ISL: Top 10 Foreign Players of 2024-25 Season

A quarter of the way into the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, the standings have already delivered some surprises.

Four of last year’s playoff teams are currently out of the top six, while clubs like Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC are playing some of their best football in years.

With 16 points, Bengaluru FC has matched its best-ever start, reminiscent of its league-topping 2018-19 season.

Central to these shifts are the international stars, including both new signings and experienced players who’ve changed clubs.

Let’s take a closer look at ten of the top-performing overseas players who are making waves this season.

1. Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

Alaaeddine Ajaraie has quickly become a sensation for NorthEast United FC, racking up 10 goal contributions (7 goals, 3 assists) in just 460 minutes – the most by any player this season.

His average goal contribution every 46 minutes is the second-best rate in ISL history among players with at least 300 minutes played.

Ajaraie is only the second player in ISL history to score in his first six games, joining Elano.

 2. Noah Sadaoui (Kerala Blasters FC)

Noah Sadaoui has made a strong impression for Kerala Blasters with five-goal contributions (3 goals, 2 assists) in his first five games, tying Mohammed Rafi's record for most in the club’s history for this period.

Sadaoui leads the league with 59 penalty area entries, while his 37 progressive carries have put him at the top of players' advancing play.

His high cross attempts (50) have added versatility to Kerala’s offense.

 3. Stephen Eze (Jamshedpur FC)

Stephen Eze has been a defensive powerhouse for Jamshedpur, with a league-high 44 clearances, 11 more than the next-best player.

Eze has also won 21 aerial duels, the most in the league, and made 14 interceptions, consistently disrupting opposition attacks.

His defensive reliability has been crucial to Jamshedpur’s improved performance this season.

 4. Alberto Noguera (Bengaluru FC)

Leading in contested duels with 80 and winning 45, Alberto Noguera has been a relentless presence for Bengaluru FC.

Only two players, Ajaraie and Abdul Rabeeh, have attempted more dribbles than Noguera, who has completed the highest number of successful dribbles.

His passing accuracy stands at 90.9%, establishing him as a pivotal playmaker in Bengaluru’s lineup.

 5. Greg Stewart (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Greg Stewart has been essential for Mohun Bagan, contributing four goals (1 goal, 3 assists) at an average of one every 110 minutes.

Stewart is second in the league for chance creation, with 17, and leads in open-play chances.

His three assists, all from set-pieces, make him a critical player in Mohun Bagan’s attacking play.

 6. Nikolaos Karelis (Mumbai City FC)

Nikolaos Karelis has had a stellar start for Mumbai City FC with four-goal contributions (3 goals, 1 assist) in his first five matches.

He averages 5.8 touches in the opposition box per game, second only to Ajaraie.

Karelis has also been involved in six major goal-scoring chances, proving to be a consistent threat in the attacking third.

7. Armando Sadiku (FC Goa)

Armando Sadiku has quickly established himself at FC Goa, scoring in six consecutive games, putting him in second place in the Golden Boot race with seven goals.

Sadiku leads the league in big chances, and his three penalty goals are the highest in the ISL this season.

His exceptional form underscores his critical role in FC Goa’s attack.

8. Jesus Jimenez (Kerala Blasters FC)

Jesus Jimenez has scored in three consecutive games for Kerala Blasters, marking the third-longest streak in club history.

His two-headed goals from three attempts reflect his aerial prowess, and with a 28.6% shot conversion rate, he leads all players with over ten attempts this season.

Jimenez has added significant depth to Kerala’s offensive strategy.

9. Connor Shields (Chennaiyin FC)

Connor Shields has proven to be a dynamic winger for Chennaiyin, with 57 cross attempts, the highest in the league.

His crossing ability has created numerous scoring opportunities, making him a valuable creator on the flank.

Shields has also shown an impressive work rate, consistently contributing to Chennaiyin ’s attacking structure.

10. Hugo Boumous (Odisha FC)

A seasoned ISL playmaker, Hugo Boumous has recorded three assists this season, matching the league’s top providers.

Boumous has been central to Odisha FC’s creativity, helping unlock defenses with precise passes.

His experience has been a significant asset in driving the team’s attacking efforts.

These overseas stars have brought excitement and energy to the ISL, with new signings and familiar faces both delivering standout performances.

As the season progresses, they are likely to continue setting new standards and providing fans with thrilling football moments.