The Indian Super League is one of the fastest-growing football leagues in the world, and it has always given young talent the opportunity to showcase their skills. The Emerging Player award of the League is one such initiative taken by the ISL to promote and recognize the best young talent every season.
Let’s have a look at all the Emerging Player Award winners in the Indian Super League and where they are now.
1. Sandesh Jhingan (Kerala Blasters FC, 2014)
Sandesh Jhingan is one of the most celebrated defenders in Indian football history. After winning the Emerging Player of the League award in the inaugural season of the ISL, he went on to captain Kerala Blasters FC in the 2018-19 season. Jhingan joined Bengaluru FC on 14 August 2022, where he is currently playing in the Indian Super League.
2. Jeje Lalpekhlua (Chennaiyin FC, 2015)
Jeje Lalpekhlua is a striker who is considered one of the best forwards in Indian football. After winning the Emerging Player of the League award in 2015, he went on to win the ISL with Chennaiyin FC in the same season. Jeje announced his retirement from professional football in Aizawl on February 16, 2023.
3. Jerry Lalrinzuala (Chennaiyin FC, 2016)
Jerry Lalrinzuala is a left-back who has made a name for himself in the Indian Super League. He won the Emerging Player of the League award in 2016 and has been a consistent performer for Chennaiyin FC since then. Jerry is currently playing for East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League.
4. Lalruatthara (Kerala Blasters FC, 2017-18)
Lalruatthara is a left-back who made his name in the Indian Super League while playing for Kerala Blasters FC. He won the Emerging Player of the League award in the 2017-18 season and has played for Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League. He is currently playing for Odisha FC in the Indian Super League.
5. Sahal Abdul Samad (Kerala Blasters FC, 2018-19)
Sahal Abdul Samad is a midfielder who has been one of the most promising players in the Indian Super League in recent years. He won the Emerging Player of the League award in the 2018-19 season and has since played for Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League.
6. Sumit Rathi (ATK, 2019-20)
Sumit Rathi is a defender who made his name in the Indian Super League while playing for ATK in the 2019-20 season. He won the Emerging Player of the League award in his debut season and has since played for ATK Mohun Bagan FC in the Indian Super League.
7. Lalengmawia Ralte (NorthEast United FC, 2020-21)
Lalengmawia Ralte, also known as Apuia, is a midfielder who won the Emerging Player award of the League in the 2020-21 season while playing for NorthEast United FC. He has been a consistent performer for NorthEast United FC and is currently playing for Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League.
8. Naorem Roshan Singh (Bengaluru FC, 2021-22)
Naorem Roshan Singh is a defender who won the Emerging Player award of the League in the 2021-22 season while playing for Bengaluru FC. He has been a consistent performer for Bengaluru FC and is currently playing for the club in the Indian Super League.
9. Sivasakthi Narayanan (Bengaluru FC, 2022-23)
The most recent winner of the Emerging Player award is Sivasakthi Narayanan, who played for Bengaluru FC. Bengaluru FC striker Sivasakthi Narayanan has been making headlines for his spectacular performances in the Indian Super League (ISL). The 21-year-old has been a pivotal player in Bengaluru FC’s recent wins, scoring four goals and providing one assist.
Emerging Player Award Winners in ISL : The Emerging Player of the League award has been a great platform for young Indian footballers to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves in the Indian Super League. The above-listed players are just a few of the many talented young players who have won this award and gone on to have successful careers in the Indian Super League. It will be interesting to see who will be the next player to win this award and make a mark in Indian football!
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