ISL All-Time Best XI

With uncertainty surrounding Indian football and no clear timeline yet for the return of the ISL, this feels like the right moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the players who have defined the league over the years. From iconic Indian stars to influential foreign signings, the ISL has produced memorable moments and standout performers who shaped its identity.

This ISL All-Time Best XI features 7 Indian players and 4 foreign players, set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and is led by one of the league’s most influential coaches, Sergio Lobera.

Goalkeeper – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (India)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is the undisputed choice between the posts. Between the 2017–18 and 2024–25 seasons, he kept 50 clean sheets and won the Golden Glove twice (2018–19 and 2019–20). His consistency, leadership, and ability to deliver in big matches make him one of the finest goalkeepers in ISL history and a mainstay of the Indian national team. Gurpreet also became the first Indian footballer to feature in a UEFA Europa League match, underlining his pedigree.

Centre Back – Mourtada Fall (Senegal)

Mourtada Fall earns his place as one of the most dominant foreign defenders the ISL has seen. Renowned for his aerial dominance, defensive leadership, and threat from set-pieces, Fall influenced games at both ends of the pitch. Across ISL competitions, he contributed an impressive 25 goals and 6 assists, an exceptional return for a centre-back.

Centre Back – Rahul Bheke (India)

Rahul Bheke slots in as the right centre-back thanks to his physical presence, aerial strength, and calmness in high-pressure moments. Primarily a stopper who can also cover at right-back, Bheke has scored 9 ISL goals, including his iconic extra-time winner in the 2018–19 ISL Final that sealed the title for Bengaluru FC.

Right Back – Pritam Kotal (India)

Despite a recent dip in form, Pritam Kotal remains one of the most tactically reliable right-backs in ISL history. Ever-present since the league’s early seasons, Kotal is known for his discipline, often tucking inside to form a back three and allowing attacking freedom on the opposite flank. He has won three ISL titles, including one as captain of ATK Mohun Bagan in the 2022–23 season.

Left Back – Subhasish Bose (India)

Subhasish Bose has been one of the most effective attacking full-backs in the ISL, combining relentless energy with intelligent movement. Known for his overlaps, pressing, and late runs into the box, Bose has also shown strong leadership qualities. As captain, he led his side to two ISL Shields (2023–24, 2024–25) and won ISL Cups in 2022–23 and 2024–25, captaining the team in the latter triumph.

Defensive Midfielder – Ahmed Jahouh (Morocco)

Ahmed Jahouh is widely regarded as the ISL’s finest deep-lying playmaker. A master of controlling tempo and dictating possession, Jahouh excels at breaking lines with his passing and vision. With 29 assists, second only to Hugo Boumous, he has been a creative force from deep midfield. His trophy cabinet includes three ISL Shields and one ISL Cup with FC Goa and Mumbai City FC.

Defensive Midfielder – Apuia (India)

Apuia represents the modern Indian midfielder at his best. Press-resistant, tactically intelligent, and fearless in possession, he has consistently dictated games from midfield. His rise was highlighted when he became the youngest captain in ISL history at just 20 years old with NorthEast United FC. Apuia has since won two ISL Shields and two ISL Cups with Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan SG.

Central Attacking Midfielder – Hugo Boumous (France)

Hugo Boumous is arguably the greatest creator in ISL history. Operating as a free-roaming No. 10, he thrives between the lines with his goals, assists, and imagination in the final third. With 35 goals and 39 assists, Boumous stands among the league’s all-time greats. His success is reflected in his silverware, having won three ISL Shields and two ISL Cups.

Left Wing – Sunil Chhetri (India)

Sunil Chhetri is the face of the ISL and its greatest Indian icon. Whether playing as a striker or from the left, his consistency, leadership, and ability to deliver in clutch moments remain unmatched. The Captain, Leader, Legend has scored 75 ISL goals and registered 13 assists, making him the league’s all-time top scorer and an enduring symbol of Indian football.

Right Wing – Lallianzuala Chhangte (India)

Lallianzuala Chhangte has been one of the most productive Indian wingers in ISL history. Operating as a direct inverted winger, his explosive pace, sharp dribbling, and eye for goal make him a constant threat. Popularly known as the ‘Mizo Flash’, Chhangte has recorded 46 goals and 20 assists, making him the second-highest Indian goalscorer in ISL history, behind only Sunil Chhetri.

Striker – Bartholomew Ogbeche (Nigeria)

Leading the line is Bartholomew Ogbeche, the most reliable foreign goalscorer the ISL has seen. A classic No. 9 with a strong box presence and clinical finishing, Ogbeche scored 63 ISL goals and added 9 assists. He was the first player to reach 50 goals in the league, cementing his place among ISL’s all-time greats.

Coach – Sergio Lobera

Sergio Lobera leads this All-Time XI from the touchline. He won two ISL Shields (2019–20 with FC Goa and 2020–21 with Mumbai City FC) and guided Mumbai City FC to the ISL Cup in 2020–21, becoming the first coach in ISL history to complete the league double. Known for his possession-based, attacking philosophy, Lobera consistently maximised his squads and left a lasting tactical imprint on the league.

Final Thoughts

This ISL All-Time Best XI pays tribute to the Indian and foreign players who shaped the league and elevated Indian football over the years. As fans, all we can hope is that stability returns soon, the ISL resumes, and Indian football once again gives us moments worth celebrating.

Ankush Kumar Singh

Ankush is a third-year undergraduate student from Deoghar, Jharkhand, with a strong passion for football. He aspires to start a football academy and grow it into a national-level club. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music.

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