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

Four out of these five are still actively associated with the club.

Odisha FC were formed in the year 2019 when the owners of Delhi Dynamos decided to relocate their base to Bhubaneswar following an assurance of support by the Odisha Government. Despite having a short history in comparison to other clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL), they have already made significant progress.

The first few ISL campaigns of Odisha didn’t pan out very well as they mostly finished mid-table. Their first major success came in 2023 when they won the Super Cup defeating Bengaluru FC in the final under Clifford Miranda. This win also ensured their maiden qualification to the AFC CUP. Then by the end of the 2022-23 season under Lobera, they made it to the ISL knockouts for the first time ever.

Throughout the years, many top foreign players have plied their trade with Odisha who helped the club reach new heights with each passing season. So, let’s take a look at the top five foreigners to have played for Odisha.

5. Cole Alexander

Cole Alexander joined Odisha FC ahead of the 2020-21 ISL Season. The midfielder’s move to Odisha made him the first South African player to have played in the top division of Indian club football. Despite Odisha having a disastrous 2020-21 season and finishing bottom of the table in the league phase, Cole turned out to be one of the bright spots in Stuart Baxter’s struggling Odisha side.

Although his stay with the club lasted for just one season, he did really well in controlling the weak midfield while also scoring a few key goals during his time at Odisha. He clocked over 1300 minutes in 15 appearances that season, scoring three goals and also providing one assist. His goal against Northeast United FC in the 67th minute helped Odisha to get a crucial 2-2 draw.

4. Ahmed Jahouh

Along with Tiri, Ahmed Jahouh is one of the longest-serving foreign players in ISL. His ability to deliver pinpoint long passes from the back is what makes him one of the best in his position. There might only be a handful of players in ISL who match the quality that he has shown over the years.

The presence of the experienced midfielder in Odisha’s midfield was one of the most important reasons behind having a great season in both the AFC Cup and ISL. With Hugo Boumous having joined Odisha this season, expect Jahouh to form a deadly partnership with him and make things tough for the opposition.

3. Roy Krishna

There will hardly be any football fan who follows ISL and doesn’t know about Roy Krishna, such is his popularity. His journey in ISL started back in 2019 after ATK paid a huge sum to bring the striker to their team. After ATK, he played for several other clubs including Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC before joining Odisha in the 2023-24 season.

Throughout the years, the Fijian has always remained among the top scorers in the league for each of the clubs he has played for in ISL. Last season too he scored 13 goals and helped Odisha qualify for the knockouts for the very first time. He has a huge role to play if Odisha are to repeat last season’s performance.

2. Carlos Delgado 

Carlos Delgado played for Odisha FC in their first season of ISL and then after a gap of two seasons, he rejoined them ahead of the 2022-23 season. He has always been a consistent figure in Odisha’s backline when available. The Spaniard has been delivering strong performances under challenging circumstances for the Juggernauts and remains a fan-favourite. 

Odisha had a tough start to the ongoing season and have been struggling with defence. The club will hope that the 34-year-old star defender returns to action soon. 

1. Diego Mauricio 

Known for his stunning long-range goals, Diego Mauricio first joined the club during the 2020/21 ISL Season. Over the years, he achieved outstanding statistics with the club and can easily be considered a club legend. With over 70 appearances, he is the club’s longest-serving foreigner in the league. The Brazilian’s physique and excellent goal-scoring abilities make him one of the best in the league.

Till now he has scored 41 goals and provided seven assists in ISL. In this season he’s being preferred as the main striker for Odisha over Krishna. So he will look to repay the faith shown in him once again and help the club reach new heights.

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