The Indian Super League (ISL) is a battleground where the best talents showcase their skills, but it is in the playoffs where legends truly emerge. The high-pressure environment of knockout matches demands composure, experience, and an unwavering commitment to victory. Over the years, several players have repeatedly stepped up on the grand stage, making their mark in ISL playoff history.
Here, we take a look at the top five players with the most playoff appearances.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Players with the Most Appearances in ISL Playoff History
5. Subhasish Bose – 15 Appearances
Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s defensive stalwart, Subhasish Bose, has been a crucial figure in ISL playoffs with 15 appearances. His first playoff experience came with Bengaluru FC in the 2017-18 season, followed by a stint at Mumbai City FC in 2018-19. From 2020 onwards, he became an integral part of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, helping them secure the ISL Cup in the 2022-23 season.
Bose’s defensive discipline and leadership have been invaluable in knockout fixtures. His ability to handle high-pressure situations has made him a vital component of his team’s backline, ensuring defensive solidity when it matters most.
4. Roy Krishna – 15 Appearances
One of the most lethal strikers in ISL history, Odisha FC’s Roy Krishna, has also made 15 playoff appearances. The Fijian forward first featured in the playoffs with ATK FC during the 2019-20 season, later playing for Mohun Bagan Super Giant from 2020 to 2022, Bengaluru FC in 2022-23, and Odisha FC in 2023-24. His crowning moment came in the 2019-20 season when he led ATK FC to the ISL Cup triumph.
Krishna’s agility, finishing ability, and knack for scoring in crucial moments make him a standout performer in high-stakes matches. His presence in the attacking third has often been a game-changer for his teams.
3. Pritam Kotal – 15 Appearances
Chennaiyin FC’s Pritam Kotal is another seasoned campaigner with 15 playoff appearances to his name. His first taste of ISL playoffs came with ATK FC in the 2015-16 and 2019-20 seasons. He then played three consecutive playoffs for Mohun Bagan Super Giant from 2020 to 2023 before featuring for Kerala Blasters FC in 2023-24.
Kotal boasts three ISL Cup triumphs (2016, 2019-20, 2022-23) and has been a rock at the back. His defensive leadership and ability to organize the backline have played a key role in his team’s playoff success.
2. Ahmed Jahouh – 15 Appearances
Odisha FC’s midfield maestro, Ahmed Jahouh, is widely regarded as one of the most influential players in ISL playoff history. Making his first playoff appearance for FC Goa in the 2017-18 season, he continued his impressive run with Mumbai City FC, where he won the League Shield and ISL Cup double. He played every ISL playoff campaign until 2024-25, including his latest stint with Odisha FC.
Jahouh’s passing range, tactical intelligence, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game make him a standout player in knockout matches. His experience in multiple finals has made him a valuable asset in crunch situations.
1. Manvir Singh – 17 Appearances
At the top of the list is Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s versatile forward, Manvir Singh, with a record 17 playoff appearances. His journey began with FC Goa in the 2019 playoffs, and since then, he has consistently featured in every playoff season. He played for both FC Goa and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, where he lifted the ISL title in 2023.
Manvir’s adaptability in attack, coupled with his work ethic and goal-scoring ability, has been crucial in his team’s deep playoff runs. His experience and knack for delivering in decisive moments make him one of the most dependable players in ISL history.
Honorable Mentions
A few other players have also made significant contributions in ISL playoff history:
Lenny Rodrigues (15 appearances)
Hyderabad FC’s Lenny Rodrigues earns a spot on the list with his midfield versatility and relentless work rate, making him an invaluable presence on the field. Accumulating 15 playoff appearances, he first featured in the 2017-18 playoffs with Bengaluru FC before representing FC Goa (2018-20), Mohun Bagan Super Giant (2020-23), and Odisha FC (2023-24).
Notably, he played a key role in Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s ISL 2022-23 title-winning campaign. Known for his composure under pressure, Rodrigues excels in passing accuracy and defensive contributions, making him a crucial asset in high-stakes playoff encounters.
Amrinder Singh (15 appearances)
Odisha FC’s Amrinder Singh, a commanding presence between the posts, has accumulated 15 playoff appearances throughout his career. His first postseason outing came with ATK FC in 2014-15, followed by stints with Mumbai City FC (2016, 2018-19, 2020-21), Mohun Bagan Super Giant (2021-22), and Odisha FC (2022-24).
A dependable shot-stopper, Singh’s ability to pull off crucial saves and dominate the penalty area has been instrumental in his teams’ playoff campaigns. His calmness under pressure and leadership at the back have often provided the defensive stability needed in high-stakes matches.
FAQs
Who has the most ISL playoff appearances in history?
Manvir Singh holds the record with 17 playoff appearances, having played for FC Goa and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, winning the 2022-23 title.
Which goalkeeper has the most ISL playoff appearances?
Amrinder Singh has 15 playoff appearances, representing ATK FC, Mumbai City FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and Odisha FC over the years.
Which defender has won the most ISL playoff matches?
Pritam Kotal has been part of three ISL Cup-winning teams (2016, 2019-20, 2022-23) while making 15 playoff appearances for ATK FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and Kerala Blasters FC.
How many ISL playoff appearances does Ahmed Jahouh have?
Ahmed Jahouh has 15 ISL playoff appearances, playing for FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, and Odisha FC, showcasing his midfield dominance.
Which foreign player has been the most consistent in ISL playoffs?
Roy Krishna has 15 playoff appearances, featuring for ATK FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Bengaluru FC, and Odisha FC, winning the 2019-20 ISL Cup.
