ISL 2025-26: Foreign contingents of all Indian Super League clubs

The countdown begins as ISL starts on 14 February

The Indian Super League (ISL) is all set to kick off on 14 February, marking the return of top-flight football amid a period of transition for the competition. With clubs racing against time to finalise their squads, this season’s build-up has been shaped by financial caution and uncertainty surrounding the league’s immediate future.

As a result, the ISL has witnessed an unusually high number of foreign players parting ways with their respective clubs in the lead-up to the new campaign.

Despite the challenges, some clubs have brought in new foreign signings, while others have chosen to continue with the players already in their squads. With different strategies in place across the league, here is a club-wise look at the foreign players registered by each ISL team.

Mohun Bagan Super Giants

Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren, Jason Cummings, Robinho, Tom Aldred and Alberto Rodríguez

One club that has been least affected by the ongoing scenarios is Mohun Bagan Super Giants. The club has managed to keep the core squad and continue with all of their foreign players in the league. Key attacking figures like Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren, and Jason Cummings remain central to MBSG’s frontline, all contributing important goals and assists last season. Robinho provides creativity, while Tom Aldred and Alberto Rodríguez anchor the defense, ensuring stability at the back.

Despite uncertainty in the league, the Mariners retain a strong foreign core to stay competitive this season.

East Bengal FC

Saul Crespo, Miguel Figueira, Mohammed Rashid, Kevin Sibille and Youssouf Ezzejjari

Now from one side of Kolkata to the other, East Bengal have reshaped their foreign lineup ahead of the new ISL season. The club released two players but kept key contributors like Saul Crespo, who adds stability and control in midfield, and Miguel Figueira bringing creativity and crucial assists.

Mohammed Rashid anchors the middle with his experience, while Kevin Sibille strengthens the defence. The new signing, Youssouf Ezzejjari is expected to lead the attack with his goal-scoring ability, giving East Bengal a balanced foreign core as they get ready for the season kickoff.

Kerala Blasters FC

Marlon Roos-Trujillo

Kerala Blasters have seen a major overhaul in their foreign lineup ahead of the new ISL season, letting go of all of their foreigner players including loaning out Noah and Luna. The club has recently signed Marlon Roos-Trujillo, an attacking midfielder who can be very helpful up front.

With all of last season’s foreigners departing, the Blasters are entering the new campaign with a slim foreign roster, looking to rebuild and find balance as they prepare for the kickoff.

FC Goa

Dejan Drazic and Pol Moreno

FC Goa have also made significant changes to their foreign lineup ahead of the new ISL season, releasing several players including Guarrotxena, Siverio, David Timor and Borja Herrera. The club has retained only Drazic and Pol Moreno as their core overseas players.

With most of last season’s foreigners departing, Goa head into the new campaign with a lean foreign roster, aiming to build around their retained duo and navigate the season effectively.

Northeast United FC

Andy Rodriguez, Michel Zabaco and Jairo Samperio

Due to the uncertainty surrounding the league, Northeast United have overhauled their foreign lineup, parting ways with Chema and loaning out Alaeddine. The club has retained only Andy Rodriguez, Michel Zabaco and Jairo Samperio, forming the core of their overseas contingent.

While this gives the Highlanders some stability, the departure of several experienced players leaves gaps in squad depth and continuity, meaning they will need to quickly integrate everything so that the season goes well.

Bengaluru FC

Braian Sanchez and Sirozhiddin Kuziev

Bengaluru FC have made changes to their foreign roster ahead of the new ISL season, retaining only Braian Sanchez and Sirozhiddin Kuziev as their core overseas players. Sanchez adds goal-scoring threat up front, while Kuziev provides solidity and balance in midfield. While this core gives BFC stability, the team will need to integrate new signings quickly to maintain squad depth and competitiveness as the season kicks off.

Odisha FC

Carlos Delgado

Odisha FC have released the majority of their foreign players ahead of the new ISL season, loaning out Hugo Boumous and retaining only Carlos Delgado. Delgado provides experience and stability in defence, forming the backbone of the team’s contingent.

With most of last season’s foreigners gone, Odisha will need to rely on new signings to fill the gaps and quickly integrate them to remain competitive as the season kicks off.

Mumbai City FC

Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Jorge Ortiz

Mumbai City FC have released the majority of their foreign players like Tiri and Toral ahead of the new ISL season, retaining only Pereyra Díaz and Jorge Ortiz. Pereyra Díaz brings creativity and attacking flair, while Jorge Ortiz adds experience and stability in midfield.

With most of last season’s foreigners departing, the Islanders will rely on the existing squad to quickly build cohesion and gain form as they prepare for the season kickoff.

Jamshedpur FC

Nikola Stojanovic, Stephen Eze, Rei Techikawa, Lazar Cirkovic, Madih Talal and Rapahel Messi Bouli

While most clubs have struggled to keep their foreign players, Jamshedpur FC have retained a strong foreign core ahead of the new ISL season, keeping key players like Stephen Eze, Rei Teichikawa, Lazar Cirkovic and Raphael Messi Bouli. The club has also strengthened its lineup by signing ISL proven Madih Talal, adding creativity and goal-scoring threat.

With this mix of experienced and new foreign players, Jamshedpur head into the season with one of the league’s most balanced and competitive overseas contingents.

Mohammedan SC

Mohammedan SC currently has no foreign players in their squad. They have an all-Indian Lineup led by head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo.

Sporting Club Delhi

Andrei Alba and Rafael Ribeiro

Sporting Club Delhi have built their foreign contingent around Andrei Alba and Rafael Ribeiro for the new ISL season. Alba brings stability and composure in midfield, while Ribeiro adds safety and a no-nonsense defensive mindset at the back.

Inter Kashi FC

Lluís Tarrés, Sergio Llamas, Alfred Planas and David Humanes

Newly promoted Inter Kashi FC have put together a strong foreign core ahead of their maiden ISL season. Lluís Tarrés commands the goal with experience and sharp reflexes, while David Humanes anchors the defence with his strength and aerial ability. Both bring stability at the back, giving the team a solid foundation as they step up to the topflight.

In midfield and attack, Sergio Llamas provides creativity and leadership, and Alfred Planas adds pace and directness on the flanks. This Spanish contingent, forms the backbone of Inter Kashi’s overseas lineup combining experience and versatility to help the club compete in their debut ISL campaign

Punjab FC

Bede Osuji, Nsungusi Effiong, Dani Ramirez, Pablo Santos and Samir Zeljkovic

Punjab FC comes into this season of ISL with 5 foreigners. Led by head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, Punjab FC will now try to make the most of this and make sure that they take full advantage of these foreign players and get the ISL glory.

Chennaiyin FC

Elsinho and Daniel Chima Chukwu

Chennaiyin FC have kept a small but experienced foreign core for the new ISL season. Daniel Chima Chukwu leads the attack, bringing proven goal-scoring ability from his previous ISL stints, while Elsinho adds strength and versatility, able to play in midfield or defence. Together, they form the backbone of the Marina Machans’ lineup.

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