The Indian Super League continues to grapple with administrative uncertainty, and the situation has triggered a significant exodus of foreign players abandoning their contracts with ISL clubs. With delays in the commencement of the 2025-26 season and unclear timelines, multiple international players have chosen to depart rather than wait indefinitely for resolution. This mass departure represents a serious blow to the credibility and quality of Indian football’s premier competition.
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The Crisis and Its Impact
The prolonged uncertainty surrounding the ISL’s future has created a cascade of problems for foreign players. Many international stars face concerns over salary payments, contract fulfillment, and their immediate career prospects. Unlike domestic players who are obligated to wait, foreign professionals have the flexibility to seek opportunities elsewhere, leading to departures from leading clubs across the league.
The delays stem from ongoing discussions between the All India Football Federation and league stakeholders regarding the 2025-26 campaign structure, particularly following the truncated 13-match format approved for this season.
Foreign Players Who Exited the ISL
| Player | Nationality | Previous Club | Position | Goals | New Club | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jesus Jimenez | Spain | Kerala Blasters | Forward | 11 (2024-25) | Nieciecza FC | Polish League |
| Edgar Mendez | Spain | Bengaluru FC | Forward | 10 (9 in ISL) | PT Prachuap FC | Thailand League |
| Javier Siverio | Spain | FC Goa | Forward | 2 (Goa) | Left ISL | Spain |
| Javier Hernandez | Mexico | Jamshedpur FC | Forward | 9 (2024-25) | Alaca FC | Spanish 4th Tier |
| Borja Herrera | Spain | FC Goa | Midfielder | Multiple | Departed | Unspecified |
| Jon Toral | Spain | Mumbai City | Midfielder | – | Persik Kediri | Indonesia |
| Juan Rodriguez | Spain | Kerala Blasters | Defender | – | Marbella FC | Spain |
| Iker Guarrotxena | Spain | FC Goa | Forward | 21 (51 games) | Departed | Unspecified |
| Tiri | Veteran | Mumbai City | Defender | – | Persijap Jepara | Indonesia |
| Chema Nunez | Spain | Northeast United | Midfielder | – | Departed | Unspecified |
| Hiroshi Ibusuki | Japan | East Bengal | Forward | – | Departed | Unspecified |
| Alaaeddine Ajaraie | Morocco | Northeast United | Forward | 39 (41 games) | Persija Jakarta (Loan) | Indonesia |
Key Departures
Jesus Jimenez arrived at Kerala Blasters as a promising Spanish striker and scored 11 goals during the 2024-25 campaign. However, Kerala Blasters could not provide financial assurances or guarantee when the new season would commence, prompting Jimenez to leave for Polish club Nieciecza FC where he now competes in the Ekstraklasa.
Edgar Mendez’s situation at Bengaluru FC exemplifies the broader crisis. The club suspended first-team operations in August 2025, halting salary payments. This forced Mendez and other foreigners to seek alternatives. The Spanish attacker joined Thai League side PT Prachuap FC. Additionally, head coach Gerard Zaragoza and his entire coaching staff also departed Bengaluru FC in November due to the uncertainty.
Borja Herrera’s exit from FC Goa proved particularly significant and controversial. The Spanish midfielder was instrumental in Goa’s Super Cup triumph, scoring two goals in the final against East Bengal. Despite his crucial role, Herrera decided to leave, sending a pointed message to Indian football authorities: “Please stop the nonsense and make a decision to save Indian football. This is shameful.”
Alaaeddine Ajaraie, one of ISL’s most prolific forwards with 39 goals in 41 appearances for Northeast United, moved to Indonesian club Persija Jakarta on loan. The club extended his contract by two years before sanctioning the temporary move, reflecting efforts to retain his long-term future while providing immediate stability.
Broader Implications for Indian Football
The continuous departures of quality foreign professionals fundamentally undermines the Indian Super League’s competitive standard. These players bring experience, technical quality, and tactical sophistication that elevates the entire competition. Their absence weakens Indian clubs’ performance in both domestic and continental competitions.
The exodus sends a damaging message to potential foreign signings, suggesting that the ISL remains an unstable destination. Future recruitment will become increasingly difficult as players prioritize leagues offering certainty and financial reliability. Clubs struggling to attract quality foreign talent will see their competitiveness diminish across AFC competitions.
Clubs Most Affected
Bengaluru FC suffered the most severe impact following operational suspension. Beyond Edgar Mendez, the club lost coaching staff and faced recruitment challenges throughout the uncertainty period.
Kerala Blasters lost both Jesus Jimenez and Juan Rodriguez, depriving them of attacking and defensive firepower. FC Goa experienced departures of multiple key players including Javier Siverio, Borja Herrera, and Iker Guarrotxena, significantly weakening their squad depth. Northeast United saw Chema Nunez depart, though Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s situation was managed through contract extension and loan arrangement.
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FAQs
Why are foreign players leaving?
Foreign players have greater mobility than Indian footballers and can seek opportunities elsewhere without administrative restrictions. With no clarity on ISL’s future and salary payment concerns, departure becomes an attractive option.
How does this exodus affect ISL quality?
Foreign players bring technical quality and sophistication to the league. Their departures weaken ISL’s competitive standard and reduce appeal to audiences globally.
Will players return to ISL later?
Unlikely. Once established in other leagues, players develop new commitments and won’t return unless ISL offers significantly improved financial stability and administrative clarity.
How many foreign players have departed?
Approximately 12-15 foreign players have left across multiple clubs, representing a significant loss of talent from the competition.
What triggered the mass exodus?
Bengaluru FC’s suspension of operations in August 2025 and salary halt accelerated departures. This signaled even established clubs couldn’t guarantee financial stability, prompting league-wide exodus.
