look at five such youngest names in ISL squads who are ineligible to cast their vote, but already tasked with the responsibility to dictate midfields and become the next big thing in Indian football.

5. Md. Salik Sabbah (Punjab FC) – 17 years, 274 days

Ever since Punjab FC’s inception in the ISL, they have invested heavily in strengthening the grassroots and carving a system to nurture young talents. As a result of this, young goalkeeper Mohammed Salik Sabbah was inducted into Punjab FC’s ISL 12 squad.

Taking a look at Sabbah’s performance, the young custodian represented the Delhi FC U17 team before making a move to the Punjab FC youth setup.

He represented the Punjab FC U17 team in the U17 Youth League Playoffs, where he was on the bench for five games and made a start against AIFF FIFA Talent Academy U17 in a 5-4 defeat.

4. Md. Arbash (Bengaluru FC) – 17 years, 225 days

One of the most exciting young talents of India currently, Manipur-born midfielder Md Arbash, was named in the Bengaluru FC squad for ISL 2026. After representing Classic FA U17, he made a move to Bengaluru.

He has also represented the Indian youth teams on several occasions and scored the winning penalty against Bangladesh in the SAFF U20 Championship Finals to bring glory to India at such a young age.

Previously, he was also called for the youth friendlies, where he locked horns with the Syria U20 and Indonesia U20 teams. His most recent goal came against Bhutan in the semi-finals of the SAFF U20 Championship.

3. Nitishkumar Meitei (Chennaiyin) – 16 years, 336 days

Chennaiyin FC signed young Nitishkumar Meitei from Punjab FC before inducting him to the main ISL 2026 squad for the Marina Machans under Clifford Miranda.

The Manipuri midfielder has made two appearances in the U17 Youth League for Chennaiyin FC. He has represented India in the SAFF U17 Championship 2025 and also played in the semi-finals against Nepal U17

He was also named in India’s team for the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualification, but did not get any game time. Most notably, he was also part of India’s AFC U17 Asian Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia and was on the bench against the Australia U17 and Uzbekistan U17 teams.

2. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (Northeast United FC) – 16 years, 243 days

One of the main protagonists behind sealing India’s berth in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 after scoring the winning goal against Iran in the deciding clash, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam is just 16 years old and was inducted into NorthEast United FC’s squad in ISL 2026.

He also scored against the South Korea U17 team in the international friendlies and played almost every minute in India’s AFC U17 Asian Cup campaign against Uzbekistan and Australia.

Young Gunleiba has shown massive courage and potential to compete at such big occasions, and what sets him apart is his fearlessness. He has been the clutch player for Bibiano Fernandes, from scoring the winner against Iran to contributing when his team needs him the most, he is one of the brightest prospects.

1. Shubham Poonia (Northeast United FC) – 16 years, 161 days

The youngest player in ISL 2026, Shubham Poonia, has already captained the Indian U17 team. The Indian youngster from Rajasthan played a crucial role in helping India make it to the AFC Asian Cup 2026.

He has represented the Highladers in the U17 Youth League playoffs and also scored three goals. Talking about his national team stats, he played every single minute in the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualification and also scored the first goal for India against the Palestine U17 team.

He was also part of India’s SAFF U-17 Championship-winning team and played two games for India in the AFC U17 Asian Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia.

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