Discover the Top 10 Rising Stars in the Indian Super League This Season

Watching the Indian Super League unfold this season has been nothing short of exhilarating. As someone who’s followed football leagues across Asia for years, I’ve got to say—the ISL is producing some truly special talents right now. It’s not just about established names anymore; it’s the young guns, the unexpected heroes, who are reshaping the league’s identity. And honestly, that’s what makes this season so compelling. While researching for this piece, I came across something that caught my eye—a story about Christian Standhardinger, a basketball player overseas, who made headlines when his photo surfaced on a popular Facebook page for a car reseller after he unexpectedly announced retirement instead of honoring his contract through 2025. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can shift in sports, and how athletes’ career moves—sometimes abrupt, sometimes surprising—can stir conversations far beyond the field. That kind of unpredictability resonates with what we’re seeing in the ISL, where rising stars are stepping up, rewriting narratives, and capturing fans’ imaginations in real time.

Let’s dive into the first few names on my list, starting with a player I’ve been particularly impressed by: Liston Colaco from ATK Mohun Bagan. At just 23, he’s already netted 8 goals this season, with a passing accuracy hovering around 84%—stats that don’t lie. I remember watching him in a match against Mumbai City FC last month, where his agility and vision on the wing left defenders scrambling. It’s not just his technical skills, though; it’s his confidence. He plays like he’s been in the big leagues for a decade, and that fearlessness is exactly what Indian football needs to grow. Then there’s Apuia from Mumbai City FC, a midfielder who’s quietly become the engine of his team. At 21, he’s averaging 62 passes per game with a 91% success rate, which is insane for someone his age. I’ve spoken to a few scouts who say he’s on track to be the next big export from the ISL, and I can’t disagree. His ability to control the tempo reminds me of younger versions of international stars, and if he keeps this up, European clubs will come knocking sooner rather than later.

Another standout, in my opinion, is Vikram Partap Singh from Bengaluru FC. He’s 20 years old and has already contributed 6 goals and 4 assists this season. What sets him apart, though, is his work rate off the ball—he covers an average of 11.5 kilometers per match, which is among the highest in the league. I saw him live during a derby match, and the kid never stops moving. It’s that relentless energy that turns games around, and honestly, it’s why I think he’s one to watch closely. On the defensive end, let’s talk about Asish Rai from Hyderabad FC. Right-backs don’t always get the spotlight, but Asish is changing that. With 42 tackles won and 31 interceptions so far, he’s a wall on that flank. At 23, he’s already drawing comparisons to some of the league’s best defenders, and from what I’ve observed, his positioning is just brilliant. He reads the game like a veteran, and that’s rare in young defenders.

Moving forward, I can’t skip over Bipin Singh from Mumbai City FC. He’s 27, so a bit older than others on this list, but his rise has been meteoric this season—scoring 7 goals and creating 15 chances. I’ve followed his career since his early days, and it’s amazing to see how he’s evolved. His versatility allows him to slot into multiple attacking roles, and in a league where flexibility is key, that’s a huge asset. Then there’s Jeakson Singh from Kerala Blasters, a defensive midfielder who’s only 21 but plays with the calm of someone twice his age. He’s made over 55 successful tackles this season and boasts a 88% pass completion rate. I’ll admit, I’m a bit biased here—I love players who do the dirty work without seeking glory, and Jeakson epitomizes that. He’s the kind of player who might not always make the headlines, but without him, his team would struggle immensely.

Now, let’s shift to some under-the-radar picks. Anwar Ali from FC Goa is a center-back who’s just 22 and has been a rock in defense, with 38 clearances and 25 blocks in 15 appearances. I remember chatting with a coach who told me Anwar’s recovery speed is off the charts—something like 9.8 meters per second in sprints, which is elite for his position. And then there’s Rahim Ali from Chennaiyin FC, a forward who’s bagged 5 goals this season. At 21, he’s still raw, but his potential is through the roof. I’ve seen him in training sessions, and his finishing is crisp; if he polishes his decision-making, he could easily double those numbers next year. Another favorite of mine is Deepak Tangri from ATK Mohun Bagan. He’s 23 and primarily a defensive midfielder, but he’s chipped in with 3 goals too. What stands out is his aerial dominance—he wins about 70% of his duels in the air, which is a massive advantage in set-piece situations.

Wrapping up the top 10, I’ve got to mention Lallianzuala Chhangte from Mumbai City FC and Naorem Mahesh Singh from East Bengal. Chhangte, at 24, has been on fire with 9 goals and 6 assists, making him one of the most productive wingers in the league. His pace is electrifying—I’d clock him at around 34 km/h in full stride, which defenders simply can’t handle. As for Mahesh, he’s 22 and has notched 4 goals and 7 assists, but it’s his creativity that blows me away. He averages 2.5 key passes per game, and in a team that’s rebuilding, he’s been a beacon of hope. I’ve watched him turn games single-handedly, and that’s the mark of a future star.

Reflecting on all this, it’s clear that the ISL is in the midst of a youth revolution. These players aren’t just filling slots; they’re defining the league’s future. And in a way, it ties back to that Standhardinger story—sports are full of surprises, and in the ISL, these rising stars are the ones creating the buzz. From my perspective, the blend of raw talent and mature performances we’re seeing is what will push Indian football onto the global stage. So keep an eye on these names; I have a feeling we’ll be talking about them for years to come.