With the Indian Super League back in full force and fans eager to watch their favourite clubs go head-to-head with one another, we can expect nothing short of a sizzling season of football. Of course, the thing we look forward to the most is the beautiful goals during the campaign.
With the ISL kicking off, it would only be fair to look back at some of the best ISL forwards of all time. This list contains the names of not only those who have played the ISL and departed the league, but also those who continue to make their presence felt.
Iain Hume
Iain Hume, a former Leicester City forward, will go down as one of the best forwards in the ISL. During his time in the league, Hume played for the Kerala Blasters, Atlético de Kolkata and Pune City FC.
Hume was potent in front of the goal and managed to find the back of the net on 29 occasions in 69 games. The ageing striker impressed viewers, particularly during his time at Kerala Blasters FC.
Sunil Chhetri
The Bengaluru FC skipper unquestionably requires a mention as one of the all-time greats of the ISL. A true Blues man, Chhetri has stayed close to BFC since the club’s inception and has led the team to multiple I-League titles, an ISL title, and the AFC Cup final as well.
Chhetri is fierce with his right foot and is more than capable with his left foot and head as well. He has netted 47 times in the ISL and is just a goal behind the ISL record holder, Coro.
Coro
Ferran Corominas, popularly called Coro, spent a great three years with FC Goa. His most famous run started way back in 2003 when he signed for Spanish side Espanyol. In India, Coro stamped his authority by becoming the most goal-scoring player ever, netting precisely 48 times.
Despite his departure from the league, Coro still holds the record for most goals in the ISL. He scored the most number of goals in a season during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 campaigns.
Marcelinho
Marcelinho entered the ISL through his inclusion in the Delhi Dynamos squad way back in 2016. He continued playing in the ISL up until 2021, after which he announced his departure. The winger spent his time in the league across various clubs — Delhi Dynamos, Pune City FC, Hyderabad FC, and Odisha FC.
The 34-year-old dazzled viewers with his quick feet and ability to dribble effectively. He was no muck in front of goal either. He stacked up 33 goals during his time in the ISL, which is currently the fourth most goals scored by any person in the ISL.
Udanta Singh
Joining the Blues way back in 2014 as a teenager, Udanta Singh probably had his mind set on becoming a regular starter for BFC. He surely did achieve this feat at a very young age. The quick winger contributed immensely to BFC’s run in the AFC Cup and has been instrumental in the ISL.
Although his numbers do not compare to the rest on this list, the quick winger has been crucial to several counterattacks and balls played over the top of the opposition defence. He contributes with goals and provides assists to help his teammates get on the scoresheet.
Bartholomew Ogbeche
The former PSG striker was always going to make the headlines as he made his way into the ISL. He promised to deliver, and deliver he did. Since entering the league in 2018, Ogbeche has netted 35 times and is currently the third highest goal scorer in the ISL.
Many would consider moving to different clubs often a challenge. However, Ogbeche has spent his time in the ISL with a different club each season, but this hurdle could not get in the way of his goal-scoring prowess.
Ogbeche moves into the new season with yet another new team in Hyderabad FC.
Roy Krishna
The striker from Fiji arrived in the ISL with ATK Mohun Bagan, and the weight of expectation was immense. Krishna is only into his third season in the ISL and already has people speaking about what he could potentially achieve.
In terms of his achievement, Krishna has a staggering 43 goal contributions in just 44 games. It would seem unjust to leave the star striker out of this list because he has spent sufficient time in the ISL.
Jeje Lalpekhlua
Long-time Chennaiyin striker Jeje Lalpekhlua is probably one of the best Indian strikers ever to play the game let alone dazzle the ISL. The somewhat-unorthodox striker—given his height—was instrumental in Chennaiyin’s success in the 2018 ISL.
Jeje is seventh on the list of all-time goal scorers in the ISL. His experience and weight have been crucial contributions to Chennaiyin and Mohun Bagan, where he spent quite a bit of time as well.
Miku
The arrival of the former Valencia man encouraged several Bengaluru FC fans to expect something remarkable in the 2017/18 season, and they were not disappointed, as Miku scored a stunning 20 goals in just 32 games for the Blues. He was potent with his head and had quick feet as well as a deadly strike on him.
Although Miku departed after just two seasons in the ISL, the BFC fans will tell you that he would go down as one of the best players ever to play for their club.
Nerijus Valskis
Nerijus Valskis has merely spent two seasons in the ISL so far, but he is quickly moving into the list of best forwards in the league. As he looks set to enter into his third season in India, Valskis will have enough confidence behind him as he has netted 23 goals in just two seasons.
The Lithuanian striker is currently the eight highest goal scorer of all time in the ISL. He continues his journey in India with Jamshedpur FC in the 2021/22 season and will be looking to move higher up the all-time goalscorers list.
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