ISL: Kerala Blasters’ top five best all-time foreign players

The list features two players from the inaugural ISL season.

Kerala Blasters need no introduction to the Indian football community. The three-time finalists of the Indian Super League (ISL) are already one of the country’s footballing giants, upholding the state’s rich football heritage.

Since their foundation in 2014, the Tuskers have had some of the biggest names in football history wear the yellow jersey. However, only a few have made an impression in the yellow shirt and won the hearts of the fans. Here, we take a look at the top five foreign players to represent the Blasters on the field.

Bartholomew Ogbeche

Bartholomew Ogbeche was one of the most influential foreign players to wear the yellow shirt of Kerala Blasters. The Nigerian joined the Tuskers in the 2019-20 ISL season after playing his first season of football in India with NorthEast United the season before. Despite playing only one season for the club, ‘Big Bart’ had an impressive tally in a struggling side under Eelco Schattorie, scoring 15 goals in just 16 appearances.

Having played only five seasons in the league, particularly in the later years of his career, the explosive striker is a league legend who held the record as the all-time top scorer with 63 goals in just 98 appearances until recently being surpassed by Sunil Chhetri this season. Ogbeche certainly built a remarkable career while being part of Kerala Blasters and Indian football during his short stint.

Iain Hume

Iain Hume is one of the most influential figures in the history of Kerala Blasters. The Canadian is one of the first international players to represent the Tuskers, whom the fans fell in love with almost immediately. He was an integral part of the team in their inaugural season, guiding them to the ISL final. Despite the Blasters narrowly missing out on the title, Hume’s performances were outstanding, contributing five goals and three assists in 16 appearances.

His work rate, goal-scoring ability, and dedication to the badge made him a beloved figure among the fans, earning him the affectionate nickname ‘Humettan’. The striker returned to the Blasters for a second spell in 2017-18, adding five more goals to his tally, making it 10 goals for the club in 29 appearances before hanging up his boots after his final season with FC Pune City.

Cedric Hengbart

Another player to represent Kerala Blasters in the inaugural season of the ISL, alongside Iain Hume, for Kerala Blasters was Cedric Hengbart. The French defender brought solidity, experience, and leadership, in addition to his versatility in playing across all positions in defence. He was a commanding presence in the box during set pieces, both defensively and offensively, consistently impressing with his precise tackles and goal-line clearances, which helped his side reach the final in the inaugural season.

The veteran centre-back had his second spell with the club in the 2016 season, where he flourished under Steve Coppell, helping the team reach their second final, but they fell short once again. He contributed one goal and three assists during his time with the club, while also securing 10 clean sheets in 30 appearances. Hengbart was certainly a cherished figure among the fans, lovingly referred to as their “Valyettan” (big brother). Cedric Hengbart’s legacy at Kerala Blasters remains unforgettable, marking a successful era for the club.

Adrian Luna

Adrian Luna has been one of the pivotal players for Kerala Blasters through the last few seasons. The Uruguayan joined the club in the 2021-22 season during a dampening period for the club and captained the side to their third ISL final in his debut season. He has since become an integral part of the team, helping them consistently reach the playoffs.

Luna’s role in midfield has been vital for the team’s stability over the past few seasons, as his absence due to injury at one point resulted in a significant dip in their attacking performance, adversely impacting their league standings. He has established himself in supporters’ hearts with his playmaking, tireless pressing, and ability to create goals out of nothing, especially on the biggest of stages. The midfielder has registered 13 goals and 17 assists for the club in 55 appearances and continues to impress with each game.

Dimitrios Diamantakos

Dimitrios Diamantakos has been one of the most influential attackers for the club in the past few seasons. The Greek striker joined the club in the 2022-23 season, making an instant impact in the attack by notching 10 goals and three assists in his debut season. He followed that up with an exceptional display in the subsequent season, scoring 13 times and becoming the first Golden Boot winner for the Blasters.

Despite being with the club for only two seasons, the centre-forward established himself as the all-time top scorer, tallying 28 goals in just 44 appearances across all competitions. Dimitrios Diamantakos will surely be inscribed in the Kerala Blasters’ history books as one of the best strikers to represent the club.

Honourable Mentions: Although their time in the league with Kerala Blasters was limited, fans will surely remember the contributions of former Northern Ireland international Aaron Hughes and versatile Spaniard Josu Currais Prieto, who made an incredible impact during the 2016 season.

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