Mohun Bagan's top five best all-time foreign players in ISL history

These players created a deep impact for the club.

Mohun Bagan, a club that has ruled the Indian football scenario for 135 years and counting, has thousands of moments already registered in their rich history and legacy. Since 1889, thousands of players have represented the Green and Maroon side, but only a few have managed to etch their mark in the club’s golden history.

Starting the tradition of signing foreign players in 1991, snapping the legendary Chima Okorie to making A-League star Jamie Maclaren play for the badge, Mohun Bagan has never shied away from having the most high-profile foreigners on Indian soil to play for them.

Interestingly, Mohun Bagan were reluctant to sign any foreign players in the first 100 years. But later, in 1990, Tutu Bose (present President of the club) made Nigerian Chima Okorie sign for the Mariners. He was probably the most high-profile name in Indian football back then. 

This move was a gamechanger for the Mariners and to date, the club has always thrived to get the best foreigners, naming a few would be Sony Norde, Katsumi Yusa, Odafa Okolie, Jose Ramirez Barretto, Joseba Beitia, Bello Rasaq, and many more legends. These foreigners have often become Mohun Bagan’s “home-boys”, and been aces in the club’s journey as the most successful club in India.

Things took a different pace for Mohun Bagan, from the 2020-21 season, when they entered the Indian Super League (ISL). The club continued to have foreign influence and achieve consistent success just like the glorious past.

On that note, let’s have a look at the top five fan-favorite foreigners to have represented Mohun Bagan in the ISL.

5. Hugo Boumous

The attacking midfielder joined Mohun Bagan in 2021, for a big transfer fee from Mumbai City FC. He however proved his value to every penny at the club, before leaving in 2024. Hugo represented Mohun Bagan in 70 games, scoring 14 goals and providing 19 assists. 

But, it was not his goal contributions that amazed me the most. He was the pivot of the system, and his gameplay and playmaking impressed all. His ability to penetrate inside the opponent’s back-line will not be erased soon.

4. Dimitri Petratos

The Australian forward joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2022 and is still their main man in the attack. He has majorly played as a centre-forward in the side. He has represented the Green and Maroons in 69 games, scoring 28 goals and providing 19 assists.

His role in the side’s ISL Shield triumph last season seems unmatched. Of all the clubs he has played in, he has netted the most number of goals for Mohun Bagan. His perfect finishes and staunch dedication are cherished by every Mariner.

3. Carl McHugh

Playing since Mohun Bagan’s entry into the ISL in 2023, the Irish defensive midfielder has been one of the most consistent players. He played in 72 games for the club and was an integral part of the club’s ISL trophy-winning season of 2023.

Carl was a name the Mariners trusted with, in case of any blocking which needed to be done He hailed the quality of controlling the best of attacking midfielders and forwards. He also contributed as a defender.

ALSO READ: ISL: Mumbai City FC’s top five best all-time foreign players

2. Tiri

The Spaniard is undoubtedly one of the best defenders to play in the ISL. For Mohun Bagan, he played from 2020 to 2023. He played in just 43 games for the club, but that was enough to haunt every striker from the rival teams. 

Scoring a goal after surpassing José Luis Espinosa Arroyo aka Tiri seemed to be one of the most difficult tasks for any side’s attack. His clean tackles were highly valued too. 

1. Roy Krishna

The Fiji-born centre-forward is undoubtedly one of the best strikers to ever play in the ISL. He has so far played in four ISL teams and has impressed in all. Krishna was the most trusted player in Habas’s system. And, was often the messiah with his last-minute goals. 

He continues to rule the ISL. But his Mohun Bagan days are unmatched. Where he struck 24 goals alongside 13 assists. No striker who came after him has matched his mark.

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