The Indian Super League, India’s top-tier football competition, is currently in its tenth season, having commenced in 2014. Today, we present the five players who have served the longest in the history of the ISL.
Top 5 Players with Most Appearances in Indian Super League (ISL)
1. Pritam Kotal (Defender) – 156 Matches
Pritam Kotal, a seasoned defender from India, holds the record for the most appearances in the history of the ISL, having participated in 156 matches across five different clubs. The 30-year-old Indian international has also represented his country on more than 50 occasions. Kotal began his ISL journey with Pune City FC in 2014, featuring in 12 matches over two seasons before transferring to ATK FC in 2016, where he played a pivotal role in their title-winning campaign, featuring in 12 matches.
Subsequently, he joined Odisha FC for the 2017-18 season, tallying 24 appearances and scoring his inaugural ISL goal before returning to ATK FC during a mid-season transfer window. Since then, Kotal has been a cornerstone of the ATK franchise, which later merged with Mohun Bagan and rebranded as Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Over five seasons, he amassed 105 appearances for the club, contributing to five goals (3 goals, 2 assists). This season, he made a move to Kerala Blasters, featuring in 14 matches thus far.
2. Amrinder Singh (Goalkeeper) – 153 Matches
Amrinder Singh is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in Indian football. With an impressive tally of 35 clean sheets in 144 matches across four different clubs in the ISL, his prowess between the posts is evident. Singh made his ISL debut during the league’s second season in 2015, representing defending champions ATK FC. Despite a challenging start, managing just one clean sheet in 13 matches, he persevered.
In 2016, Singh made a significant move to Mumbai City FC, where he solidified his position as the team’s top choice goalkeeper for five seasons. Over the course of 82 matches, he accumulated 28 clean sheets and played a pivotal role in guiding Mumbai City FC to their maiden ISL title during the 2020-21 season. Following this achievement, Singh and Mumbai City FC parted ways amicably. He then joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant for the 2021-22 season, where he featured in 22 matches and secured six clean sheets before transitioning to his current club, Odisha FC.
3. Mandar Rao Desai (Defender) – 150 Matches
Mandar Rao Desai, renowned for his defensive prowess, primarily operates as a left back on the field. With an impressive tally of 144 appearances, he has carved out a formidable reputation in the ISL. Mandar has represented three different clubs in the league. Notably, he has been a standout performer for FC Goa, featuring in 97 matches over six seasons, beginning with the inaugural season in 2014. His contributions were instrumental in FC Goa’s success, particularly during the 2019-20 season, when they clinched both the league shield award and the championship title.
In 2020, Mandar made a transition to Mumbai City FC, where he continued to excel, accumulating 41 appearances and securing two additional league shield titles during the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. This season, he has embarked on a new chapter with East Bengal FC, where he has already featured in six matches.
2. Lenny Rodrigues (Midfielder) – 147 Matches
Lenny Rodrigues, aged 36, stands out as one of the most seasoned and enduring midfielders in the ISL. With an impressive tally of 147 matches, he has showcased his expertise while representing five different clubs in the league. Rodrigues commenced his ISL journey with Pune City FC, featuring in 29 matches over three seasons.
In the 2017-18 season, he joined Bengaluru FC, who had recently made the transition from the I-League to the ISL, contributing to 17 matches during his tenure with them.
Subsequently, Rodrigues made a significant move to FC Goa in 2018, where he experienced a period of significant success. He emerged as a linchpin in FC Goa’s midfield, contributing to their aggressive style of play across 53 matches.
In 2020, he transitioned to Mohun Bagan, where he continued to make an impact, featuring in 37 matches. This season, Rodrigues has made his final move to Odisha FC, adding 13 matches to his illustrious ISL career.
1. Sunil Chhetri (Striker) – 145 Matches
Sunil Chhetri, the esteemed captain of the Indian national team, holds the distinction of being the longest-serving striker in ISL history. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has featured in 145 matches for two clubs, establishing himself as the league’s second-highest goal scorer with an impressive tally of 58 goals. Chhetri embarked on his ISL journey with Mumbai City FC in 2015, making 17 appearances for them and notably becoming the first Indian footballer to achieve a hat-trick in the league during the same year.
In 2017, Bengaluru FC made their debut in the ISL after transitioning from the I-League, marking a significant chapter in Chhetri’s career. He has since been a stalwart figure for the club, accumulating 128 appearances and serving as their captain. During his tenure with Bengaluru FC, Chhetri has found the back of the net 60 times, playing a pivotal role in the club’s triumph in the 2018-2019 ISL season.
