Top five youngest debutants in the history of ISL

Komal Thatal was only 17 years when he made his ISL debut.

In the intense realm of the Indian Super League (ISL), youthfulness frequently manifests as a sign of exceptional aptitude and outright genius. Many have made a lasting impression on both opponents and supporters by displaying incredible skill and precision over the years, carving their names into the league’s history while the fanfare of some met their jinxed fate.

The top five youngest debutants in ISL history, each carving out their own story of success and brilliance on the field, stand among these legends. These young stars have not only demonstrated their natural talent but also led their teams to spectacular victories.

Here, we dig through the ISL record books to find the top five youngest players who have made their ISL team debuts throughout history, displaying their extraordinary talents and leaving their mark on the sport.

5) Ningthoukhongjam Rohen Singh (East Bengal FC)

The Indian wing-back from Manipur who currently plays for Mohun Bagan set foot on the floor behind closed doors for the arch-rivals East Bengal FC against Chennaiyin FC on December 26, 2020, at the age of 17 years 09 months 27 days in the Indian Super League 2020-21 season.

In October 2020, he moved on loan from Classical FA to join the Kolkata giants. For Southern Sporting Union, Rohen Singh started his professional career earlier in January of that year. Although the administration may choose to extend his contract further, we may see him wearing the first team’s crest the following season. His current contract with the Green and Maroons Reserve team expires on May 31, 2024.

4) Sandip Mandi (Jamshedpur FC)

The India U-23 left-back from Kolkata made his debut in the Indian top-flight donning the Jamshedpur FC crest against the erstwhile ATK FC on February 2, 2020, at the age of 17 years 07 months 22 days. Sandip, who hails from Kolkata was a part of Jamshedpur FC’s Reserve team who later made it to the first team. He also won the Indian Super League regular season with Jamshedpur FC in 2022.

After three years with the Red Miners, the India U-23 International joined Mohammedan Sporting Club, one of Kolkata’s three footballing powerhouses alongside Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. After his brief stint at the Maidan, he joined Diamond Harbour FC, the newest addition to the Calcutta Premier Division, who have recently gained attention under Mohun Bagan’s former head coach, Kibu Vicuna, who led the Green and Maroons to their second I-League victory. Sandip Mandi currently plays for Inter Kashi, who have had a successful debut season in the I-League.

3) Komal Thatal (ATK FC)

The right winger who played for India U-17 in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2018 was the buzz of the town back in those days. He made his debut for the ISL champions, the erstwhile ATK FC on January 28, 2018, at the age of 17 years 04 months 10 days against Jamshedpur FC which the visitors won by a goal.

The pacy winger from Sikkim, India, has two silverware to his name to date. The first was in 2020, when he won the Indian Super League title with the then-ATK FC, and the second was recently in 2022 when he won the ISL Regular Season with Jamshedpur, his current club. He also experienced a brief stint in his career at the ATK Mohun Bagan which lasted for a season after the strategic merger took place between the two Kolkata-based clubs.

2) Vanlalpeka Guite (East Bengal FC)

The India U-17 International stands second on this list. The midfielder from Mizoram made his Indian Super League debut with East Bengal FC in a stalemate against Jamshedpur FC at the age of 16 years 11 months 02 days on September 25, 2023.

A recruit of the Aizawl U-18, the Indian youngster has only taken the field thrice, once in the ISL and twice in the previous edition of the Durand Cup.

1) Alfred Lalruotsang (NorthEast United FC)

Alfred Lalruotsang of NorthEast United FC is the youngest player in Indian Super League history, making his debut at the age of 16 years 07 months 25 days. On February 20, 2020, he made his debut for NorthEast United FC in a 5-1 loss to Hyderabad FC during the 2020-21 season.

The center-forward from Assam was part of Bengaluru FC’s U-16 camp before joining NorthEast United FC U-18. Currently, he plays in the I-League for Rajasthan United on a loan deal that ends on May 31, 2025, and is expected to join back the Indian Super League side in the 2025-26 season. He has scored twice in his senior career, both of which came in the Reliance Foundation Development League.

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