Top five all-time top scorers for Chennaiyin FC

Aasif is covering Indian football and also serving as a Khel Now correspondent for ISL club Chennaiyin FC.

Published at :May 27, 2025 at 4:14 PM

Modified at :May 27, 2025 at 4:14 PM

Jeje Lalpekhlua is Chennaiyin FC’s top goalscorer

Chennaiyin FC have been a staple of the Indian Super League (ISL) since 2014, with a history marked by passionate support and unforgettable moments. Important to their success are the goalscorers who have delivered when it mattered most – from title-winning strikes to last-minute winners at the Marina Arena.

This article highlights the top ten goal scorers in Chennaiyin FC’s history. These players have not only found the net consistently, but they have also shaped the club’s identity with their performances and passion on the pitch.

5. Rahim Ali – 14 goals

The young Indian striker was given his CFC debut by John Gregory in 2019, and he became a regular in the team soon after. Rahim Ali scored 14 goals and provided 5 assists to his teammates in 85 games.

It can be argued that Rahim could have scored a lot more goals if he were consistent. Nevertheless, the forward moved on to Odisha FC in 2024.

4. Rafael Crivellaro – 14 goals

Rafael Crivellaro was Chennaiyin FC’s creative engine in their dream comeback run in the 2019-20 ISL season. The attacking midfielder scored quite a few iconic goals in the Royal Blue, bagging a total of 14 goals and 16 assists in 54 games for the Southern club.

Owing to his experience, Rafael was also given the captain’s armband, and he was part of the Marina Machans squad until 2024.

3. John Stiven Mendoza – 17 goals

In his second stint with Chennaiyin FC, he scored 13 goals in 16 games in ISL. Courtesy: ISL Media

Arguably the best player in the club’s decade-long history, Stiven Mendoza scored 17 goals and also made 5 assists in 25 ISL games. The Colombian’s most famous goal was his injury-time winner in the 2015 ISL Final, which won Chennaiyin FC their first trophy.

After two delightful seasons in India, Mendoza was poached by MLS club New York City FC in 2016, and the forward has since then reached even greater heights.

2. Nerijus Valskis – 17 goals

Nerijus Valskis became the third Chennaiyin FC player to win the ISL Golden Boot after an impressive 2019-20 season. Overall, the Lithuanian scored 17 goals and provided 6 assists in 31 games for the club.

The striker moved on to Jamshedpur FC along with Owen Coyle before returning to CFC in the latter half of the 2021-22 season.

1. Jeje Lalpekhlua – 25 goals

Jeje Lalpekhlua is one of the best Indian players to have played in ISL. Courtesy: ISL Media

One of the best Indian strikers of all time, Jeje Lalpekhlua is the top goalscorer in Chennaiyin FC’s history so far. The Mizo Sniper has scored 25 goals and also recorded 7 assists in 77 games for the club, also leading the team to two ISL Cups.

Jeje’s best came in the 2017-18 season. The striker was the top scorer for his side as John Gregory’s CFC won the league against a resilient Bengaluru FC side.

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Aasif Ali

Aasif, a football fan turned writer, has been writing about the sport since 2020. Based in Chennai, it is no surprise that love for Chennaiyin FC runs in his blood. Apart from Indian football, Aasif has also written and edited articles extensively about European football.