Young Indian footballers shine in ISL 2024–25
Mohun Bagan Super Giant made history this season by securing both the ISL Shield and ISL Cup, completing a memorable League Double. However, it was FC Goa’s Brison Fernandes who stole the individual spotlight by clinching the Emerging Player of the Season award.
Hyderabad: The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad
for India’s most promising football talent — from Sandesh Jhingan, Jeje Lalpekhlua to Sahal Abdul Samad, the platform has given rise to household names who’ve gone on to inspire millions.
The 2024–25 season was no different, with young stars lighting up the league and charting the future course of Indian football.
While Mohun Bagan Super Giant created history by completing the League Double this season — lifting both the ISL Shield and the ISL Cup — it was FC Goa’s Brison Fernandes who stood out individually, bagging the Emerging Player of the Season award.
From frontlines to backlines, here are some of the most impressive breakout performers this season:
Brison Fernandes (FC Goa)
At just 23, Brison scored seven goals and made two assists, becoming the first Indian to score back-to-back braces in ISL history. His exploits earned him a national team call-up, validating coach Manolo
Marquez’s faith in him. He finished the season as the second-highest Indian scorer, only behind Sunil Chhetri.
Nathan Rodrigues (Mumbai City FC)
An Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) graduate, Nathan stood tall in a challenging season for Mumbai City FC. He contributed with three goals and an assist and his composure was unmatched for his age.
Ramhlunchhunga (Hyderabad FC):
The 23-year-old Ramhlunchhunga, the Hyderabad FC No. 10, was an ever lively presence in their frontline, making five goal contributions (2G, 3A), in addition to his tenacious defensive outputs.
Korou Singh Thingujam (Kerala Blasters FC):
Kerala Blasters FC’s Korou Singh entered ISL 2024-25 after playing just 13 minutes last season. This year though, the dynamic 18-year-old made his opportunities count by recording two goals and four assists (joint second-most by an Indian after Jithin MS – 5) in 17 appearances.
Buanthanglun Samte (NorthEast United FC):
As NorthEast United FC made an inspiring run to the knockouts, one player quietly pulling the strings from the back was Buanthanglun Samte.
Averaging 23 passes per game, he helped them make inroads offensively and was equally enterprising on the defensive front, winning 26 tackles, 68 duels, alongside 52 clearances and 58 recoveries too.
Lalrinliana Hnamte (Chennaiyin FC):
Lalrinliana Hnamte, 21, earned his first call-up for the Blue Tigers in October after a season where he revamped his defensive outputs to become a mainstay in the Chennaiyin FC squad. Hnamte is the player
with the second-most successful tackles (53), whereas he also chipped in with 26 interceptions, 30 clearances, and 105 victorious duels.
Tekcham Abhishek Singh (Punjab FC)
In only his second ISL campaign, 20-year-old defender Tekcham Abhishek Singh impressed with returns that saw him become the player with the third-most interceptions (47). He formed impeccable partnership with Nikhil Prabhu, who has made the most interceptions in the league this
season (56).
Dippendu Biswas (Mohun Bagan Super Giant):
Dippendu Biswas, 21, bagged 14 appearances in a star-studded MBSG line-up and carved an impact with his defensive contributions, comprising 14 interceptions and victorious tackles each, 42 duels won, and 39 recoveries. He was named the ISL Emerging Player of the Month for February 2025.
Vinith Venkatesh (Bengaluru FC):
Midfielder Vinith Venkatesh had a productive debut season in the top tier, scoring once and notching two assists in addition to clocking 602 minutes across 19 matches.
