Who are the longest serving foreigners in ISL history

Foreign players have always played a key role in the ISL clubs.

The Indian Super League (ISL) commenced in 2014, and since its inception, numerous foreign players have sought opportunities on Indian turf by representing various clubs. 

Notable footballers such as Nicolas Anelka, Roberto Carlos, Diego Forlan, Alessandro Del Piero, and Luis Garcia are among the distinguished players who have graced Indian clubs in the league.

There have been players who departed the league after just one season, while some have opted to remain and continue performing for various clubs year after year. This article will outline the top five foreign players who have remained in the league for the longest duration.

5. Eli Sabia – 6 seasons 

The Brazilian defender has participated in six seasons of the Indian Super League. His Indian football journey commenced when Chennaiyin FC acquired his services in 2016, although his initial stint with the club lasted just one season. He later rejoined Chennaiyin FC in 2018, remaining with the club until 2021 before transferring to Jamshedpur FC. After completing a spell with JFC until 2023, he subsequently joined Sreenidi Deccan. 

Although he currently plays for an Indian club outside the ISL, his ongoing season will not be considered. Furthermore, he has amassed 95 appearances in the ISL, representing Chennaiyin FC in 64 matches and Jamshedpur FC in 31.

4. Edu Bedia – 6 seasons

The Spanish midfielder spent six seasons with FC Goa, from 2017 to 2023. Before joining Goa, he was associated with Real Zaragoza, a Spanish club. During his time with FC Goa in the Indian Super League, he amassed 98 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 15 assists. 

Following his departure from FC Goa, he joined Gokulam Kerala FC, also an Indian club but not part of the ISL.

3. Mourtada Fall – 6 seasons

The defensive stalwart of Odisha FC has participated in six Indian Super League seasons to date. He commenced his ISL journey with FC Goa in 2018 and spent two seasons with the club before transferring to Mumbai City FC in 2020. Subsequently, he made the transition to Odisha FC in 2023, where he currently plies his trade. 

Over six years in the ISL, he has represented FC Goa for two seasons, Mumbai City for three seasons, and Odisha for one season. His appearance tally stands at 102 matches, with 35 appearances for FC Goa, 54 for Mumbai City, and 13 for Odisha.

2. Ahmed Jahouh – 7 seasons

Jahouh made history as the first Moroccan player to compete in India, debuting for FC Goa in 2017 under a loan agreement. His tenure with the club was prolonged through the signing of a one-year contract in 2019. Following his time with Goa, he transferred to Mumbai City FC in 2020, where he remained until 2023 before making a transition to Odisha FC. 

Accumulating a total of seven seasons in the Indian Super League (ISL), he contributed three seasons each to FC Goa and Mumbai City and one to Odisha. Notably, Jahouh has appeared in 116 ISL matches, with 49 appearances for Goa, 51 for Mumbai, and 16 for Odisha.

1. Tiri – 8 seasons

The Spanish center-back was initially signed by Atletico de Kolkata in 2015 on a one-year deal. After departing for the Atletico Madrid B team in 2016, he returned within the same year to ATK and continued representing the club for that season. In 2017, he was acquired by Jamshedpur FC, for whom he played from 2017 to 2020 before transitioning to ATK Mohun Bagan (formerly Mohun Bagan Super Giant), where he remained until 2023 before moving to Mumbai City FC. 

Overall, he has participated in 121 matches in the ISL, with 20 appearances for ATK, 48 for Jamshedpur, 35 for Mohun Bagan, and 18 for Mumbai so far.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.