The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently acted as a launching pad for young talents, exhibiting a diverse array of youthful vigor set to influence the football landscape for years to come. Over the last decade, the league has witnessed the rise of several young luminaries, such as Sandesh Jhingan, Suresh Singh Wangjam, and Sahal Abdul Samad, who smoothly transitioned from promising prospects to pivotal players for their respective teams.
The 2023–24 ISL season upheld this proud tradition, once again shining a spotlight on emerging talents eager to carve their names into football history. From Mohammed Sanan K to Shivaldo Singh, a fresh cohort of Indian talent graced the league this season. These players not only assumed significant roles for their clubs but also made a mark on the ISL stage at a remarkably young age.
Amidst this whirlwind of anticipation, we spotlight five of the youngest players to score goals in the ISL 2023-24 season.
Top 5 Youngest Goal Scorers Of Indian Super League (ISL) 2023–24
5. Harsh Patre of Bengaluru FC – 20 years, 309 days
Bengaluru FC vs Punjab FC, November 30 2023
Harsh Patre of Bengaluru FC, aged 20 years and 309 days, secured the fifth spot on the list during the Bengaluru FC versus Punjab FC match on November 30, 2023. Patre marked his inaugural ISL goal by swiftly equalizing the score just two minutes after Punjab FC took the lead in the 19th minute.
Patre himself orchestrated the goal sequence, initiating it from the center circle. He executed a rapid one-two with Sunil Chhetri just outside the Punjab FC box before delivering a precise left-footed shot into the bottom corner, leaving no opportunity for the Shers’ goalkeeper, Ravi Kumar.
4. Parthib Gogoi of NorthEast United FC – 20 years, 237 days
NorthEast United FC vs Mumbai City FC, September 24 2023
Parthib Gogoi of NorthEast United FC, aged 20 years and 237 days, clinched the fourth position on the list during the NorthEast United FC versus Mumbai City FC match on September 24, 2023. Gogoi’s equalizing goal at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium showcased a breathtaking combination of skill and determination.
Positioning himself flawlessly, the winger received a precisely executed long pass on the edge of the opponent’s box. With lightning-quick reflexes and impeccable control, he skillfully evaded Rahul Bheke before delivering a looping, curved strike that sailed beyond the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa.
3. Gurkirat Singh of Mumbai City FC – 20 years, 165 days
Mumbai City FC vs Chennaiyin FC, December 28 2023
Gurkirat Singh of Mumbai City FC, aged 20 years and 165 days, secured the third position on the list during the Mumbai City FC versus Chennaiyin FC match on December 28, 2023. Singh’s impressive display of footwork just outside the Chennaiyin FC box, following a pass from Apuia, enabled him to dribble past his markers with finesse.
Positioning himself accurately, Singh unleashed a left-footed curling shot that found the back of the net, sealing the victory for Mumbai City FC with a commanding 3-0 scoreline against Owen Coyle’s men. Notably, this marked Singh’s first ISL goal since his debut in the 2021–22 season.
2. Shivaldo Singh of Bengaluru FC – 19 years, 275 days
FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC, March 14 2024
Shivaldo Singh of Bengaluru FC, aged 19 years and 275 days, secured the second position on the list during the FC Goa versus Bengaluru FC match on March 14, 2024. Notably, Singh is the sole teenager to achieve this feat.
A long pass from Suresh Singh, delivered from deep, breached the FC Goa defensive line, placing Shivaldo Singh in a favorable position in front of Dheeraj Singh. With remarkable composure, Singh capitalized on the opportunity, scoring his inaugural ISL goal in the second minute of the game.
Facing Dheeraj in a one-on-one situation, Shivaldo unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that, despite being deflected by the goalkeeper’s hand, possessed enough force to cross the goal line.
1. Mohammed Sanan K of Jamshedpur FC – 19 years, 210 days
Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant, November 1 2023
Mohammed Sanan K of Jamshedpur FC, aged 19 years and 210 days, secured the top spot on the list during the Jamshedpur FC versus Mohun Bagan Super Giant match on November 1, 2023. Sanan’s early goal against Mohun Bagan SG marks him as the youngest goalscorer of the ISL 2023-24 season.
Sanan capitalized on a miscommunication between Subhasish Bose and Vishal Kaith, disrupting the coordination of the Mariners’ backline. With Kaith, the advancing goalkeeper, leaving the goal unattended, Sanan seized the opportunity and netted a stunning goal in the sixth minute of the game.
The Kerala-born winger positioned himself perfectly to receive the errant clearance from Bose. Demonstrating remarkable composure, he calmly finished the chance into an open goal, granting Jamshedpur FC an early lead against the Mariners.
The ISL 2023-24 season witnessed a remarkable showcase of young talent, with players like Mohammed Sanan K, Shivaldo Singh, Gurkirat Singh, Parthib Gogoi, and Harsh Patre leaving an indelible mark with their impressive performances on the field. As these budding stars continue to shine, their contributions promise to shape the future of Indian football, inspiring generations to come.