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

These foreign players left a lasting impact on the Highlanders.

NorthEast United FC are the only outfit of the Indian Super League (ISL) from the country’s NorthEastern region. Known as the Highlanders, the club has gone through many ups and downs since their inception on 13th April 2014.

The club did not win a single trophy until July 2024 and the senior team had not managed to reach the final in any competition.

In their debut season, NorthEast United FC defeated Kerala Blasters FC at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, their home ground in Guwahati, Assam.

However, they couldn’t maintain this momentum and ended the season in 8th position. In the third season, under Portuguese coach Nelo Vingada, they came close to qualifying for the semifinals but missed out by two points.

NorthEast United FC have reached the ISL semi-finals twice. The first time was under Dutch football manager Eelco Schattorie in the 2018-19 season, and the second time was in the 2020-21 season under interim coach Khalid Jamil.

From 2021 to 2023, the Highlanders encountered the most difficult phase. The club finished in 10th and 11th positions in these two ISL seasons, respectively. However, amid this difficult period, the Highlanders somehow reached the semifinals of the Super Cup in 2023.

The wait ended in 2024 when the club’s long-term and committed investment showed results. NorthEast United FC won the historic Durand Cup, defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Salt Lake Stadium on 31st July 2024.

Throughout this journey, the club has seen several foreign players deliver remarkable performances over the years. Let’s discuss the top five all-time best foreign players of the Highlanders:

Benjamin Lambot

The Belgian center-back was the cornerstone of NorthEast United FC’s defense in the 2020-21 ISL season. In 20 matches that season, Benjamin Lambot was in the starting eleven for 18 matches. He missed only one match against Jamshedpur FC. Except for the game against ATK Mohun Bagan (now Mohun Bagan Super Giant), he played all 90 minutes in all the league stage matches for the club.

ALSO READ: Mohun Bagan’s top five best all-time foreign players in ISL history

Under his leadership, the team managed to keep five clean sheets that season. Disciplined, he only received one yellow card throughout the season. He also scored two goals, against Odisha FC and Jamshedpur FC. 

This defensive structure helped the team reach the semifinals for only the second time in the history of the club. However, he left the club after this season and joined RFC Lüttich, where he is still playing.

Mohammed Ali Bemammer 

The Moroccan defensive midfielder is one of the key assets for the Highlanders. Bemammer had experience winning multiple trophies such as the CAF Confederation Cup, Moroccan Throne Cup, North African Club Cup, and CAF Super Cup at the club level in 2011, as well as the 2021 African Nations Championship at the international level. 

Bemammer had previously worked with the club’s current head coach, Juan Pedro Benali. He was one of the top performers in his debut season. In his 21 appearances, he led in terms of touches, tackles, and interceptions. 

Bemammer played all six games in the Durand Cup 2024, playing a quintessential role as the club won its’ maiden silverware. His physical presence, tackles, key passes, and duels helped the team dominate on the field.

Federico Gallego

The Uruguayan attacking midfielder is a fan favorite for the Highlanders. In his first ISL match, he scored from a masterful free-kick and announced himself to Indian football. In his first season, he appeared in 20 matches for NorthEast United FC, scoring four goals and providing four assists. He played a key role in the club’s first-ever ISL semifinal appearance. 

However, Federico Gallego struggled with multiple injuries during his time with the club. In his second season, the club finished in ninth place. 

In the 2020-21 season, Gallego made a comeback after a hamstring injury, scoring four goals and providing six assists. His performance helped the Highlanders qualify for the playoffs for the second time in ISL history. Gallego holds the record for the highest number of goal contributions (20) for the Highlanders. 

In the 2021-22 ISL season, Gallego was ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a ligament tear.

Bartholomew Ogbeche

Bartholomew Ogbeche, currently the second-highest goalscorer in ISL history, made his ISL debut with NorthEast United FC. In the 2018-19 season, he helped the Highlanders qualify for the playoffs for the first time. Ogbeche scored a 10-minute hat-trick against Chennaiyin FC, helping his side come back from 2-0 down to win 3-4. 

In the first leg of the ISL 2018-19 semifinal, the Nigerian assisted Redeem Tlang, who opened the scoring with an amazing shot. However, an injury forced Ogbeche to be substituted. In the second leg, Bengaluru FC defeated NorthEast United FC 3-0 in a one-sided encounter, ending their hopes of reaching the ISL final.

Deshorn Brown 

The Jamaican center-forward joined NorthEast United in the midseason of ISL 2020-21. He struggled with Bengaluru FC in the first 12 matches, managing only one assist in 11 appearances. 

However, Deshorn Brown regained his form and helped NorthEast United FC turn things around. The club was struggling after a good start to the season under Gerard Nus. After Deshorn Brown’s inclusion, and under interim coach Khalid Jamil, the club rediscovered its form. In the group stage, he scored five goals, helping the team win four matches. 

He had a promising start to the 2021–2022 season but eventually missed time due to injuries. In 12 games, Deshorn Brown scored seven goals, including a hat-trick against Mumbai City FC in his 12 appearances.

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.