ISL: Jamshedpur FC's top five best all-time foreign players

Australian legend Tim Cahill has also donned the Red Miners’ jersey.

In the 2017-18 season, Jamshedpur FC, affectionately known as the Red Miners, marked their inception into the top tier of Indian football—the Indian Super League (ISL).

Over nearly a decade, numerous foreign players have donned the Jamshedpur FC jersey with pride, etching unforgettable moments of entertainment and thrill at the iconic JRD Tata Sports Complex, also popularly known as the Furnace.

From the skilled Wellington Priori to the legendary Tim Cahill, and international stars like Nerijus Valskis and Jeremy Manzorro, these players have not only represented the club but have also cemented their place in the hearts and souls of Jamshedpur loyalists.

With so many illustrious foreign talents gracing the pitch for Jamshedpur FC, we’re about to take you on a thrilling journey to uncover the top five foreign players who have earned their spot in the club’s all-time best. So fasten your seatbelts as we dive into a list that’s sure to surprise and excite you. No spoilers, but the first name in the list is unarguably one of the all-time ISL Legends.

5. Tim Cahill

Tim Cahill, the legendary Australian footballer, widely regarded as one of the greatest in his country, signed for Jamshedpur FC in the 2018-19 season. The announcement of Cahill’s arrival in the Steel City sent shockwaves through the Indian football community, with media and fans buzzing in excitement.

The 5-foot-10-inch attacking midfielder from Sydney, who had an illustrious career with top European clubs like Millwall, Everton, and New York Red Bulls in the USA, chose to bring his wealth of experience to Jamshedpur FC in the twilight of his career.

In just 12 appearances for the Red Miners, Cahill made his mark, scoring two goals. His iconic headed strikes and his unforgettable corner-flag boxing celebration remain deeply cherished memories for Jamshedpur FC fans, forever etched in their hearts.

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4. Stephen Eze

If Stephen Eze’s inclusion at fourth place in the list of Jamshedpur FC’s all-time top 5 foreign players has puzzled you, let us assure you that his impact has been undeniable. Recently earning the Man of the Match award in his debut for the new Indian Super League season, Eze has once again proven his worth to the Red Miners.

An integral part of Owen Coyle’s inaugural season at Jamshedpur FC, Eze joined the club in 2020 and, in just 20 appearances, netted four crucial goals. Standing at a towering 6 feet 6 inches, Eze’s aerial dominance in the opposition’s penalty box is nothing less than a nightmare for defenders.

His no-nonsense defending and ability to score vital-headed goals have solidified his place as one of the club’s finest. As he continues his journey with Jamshedpur FC, Eze will be eager to justify his place in this elite list and lead the club to new heights in the upcoming ISL season.

3. Peter Hartley

Peter Hartley, the only captain to lead Jamshedpur FC to their first and only silverware, claims the third spot in the elite list of the club’s all-time best foreign players.

The six-foot-tall centre-back from Hartlepool began his footballing journey with Sunderland and went on to play his trade for clubs like Plymouth Argyle, Blackpool, Motherwell, and Bristol Rovers before embarking on his Indian adventure with Jamshedpur FC in 2020.

Throughout three seasons, Hartley made 47 appearances for the Red Miners, contributing six vital goals. Renowned for his no-nonsense defending and exceptional leadership, Hartley was a rock at the back.

Under his captaincy, Jamshedpur FC etched their name in history in 2021, securing the highest points tally in the Indian Super League at the time and clinching the prestigious ISL League Winners’ Shield.

2. Tiri

Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo, fondly known as Tiri, is not only a Jamshedpur FC icon but also a true legend of the Indian Super League. Tiri began his career with the senior and junior teams of Cadiz before moving to Atletico Madrid’s reserve teams.

In 2015, as part of the ATK-Atletico Madrid partnership, he made his move to ATK. Two years later, in 2017, Tiri joined Jamshedpur FC and became their first-ever captain, marking the beginning of an unforgettable chapter for the club.

In 48 appearances for the Red Miners, Tiri scored three goals and created countless cherished memories. His partnership with Subrata Paul and Memo Moura remains a golden era for the club, etched deeply in the hearts of the Jamshedpur FC faithful. Though Tiri continues to grace the Indian Super League with his presence, his legacy still echoes through the empty stands of the Furnace.

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1. Greg Stewart

Greg Stewart, undeniably the greatest legend in Jamshedpur FC’s history, played an instrumental role in their triumphant Indian Super League campaign, securing the prestigious ISL Shield by overcoming top teams like Mohun Bagan, Hyderabad FC, and Mumbai City FC.

The 5-foot-10-inch attacking midfielder from Stirling, Scotland had stints with clubs like Rangers, Hearts, and Birmingham City before making his impactful move to Jamshedpur FC. A key figure in Owen Coyle’s tactical setup, Stewart’s mastery of free-kicks, stunning long-range strikes, and breathtaking goals have become unforgettable moments for Jamshedpur FC fans.

In just a short span, he not only lifted the ISL Shield with Jamshedpur FC but also won the Durand Cup, later adding another ISL Shield with Mumbai City FC to his accolades. His exceptional performances earned him the Golden Ball in both the Indian Super League and the Durand Cup in 2022, solidifying his status as one of the finest to ever grace Indian football.

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