The Indian football scene has been a little dull in recent times, but that doesn't stop the country from producing phenomenal football players. When it comes to the best Indian footballer, there are several players who come to mind based on their recent success and overall contribution to club and country. From Sunil Chhetri to Lallianzuala Chhangte, there have been several players who performed brilliantly last season and are looking to dominate the upcoming campaign. Join us as we take a look at some of Indian football best player according to their recent season and rank them accordingly in the list of Top 10 Best Indian footballers.
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Top 10 Best Indian Footballer - Currently Ranked
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List of Indian Football Best Player
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While the Indian Super League and other international matches have presented some great football players from India in recent memory, the main question ahead is, who is the best Indian footballer at the moment? Well, there might be several answers to that question, as many players have outdone themselves to become the best players in the country. However, we have carefully ranked the top 10 best Indian footballers, keeping in mind their current form and success, making them the best Indian footballer at the moment. Join us as we take a look at the Top 10 list of the best Indian footballers at the moment.
Rank | Player Name | Age | Position | Appearances | Playing Since |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | Anirudh Thapa | 27 | Midfielder | 197 | 2016 |
9 | Lalengmawia Ralte | 24 | Midfielder | 154 | 2017 |
8 | Akash Mishra | 23 | Left-Back | 120 | 2018 |
7 | Sandesh Jhingan | 32 | Centre-back | 252 | 2011 |
6 | Liston Colaco | 26 | Forward | 241 | 2014 |
5 | Subhasish Bose | 29 | Left-back | 247 | 2016 |
4 | Rahul Bheke | 34 | Centre-back | 293 | 2011 |
3 | Sunil Chhetri | 41 | Forward | 548 | 2002 |
2 | Gurpreet Singh Sandhu | 33 | Goalkeeper | 259 | 2009 |
1 | Lallianzuala Chhangte | 28 | Forward | 218 | 2016 |
How we Ranked the Top 10 Best Indian Footballers?
Given the current scenario, it might be tough to rank the best Indian footballer on the basis of only one metric. Therefore, we have carefully set out several metrics to rank these players so the ranking remains fair irrespective of their playing position.
- Individual Performance
A player's performance is a key metric that should be kept in thinking while ranking these players. These statistics include goals, assists, saves, and several other individual statistics for each player.
- Consistency
Consistency is a huge ranking factor, as a player who is consistent for his team and always shows up is an essential part of the squad. A player who easily avoids injuries and is match fit most time is an asset.
- Impact in Big Matches
Every player needs to perform in crucial matches, which might carve the path ahead for his team. Crucial performances in knockout matches or derbies automatically elevate the player's overall ranking in the list.
- Versatility and Tactical Flexibility
Players need to adapt different formations and playing positions to showcase their versatility, which ultimately strengthens the team. Being adaptive to tactical adjustments is something that makes a player well-suited for their team.
Who is the Best Player in the Indian Football Team Right Now?
As we previously ranked some factors based on which we have curated a list of the Top 10 best Indian footballers, the question might arise as to who is the best Indian footballer at the moment. Well, if we talk about the best player in the Indian football team at the moment, several fans might have numerous choices, but on the basis of the metrics provided above, we have carefully ranked some of the Indian football team at the moment.
10) Anirudh Thapa (Midfielder)
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Indian midfielder Anirudh Thapa is one of the most reliable midfielders for India and has been playing in the Indian Super League (ISL) for Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Considered to be a dynamic and versatile midfielder, Anirudh Thapa prefers playing box-to-box and is extremely adaptable, making him one of the key players in his team. He excels in creative passing and is beneficial in attack as well as defense.
Age | 27 |
---|---|
Appearances (24-25) | 18 |
Goals + Assists | 3 |
Key Passes | 17 |
Chances Created | 20 |
9) Lalengmawia Ralte (Midfielder)

Another promising Indian midfielder, Lalengmawia Ralte, currently plays for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the ISL and also represents the Indian National team. Known by his nickname Apuia, the 24-year-old has previously played for Mumbai City, NorthEast United, and the Indian Arrows.
He is known for his energy, stamina, and the ability to win the ball back. Being a central midfielder, Apuia also creates several counterattacking opportunities.
Age | 24 |
---|---|
Appearances (24-25) | 22 |
Goals + Assists | 1 |
Key Passes | 14 |
Chances Created | 14 |
8) Akash Mishra (Left-back)
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The 23-year-old defender Akash Mishra has been dominating the left flank with his defensive as well as offensive prowess. The Mumbai City left-back has previously played for Hyderabad FC and the Indian Arrows and is currently also a part of the Indian National team.
He is widely praised for his prolific play and calculative positioning. His attack-minded approach has made him one of the best crossers at such a young age. It remains to be seen how this young and promising talent is used ahead.
