# TOP 5 Indian Footballers Who Played Football in Foreign Clubs

URL: https://technosports.co.in/indian-footballers-who-played-fo-foreign-clubs/  
Published: 2026-06-06  
Updated: 2026-06-07  
Author: REMYA BABU S

**TOP 5 Indian Footballers Who Played Football in Foreign Clubs:** [Football](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football) is a universal passion that captivates millions worldwide. Although India isn’t traditionally known as a football powerhouse, the country has still given rise to some exceptional players who have chased their dreams on the international stage. For many aspiring Indian footballers, playing for foreign clubs is the pinnacle of success, and these talented individuals have made that dream a reality.

## **Let’s discover the top 5 Indian footballers who have played for foreign clubs and made a mark in their careers**

### **1. Romeo Fernandes – Brazil**

> Wonder Boy! [@FCGoaOfficial](https://x.com/FCGoaOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)'s [@romeogoa19](https://x.com/romeogoa19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) was the find of the season in [#HeroISL](https://x.com/hashtag/HeroISL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 2014. [#LetsFootball](https://x.com/hashtag/LetsFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/7zGBHOgk86](http://t.co/7zGBHOgk86)
>
> — Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) [September 26, 2015](https://x.com/IndSuperLeague/status/647734909851734016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

[Romeo Fernandes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romeo_Fernandes) is a skilful and pacy winger who gained recognition after playing for [FC Goa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Goa) in the [Indian Super League (ISL)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Super_League) in 2014. He caught the attention of Athletico Paranaense, a top-division club in Brazil, and was signed on a short-term loan spell.

### **2. Ishan Pandita – Spain**

> Another season comes to an end! Have had enough time to reflect and assess how this year went. Things didn’t go to plan but that’s part of the game sometimes. Life is learning. Bigger and better things to come! New season, new chapter. 🙏🤞⏳ [pic.twitter.com/CjiUpGkW5m](https://t.co/CjiUpGkW5m)
>
> — Ishan Pandita (@_ishanpandita_) [April 28, 2023](https://x.com/_ishanpandita_/status/1651913809551048704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

[Ishan Pandita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishan_Pandita) is a striker who spent his youth years in Spain and played at the youth academies of clubs like Leganes and Almeria. He made his breakthrough at [Lorca FC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorca_FC), a Spanish fifth-division club, where he scored six goals in 26 games and was also their top scorer. In 2020, he signed for [FC Goa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Goa) in the ISL.

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### **3. Bhaichung Bhutia – England & Malaysia**

> Happy Birthday Bhaichung Bhutia![#HappyBirthday](https://x.com/hashtag/HappyBirthday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#Indianfootball](https://x.com/hashtag/Indianfootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#Football](https://x.com/hashtag/Football?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/SUwrQLLgoK](https://t.co/SUwrQLLgoK)
>
> — RVCJ Sports (@RVCJ_Sports) [December 15, 2022](https://x.com/RVCJ_Sports/status/1603288338919587840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

[Bhaichung Bhutia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhaichung_Bhutia) is a prolific and highly skilled forward who played for [East Bengal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Bengal_FC) and JCT in the 1990s. In 1999, he joined[Bury FC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bury_F.C.), a club in England’s third division, where he scored eight goals in 37 appearances. He also played for Malaysian clubs [Perak FA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perak_F.C.) and [MK Land FC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MK_Land_F.C.), enjoying decent, short stints with them.

### **4. Sahil Tavora – Portugal**

> Thumbs up if you have fond memories of playing at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa! 🟡⚫👍[#FCGHFC](https://x.com/hashtag/FCGHFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#HeroISL](https://x.com/hashtag/HeroISL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#LetsFootball](https://x.com/hashtag/LetsFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#HyderabadFC](https://x.com/hashtag/HyderabadFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#SahilTavora](https://x.com/hashtag/SahilTavora?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/576ZNqZcAW](https://t.co/576ZNqZcAW)
>
> — Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) [January 5, 2023](https://x.com/IndSuperLeague/status/1610986091351535621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

[Sahil Tavora](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahil_Tavora) is a midfielder who has played for [FC Goa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Goa) and Mumbai City in the ISL. After his impressive performances, he was signed by Portuguese side GDSC Alvarenga, where he played in the Campeonato de Portugal, the fourth division of Portuguese football. In only one season, Tavora made 26 appearances and scored a goal.

### **5. Sunil Chhetri – USA & Portugal**

[Sunil Chhetri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunil_Chhetri) is undoubtedly the most recognized footballer in India. He has made over 100 appearances for India and become their highest-ever goal scorer with 84 goals. In 2010, he signed for [MLS club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Soccer)Kansas City Wizards, becoming the first Indian player to play for an American top-division side. He also played against Manchester United in a friendly that year. Chhetri moved to Sporting Lisbon in 2012 and played for their B team for a short spell before returning to India.

> Sunil Chhetri joined the elite list.. [pic.twitter.com/d5dNiCqPYS](https://t.co/d5dNiCqPYS)
>
> — RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) [March 29, 2023](https://x.com/RVCJ_FB/status/1641000995059810304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Attention football dreamers! These five incredible Indian footballers aren’t just players – they’re trailblazers who’ve shattered glass ceilings and proved that talent knows no boundaries. By conquering foreign leagues, they’ve done more than score goals – they’ve ignited a fire in every young Indian footballer’s heart. These heroes are living proof that with passion, grit, and unwavering determination, you can turn your wildest football dreams into reality. They’re not just athletes; they’re inspiration personified, showing the world that Indian football talent is ready to take centre stage!

**Read more:**

[**ISL Clubs Play Record Number of Matches This Season: A Sign of Growing Football in India**](https://technosports.co.in/wp-admin/post.php?post=429602&action=edit)

[**Top 10 most expensive Premier League players of all-time**](https://technosports.co.in/top-10-most-expensive-premier-league-players/)

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### Which Indian Footballer has Played Football in Foreign Clubs?

**Sunil Chhetri – USA & Portugal**