Top 12 foreign players with most appearances in ISL

Odisha FC midfielder Ahmed Jahouh became the first foreign player to reach 150 ISL appearances.

Since its inception in 2014, the Indian Super League has seen quite a few foreign players becoming household names. From Elano Blumer to Alaeddine Ajaraei, many such foreign names have set the league ablaze.

While most of these foreigners played in India for one or two seasons, a few have now called the ISL home for the majority of their careers. Here are twelve foreign players with the most appearances in the Indian Super League:

12. Juanan – 92 appearances

The Spanish centre-back made his ISL debut with Bengaluru FC in the 2017-18 season and even helped them win the league in the 2018-19 season. After his journey with BFC, Juanan joined Hyderabad FC and helped them also to win the league Cup in the 2021-22 season.

11. Cleiton Silva – 95 appearances

Another name who came into the ISL with Bengaluru FC, Cleiton Silva represented the Blues between 2020 and 2022. However, the Brazilian’s best has been seen with East Bengal as he has been a part of the club since 2022 and can even make it to 100 appearances before the end of this season.

10. Bartholomew Ogbeche – 98 appearances

The legendary Nigerian has left an everlasting mark in Indian Super League history. Ogbeche made his debut with NorthEast United in 2018 and went on to play for Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC, and Hyderabad FC. The striker won two ISL Cups and one league Shield during his time in India.

9. Eli Sabia – 100 appearances

The centreback started his Indian football journey with Chennaiyin FC in 2016 and played the majority of his ISL career with the Marina Machans. In 2021, Eli Sabia made the move to Jamshedpur FC, winning the ISL Shield under Owen Coyle and was part of the Red Miners until 2023.

8. Edu Bedia – 105 appearances

Edu Bedia will definitely be in the heart of every FC Goa supporter as the Spaniard was part of the Gaurs between 2017 and 2023. During this time, the midfielder won the league Shield in the 2019-2020 season and also guided his side to the Final in 2019.

7. Carl McHugh – 106 appearances

Carl McHugh started his journey with ATK in the 2019-20 season before becoming a part of the merged entity ATK Mohun Bagan, that would be later named Mohun Bagan SG. The midifelder won two league Cups during his time in Kolkata and currently represents FC Goa under Monolo Marquez.

6. Roy Krishna – 116 appearances

The Fijian joined the ISL in 2019 and instantly found success with ATK, winning the Cup. Roy Krishna was then part of ATK Mohun Bagan for two seasons before moving to Bengaluru FC. The striker is currently a part of Odisha FC, however Krishna suffered an ACL injury and is out for the rest of the season.

5. Javi Hernandez – 117 appearances

The Spaniard is another member who was part of ATK’s league Cup winning side in the 2019-20 season. Javi Hernandez has since represented ATK Mohun Bagan, Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC, and is now part of Jamshedpur FC’s squad.

4. Hugo Boumous – 120 appearances

Hugo Boumous currently plays for Odisha FC and is a vital member of the squad. The Frenchman has also represented FC Goa, Mumbai City, and Mohun Bagan SG. Boumous is one of the most decorated players in the league, having won the Shield thrice and the Cup twice.

3. Mourtada Fall – 138 appearances

Another member of Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC, Mourtada Fall is the highest scoring defender in the ISL. The Senegalese footballer has three league Shields to his name from his time with FC Goa and Mumbai City. To add to this, Fall also won the league Cup with the Islanders.

2. Tiri – 149 appearances

The Mumbai City FC player will likely become the next foreigner to hit the 150 appearances mark on Friday. Tiri, a central defender, has played for ATK, Jamshedpur FC and ATK Mohun Bagan previously, winning the league Cup twice.

1. Ahmed Jahouh – 150 appearances

Ahmed Johouh made history against FC Goa by becoming the first foreigner to make 150 appearances. The Moroccan, who currently plays for Odisha FC, has three Shields and one Cup to his name from his time at FC Goa and Mumbai City. Overall, Jahouh is the 13th player to hit the 150 appearances mark in the Indian Super League.

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