The Indian Super League 2025-26 season is now underway following its February 14 commencement after months of uncertainty. With Inter Kashi joining as the 14th team following their I-League promotion, the league has launched with significant focus on its foreign player contingent. Not every club filled their quota of six foreign players due to the season delay, making the foreign talent’s impact increasingly crucial to determining championship outcomes.
As the truncated 91-match format unfolds, the five foreign players featured in this analysis have emerged as central figures in their respective teams’ quests for the ISL Shield. These players represent different playing styles, experience levels, and roles, yet all possess the capacity to deliver decisive contributions in the remaining 13 games each side must play. Their performances throughout the compressed season will significantly influence whether their clubs achieve championship glory or settle for mid-table finishes. Week 1 saw Mohun Bagan defeat Kerala Blasters 2-0, while FC Goa drew 1-1 with newly promoted Inter Kashi, with the foreign contingent already making notable impacts.
Top Five Foreign Players in ISL 2025–26
| Rank | Player | Club | Nationality | Position | Previous Season (ISL) | Expected Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamie Maclaren | Mohun Bagan | Australian | Striker | 12 league goals, Cup winner | Golden Boot contender |
| 2 | Dejan Drazic | FC Goa | Serbian | Striker | 6 goals, semifinal | Attacking leader |
| 3 | Víctor Bertomeu | Kerala Blasters | Spanish | Midfielder/Forward | Adrian Luna replacement | Creative spark |
| 4 | Mohammed Rashid | East Bengal | Palestinian | Midfielder | Super Cup finalist | Defensive stability |
| 5 | Alberto Noguera | Chennaiyin FC | Spanish | Midfielder | Bengaluru’s run architect | Creative midfielder |
Player-by-Player Analysis
1. Jamie Maclaren – Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Jamie Maclaren enters ISL 2025-26 as arguably the league’s best player following his exceptional 2024-25 campaign. The Australian striker scored 12 league goals and netted the crucial winner in the ISL Cup final for Mohun Bagan against Bengaluru FC. His clinical finishing combined with superior link-up play established him as a complete forward capable of both scoring and creating opportunities.
Under new coach Sergio Lobera, Maclaren should receive tactical setup improvements compared to the previous season under Jose Molina. Lobera’s attacking philosophy promises to generate more chances, and with Maclaren’s finishing excellence, he stands positioned to claim the Golden Boot award. His ability to work with teammates like Jason Cummings, Liston Colaco, and Manvir Singh creates multiple attacking dimensions for Mohun Bagan.
Maclaren’s experience, leadership, and proven goal-scoring record make him the season’s most influential foreign player.
2. Dejan Drazic – FC Goa
Dejan Drazic represents FC Goa’s leadership in a season of significant squad changes. The Serbian striker remains alongside only Pol Moreno from the team that won the Super Cup in December and competed in AFC Champions League 2. Absent are key figures Iker Guarrotxena, Javi Siverio, and Borja Herrera.
Drazic’s six goals last season helped Goa reach the semifinal before losing to Bengaluru FC in heartbreaking fashion when Sunil Chhetri scored a last-minute winner. The midfielder demonstrated exceptional quality in the second semifinal leg against a formidable opponent. Now elevated to primary attacking leadership, Drazic must improve his goal tally significantly for Goa to challenge Mohun Bagan.
Supported by attacking colleagues Brison Fernandes, Muhammed Nemil, and Udanta Singh, Drazic possesses the support system necessary to exceed his previous six-goal performance.
3. Víctor Bertomeu – Kerala Blasters
Víctor Bertomeu faces an enviable challenge at Kerala Blasters: replacing Adrian Luna’s extraordinary contribution following the Uruguayan’s loan departure to Indonesia. The 33-year-old Spanish midfielder arrives from Asian football experience, having played for Eastern in Hong Kong and Gresik United in Indonesia.
Bertomeu’s track record in Asia demonstrates consistent goal-scoring prowess. He accumulated 20 goals across 45 combined appearances for Eastern and Gresik United, establishing credential for replicating those exploits in the ISL. His experience in Asian football, combined with proven goal-scoring ability, positions him to sustain Kerala’s competitive standard.
The Blasters’ hopes for championship glory rest significantly on Bertomeu’s ability to rapidly acclimate to ISL intensity while maintaining the creative excellence Adrian Luna provided.
4. Mohammed Rashid – SC East Bengal
Mohammed Rashid represents SC East Bengal’s midfield foundation during a crucial title-challenging campaign. The Palestinian midfielder demonstrated defensive solidity and passing quality during the Super Cup final, displaying the stability necessary to anchor East Bengal’s midfield.
Rashid’s extensive Asian football experience with prominent Indonesian clubs Persib Bandung and Persebaya Surabaya provides familiarity with high-pressure environments. His fifty-plus international caps for Palestine across two AFC Asian Cups establish pedigree and tactical intelligence essential for managing East Bengal’s ambitious title aspirations.
With Saul Crespo’s fitness previously creating midfield vulnerability, Rashid’s presence offers the defensive protection allowing attacking players to flourish. Kolkata’s expectations will rest heavily on his shoulders as East Bengal challenges cross-city rivals Mohun Bagan.
5. Alberto Noguera – Chennaiyin FC
Alberto Noguera transitioned from Bengaluru FC to Chennaiyin FC, assuming responsibility for creativity in Clifford Miranda’s midfield. Last season, Noguera orchestrated Bengaluru’s attacking prowess, making Ryan Williams, Sunil Chhetri, and Edgar Mendez consistently dangerous.
Noguera’s technical excellence and football intelligence enabled Bengaluru’s cup final run. Miranda’s preference for attacking football through midfield passing systems positions Noguera perfectly to execute the required playmaking role. Chennaiyin’s ability to replicate their early ISL season successes depends critically on Noguera’s midfield orchestration.
Strategic Importance Across the League
These five foreign players collectively represent different tactical approaches and player profiles necessary for successful ISL campaigns. Strikers like Maclaren and Drazic provide goal-scoring prowess, while midfielders Bertomeu, Rashid, and Noguera supply creativity and control. This balanced distribution suggests competitive seasons across multiple clubs.
The truncated 91-match format intensifies importance of foreign player impact, as limited opportunities demand immediate quality contributions. Unlike longer seasons allowing for gradual settling-in periods, this format rewards quick adaptation and sustained excellence.
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