Age | 23 |
Appearances (24-25) | 20 |
Aerial Duels won | 26 |
Clearances | 20 |
Interceptions | 14 |
7) Sandesh Jhingan (Centre-back)
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Sandesh Jhingan is one of the most experienced Indian centre-backs and has been prominently performing at the highest level for several years. The 32-year-old currently plays for ISL club Goa FC and also captains the Indian National team at the moment.
Jhingan is a huge aerial threat, and having such physicality, his presence is a huge threat to attackers. Making crucial interceptions and clearances, Sandesh Jhingan is one of the most reliable defenders for India.
Age | 32 |
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Appearances (24-25) | 20 |
Aerial Duels Won | 43 |
Clearances | 107 |
Interceptions | 22 |
6) Liston Colaco
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Indian forward Liston Colaco is one of the most prolific forwards at the moment and plays in the ISL for Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The 26-year-old also represents the Indian National team and has played for several clubs over the years.
Known for his immense pace and dribbling skills, Colaco is also a lethal left winger, where he excels. Being phenomenal in shooting, he likes to take on defenders and score goals from inside the box. Being able to play as a left winger as well as a striker, Liston Colaco is one of the most versatile forwards at the moment.
Age | 26 |
---|---|
Appearances (24-25) | 27 |
Goals | 3 |
Assists | 2 |
Touches | 1333 |
5) Subhasish Bose (Left-back)
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Indian left-back Subhasish Bose currently plays for ISL club Mohun Bagan Super Giant, which he captains, and also represents the Indian National team. Known for a veteran skillset and defensive prowess, Bose can also play as a centre-back, which showcases his versatility.
The 29-year-old has also played for Sporting Goa, Bengaluru, and Mumbai City before. Given his physicality, Bose is a huge threat to opposition attackers and has been a valuable asset for India.
Age | 29 |
---|---|
Appearances (24-25) | 25 |
Aerial Duels Won | 53 |
Clearances | 58 |
Interceptions | 48 |
4) Rahul Bheke (Defender)
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Rahul Bheke is considered to be one of the best Indian footballers of all time and has been a huge defensive threat over the years for the Indian football team. He currently plays and captains the ISL club Bengaluru FC and also represents the Indian National team.
Rahul is one of the most versatile defenders in the Indian football team as he is capable of playing as a right-back, along with being a centre-back. His aerial powers and tackling skills make him one of the most lethal defenders.
Age | 34 |
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Appearances (24-25) | 26 |
Aerial Duels Won | 44 |
Clearances | 126 |
Interceptions | 27 |
3) Sunil Chhetri (Forward)
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Probably the best Indian footballer for many, Sunil Chhetri is one of the most decorated Indian football players of all time. Known for his immense pace and versatility on the field, Sunil Chhetri is the fourth-highest International goalscorer and the most-capped player and the all-time top goalscorer of the Indian national team.
The 41-year-old maestro currently plays for Bengaluru FC in the ISL and also represents the Indian National team. He is a recipient of the Arjuna Award, the Padma Shri Award, and the Khel Ratna Award, showcasing his excellence in the world of football.
Age | 41 |
---|---|
Appearances (24-25) | 28 |
Goals | 14 |
Assists | 2 |
Touches | 740 |
2) Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Goalkeeper)
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The veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is one of the most popular and influential players in the Indian National team. The 33-year-old currently plays for Bengaluru FC and also represents the Indian National team.
He was the first Indian to play a competitive match for the first team of a top-division European club. While his recent form has raised a lot of questions regarding his future, only time will tell how his career carves out ahead.
Age | 33 |
---|---|
Appearances (24-25) | 26 |
Total Clean Sheets | 8 |
Total Saves | 82 |
Goals Conceded | 33 |
1) Lallianzuala Chhangte
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Probably the best football player in the Indian team currently, Lallianzuala Chhangte, is one of the most lethal forwards in the Indian team. He currently plays and captains the ISL club Mumbai City and also represents the Indian national team.
Being a fast and pacy attacker, he is called ‘Mizo Flash’ due to his staggering pace. Being versatile and tactically equipped, Chhangte aligns perfectly with the position he is given and has phenomenal goal finishing ability. His skillset and vision make him one of the best Indian footballers at the moment.
Age | 28 |
---|---|
Appearances (24-25) | 26 |
Goals | 6 |
Assists | 2 |
Touches | 1083 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best footballer of India right now?
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Who is the best footballer of India right now?
Lallianzuala Chhangte is considered to be one of the best footballers at the moment.
Which Indian player has the most goals this season at club level?
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Which Indian player has the most goals this season at club level?
Sunil Chhetri is the Indian player with the most goals at the club level in the 2024-25 season with 14 goals.
Who is the captain of the Indian football team in 2025?
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Who is the captain of the Indian football team in 2025?
Sandesh Jhingan is the current captain of the Indian football team.
Is there any defender in the list of the top 10 best Indian players?
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Is there any defender in the list of the top 10 best Indian players?
Yes, there are several defenders in the list of best Indian players, including Akash Mishra, Sandesh Jhingan, and more.
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