Top 10 South American players in ISL history

South Americans have made a substantial impact in the ISL.

Ever since its inception in 2014, the Indian Super League (ISL) has attracted numerous international talents, significantly enhancing the quality and visibility of Indian football. Among these international players, South Americans have made a substantial impact, showcasing their skills, leadership and experience. The ISL’s vision was to elevate Indian football by bringing in marquee players who could not only perform on the pitch but also mentor young Indian talents.

South American players, known for their flair, technical skills and passion for the game, have seamlessly fit into this vision. Their involvement has raised the competitive bar and also drawn significant global attention to the league. This article highlights 10 such players, whose performances have been instrumental in their respective teams’ successes and the league’s overall development. These players have brought experience from top leagues worldwide and have contributed consistently to elevate the standard of the ISL.

10. Roberto Carlos – Brazilian

Roberto Carlos, the iconic Brazilian known for his offensive prowess as a left-back, joined Delhi Dynamos in the 2015–2016 ISL season. Recognized as one of the greatest full-backs in football history, Carlos brought immense experience from his iconic career at Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team.

Carlos’s tenure in the ISL was unique as he served both as a player and coach for Delhi Dynamos. Although he played only a few matches, his influence extended beyond the pitch, as he provided valuable knowledge and mentored young players. His presence boosted the league’s profile, showcasing the ISL as an emerging football destination.

9. Rafael Schuler Crivellaro – Brazilian

Rafael Crivellaro, a Brazilian attacking midfielder, made his ISL debut with Chennaiyin FC in September 2019. Known for his playmaking abilities, Crivellaro’s first season was nothing short of spectacular, helping Chennaiyin reach the Super League runners-up position in the 2019–20 season. His vision, dribbling and passing accuracy quickly made him a fan-favourite.

In November 2020, Crivellaro was appointed captain of Chennaiyin FC. Despite injuries, he continued to display exceptional skills, prompting the cub to extend his contract in July 2021. In December 2022, he briefly joined ISL rivals Jamshedpur, but returned to Chennaiyin for the 2023–24 season. Across his ISL career, Crivellaro has amassed 12 goals and 18 assists in 59 appearances, underscoring his impact as one of the league’s top midfielders.

8. Miku – Venezuelan

Nicolás Ladislao Fedor Flores, popularly known as Miku, is a Venezuelan striker who joined Bengaluru FC in August 2017. At 32, Miku brought a wealth of experience and a keen eye for goals to the ISL. His debut season was impressive and he continued his form into the next campaign, leading Bengaluru FC to the ISL title in the 2018–19 season and the Indian Super Cup in 2018.

Miku’s goalscoring skills were evident as he netted 20 goals and provided four assists in just 32 appearances. His ability to find the back of the net consistently made him one of the best strikers to have played in the ISL. His contributions were crucial in establishing Bengaluru FC as one of the top teams in the league.

Also read: ISL 2023-24: Top ten players who are running out of contract

7. Adrián Luna – Uruguayan

Uruguayan attacking midfielder Adrián Luna joined Kerala Blasters in July 2021. Known as “The Magician” by fans, Luna quickly became a fan-favourite due to his creativity, skills and leadership on the field. In his debut season, he played a pivotal role in guiding the Blasters to the finals, earning him a two-year contract extension in July 2022.

Luna’s performances have been consistently brilliant, making him an irreplaceable figure for the club. His contributions extend beyond scoring and assisting, as he showed the fighting spirit and passion that fans admire. As of May 2024, Luna has signed a three-year contract extension, solidifying his commitment to Kerala Blasters until 2027. With 13 goals and 17 assists in 53 appearances, Luna’s influence on and off the field has been immense.

6. Marcelinho – Brazilian

Marcelo Leite Pereira, known as Marcelinho, had a prolific career in the ISL, playing for multiple clubs. He began his ISL journey with Delhi Dynamos in August 2016 and quickly made a name for himself by winning the Golden Boot in his debut season. Marcelinho’s ability to score and create opportunities made him a valuable asset for every team he played for, including FC Pune City, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan, Rajasthan United and NorthEast United.

Marcelinho’s versatility as a winger or attacking midfielder allowed him to adapt and excel in various playing styles and systems. Across his ISL career, he scored 34 goals and provided 18 assists in 87 games, making him the eighth-highest scorer in the league’s history. His flair, technical skills and goalscoring ability have cemented his place as one of the league’s standout performers.

5. Elano Blumer – Brazilian

Elano Blumer, known simply as Elano, brought his vast experience to Chennaiyin FC in the ISL’s debut season in 2014. The Brazilian attacking midfielder, known for his time with the Brazilian national team and major clubs like Manchester City, was Chennaiyin’s marquee player.

Elano made an immediate impact, finishing the 2014 season as the league’s top scorer with eight goals, including a memorable free-kick on his debut. Despite injuries, he returned in 2015 on loan and continued to perform at a high level. In total, Elano scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 26 appearances.

4. Stiven Mendoza Valencia – Colombian

Stiven Mendoza, a Colombian forward, signed with Chennaiyin FC in October 2014. His explosive pace and clinical finishing made an immediate impact, although injuries limited his first season. However, Mendoza returned stronger in the 2015 campaign, scoring a hat-trick in the opening game and leading Chennaiyin to the ISL title.

Mendoza was named the Hero of the League and won the Golden Boot with 13 goals in the 2015 season. His memorable last-minute winner in the final showcased his ability to perform under pressure. With 17 goals in 25 appearances, Mendoza remains a fan-favourite, and his contributions are still celebrated by Chennaiyin supporters.

3. Jorge Pereyra Díaz – Argentinian

Argentine forward Jorge Pereyra Díaz joined Kerala Blasters in August 2021 on a season-long loan and made an immediate impact. His goalscoring prowess and all-around play helped the Blasters reach the finals. Díaz’s performances earned him a move to Mumbai City in August 2022, where he continued to excel.

Díaz played a crucial role in Mumbai City’s successful campaigns, winning the ISL League Winners’ Shield in 2022-23 and the ISL title in 2023-24. With 29 goals and eight assists in 58 ISL appearances, Díaz has established himself as one of the league’s top strikers.

2. Diego Maurício – Brazilian

Diego Maurício, a Brazilian striker, joined Odisha FC in August 2020. Despite playing for a struggling team, Maurício’s individual brilliance with his powerful shots and physical presence, made him shine through, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in his debut season. His performances earned him a move to Mumbai City in January 2022, where he made history, scoring the club’s first goal in the AFC Champions League.

After a brief stint with Mumbai City, Maurício returned to Odisha and continued his impressive form. He won the ISL Golden Boot for the 2022-23 season with 12 goals and was essential in Odisha’s Super Cup triumph in 2023, where he was named Player of the Tournament. With 38 goals and seven assists in 71 appearances, Maurício is the sixth-highest scorer in ISL history.

1. Cleiton Augusto Oliveira Silva – Brazilian

Cleiton Silva, a 37-year-old Brazilian forward, currently plays for East Bengal and has been one of the most prolific scorers in ISL history. He joined Bengaluru FC in June 2020 and immediately made an impact, becoming the team’s top scorer and a key player. His performances earned him a move to East Bengal in August 2022, where he continued to shine.

Silva became the captain of East Bengal, leading by example with his consistent goalscoring. He won the Super Cup in 2024 and was the highest goalscorer of the tournament. With 36 goals and 11 assists in 78 appearances, Silva is the seventh-highest scorer in ISL history. His experience and ability to perform in crucial moments have cemented his status as one of the league’s all-time greats.

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.