ISL 2025-26: Sporting Club Delhi rope in Paraguayan forward Julio Rivas

The 25-year-old last played for the Bolivian first division side – Club A.B.B.

Sporting Club Delhi have not had the best of starts to their maiden Indian Super League campaign. Having shifted their base from Hyderabad to Delhi last year, SC Delhi also participated in the AIFF Super Cup 2026, but finished at the bottom of their group with one draw and two losses.

In the ISL, the capital club has lost three of their four league matches and are currently near the foot of the league table, in an early relegation battle with the likes of Kerala Blasters and Mohammedan SC. As of today, they are still seeking their first win as a club since rebranding to Sporting Club Delhi.

In a bid to have a strong first season, the club signed five foreigners in the January transfer window. They have now gone and added another player to their team by signing Paraguayan striker Julio Rivas.

Who is Julio Rivas?

Julio Daniel Rivas Mendoza or better known as Julio Mendoza is a Paraguayan footballer who plays primarily as a centre-forward. The 25-year-old can also play on either wing, which will give his coach some tactical freedom.

The player started his career in his home country before playing for Grakcu SaiMai U and Samut Prakan in Thailand. Aside from his experience in Asia, Julio has also represented Portuguese club Pero Pinheiro and Club ABB in the Bolivian first division.

Julio Rivas’ 2025 season was not the best as he scored three goals and provided two assists in 31 games for Club ABB in all competitions. His team also finished second last in the table and had to win a relegation playoff to survive in the Bolivian first division.

Coming fresh into the Indian Super League, Julio may need some time to settle in at Sporting Club Delhi. Nevertheless, Thomasz Tchorz will have another attacker in his ranks as his side is in need of goals to overturn their underwhelming start to the 2025-26 ISL season.

SC Delhi need for a proven goalscorer

Tchorz’s side have failed to score in two of their four ISL games so far. Delhi seemed to find their footing in the 2-2 draw against Mumbai City. However, they need a reliable goalscorer upfront if they are to finish comfortably in the table.

With just nine league games to go in this short season, SC Delhi would have to pull up their socks. They are currently 13th in the ISL table with a -6 goal difference. Can the Phoenix cheat relegation and continue their journey in India’s top division? Let us know your thoughts…

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