ISL Best Players: Top 10 ISL Footballers Ranked

The eleventh edition of the Indian Super League has passed recently. Mohun Bagan created history by successfully defending their ISL shield. They even won the ISL Cup, making it a fantastic double. They had many best players in ISL in their ranks to achieve this incredible feat. ISL was also home to stars like Alaaeddine Ajaraie, Liston Colaco, and Sunil Chhetri, who emerged as the ISL best players again.
In a season where the league grew by leaps and bounds, the players with star quality massively shone. Youngsters were breaking through and raising the standards of the league. So, all said and done, in this article, we will answer the question of who are the best players in ISL this season.

Best Players in ISL (Top 10 List)

In the recently concluded 2024-25 season, the rule of mandatorily playing an AFC player was removed. The salary cap was raised, and two players were allowed to be signed with any wages. All these changes allowed teams to spend freely on international players. This saw the league filled with quality, and some players became the best ISL​ footballers with exceptional performances.

However, uncertainty regarding the commencement of the new season impacted a lot of teams, which saw several players leave their respective clubs. However, some of the new additions have lit up the competition. Here is the list of the ISL best players currently.

How did we rank the ISL Best Players at Present?

This ISL season has seen some players give extraordinary performances on the field. However, to determine the best player in ISL among the multiple ISL best players, we used the following ranking criteria.
Performance Stats:
Football is a silly old game of stats. With the technology available now, each action can be quantified, and the ones with an incredible volume of stats made it to this list. However, we believe that the eye test will hold importance and made a surprise inclusion for you.
Consistency:
ISL is a season with a league and cup phase, meaning players must be incredibly consistent across both stages to be considered for the ultimate list.
Impact in Key Matches:
With constant matchups coming up and derbies aplenty, the players should show a great impact in those games to become the best player in ISL.

Who is the Best Player in ISL?

As part of the post-season analysis, considering every factor, we dive in to find the best football player in ISL right now. The journey will take us through the top ISL players this season.

5. Nsungusi Effiong (Punjab FC)

The 26-year-old Nsungusi Effiong was without a club after his stint with UTD Arad in the Romanian League, when Punjab FC got hold of him to strengthen their striker position ahead of the 2025/26 ISL season. Although he just featured in six games last season, his quality doesn't seem to have degraded even a bit, as the forward has already wrapped up four goals in his first five matches in this campaign.

However, Effiong seems to have a bit of a disciplinary issue, with a red card already being issued to him in the match against FC Goa. Nevertheless, one can never forget his brace in the season opener against Bengaluru FC, which started FC Goa's campaign on a high.

4. Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City)

Lallianzuala Chhangte, who also happens to be one of the best Indian footballers currently, is one of the mainstays of the Mumbai City FC team. He's very hardworking, covering every blade of grass for his team, and leads from the front when the stakes are high. Since his move from Chennaiyin FC in 2022, Chhangte has cemented his place in the squad with consistent performances, elevating his team to levels one could have hardly imagined.

The winger, who also happens to be one of the most famous Indian football players, has scored three goals already this season, with an important one coming against Inter Kashi in the previous game. Once again, the Islanders will be looking forward to their captain to take them all the way this season, too. Chhangte continues to be important to the Indian national football team as well, and he will look to capitalise on his performances at the club level to have an even bigger and better impact while donning the Indian colours.

3. Dejan Drazic (FC Goa)

Dejan Drazic joined FC Goa last season from Ethnikos Achnas in the Cyprus League and has proved to be immense in front of the goal for Manolo Marquez's side. The Serbian is known for his versatility, as he can play in any of the front three positions. He played an important role in FC Goa's recent Super Cup win, scoring three goals and adding one assist in the group stages.

Drazic has had a smooth start to the new ISL season with FC Goa, with four goals and an assist, helping his team climb to fourth in the league standings. It remains to be seen how the Serbian forward fares in the rest of the season.

2. Youssef Ezzejjari (East Bengal)

The Moroccan forward recently joined East Bengal for the 2025/26 season and has already had a massive impact. Youssef Ezzejari has scored in all five games he has played for the club so far, making him one of the most prolific strikers in the league this time around.

Ezzejjari joined from Tanjong Pagar in the Singaporean First Division, where he accumulated a G/A of 10 in the previous season. The Moroccan's addition seems to be fruitful for the Red and Yellow Brigade, who happen to be one of the oldest Indian football teams, and the player deserves the second place in the best ISL players list.

1. Jamie Maclaren (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

When centre-forward Jamie Maclaren signed for Mohun Bagan, there was a collective gasp in the Indian football community. Such was his resume in international and club football. He was selected for Australia at the FIFA World Cup multiple times and remains a key member of their setup. He came in with huge expectations and lived up to them.
Maclaren became one of ISL best players as soon as he touched the ball for them. His touch oozed class, and his finishing was world-class. He improved the players around him and had a profound impact on the team. His winning goal in the ISL Cup final showcased his importance in the league. He has started this season for Mohun Bagan Super Giant on a bright note and hopes to lead his team to glory once again.