Playing professional football abroad has proven to be a challenging endeavor for Indian footballers in the 21st century, given the country’s lower FIFA World Rankings and the difficulties associated with adapting to new environments. However, a select group of talented Indian male footballers have chosen to embrace this challenge and pursue opportunities in foreign leagues during 2026. These ambitious players are working to elevate their game and gain invaluable international experience that could potentially benefit both their personal careers and the Indian national football team. Here are the top five Indian footballers currently making their mark in overseas leagues.
Table of Contents
1. Som Kumar – Slovenian Adventure
Som Kumar emerged as a standout performer for Kerala Blasters in the 2024-25 Indian Super League season, making multiple appearances and impressing coaches with his shot-stopping abilities. The young goalkeeper, who has earned 11 appearances for India’s U-17 national team, made the bold decision to pursue development abroad by joining Slovenian club Radomlje FC.
Drawing inspiration from goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s successful stint in Europe, Kumar made his senior debut for Radomlje FC in a friendly match in July 2025. The 20-year-old has subsequently been loaned to ND Slovan LJ for the second half of the 2025-26 season to gain more regular playing time. Kumar’s strategy demonstrates mature career planning—recognizing that competitive match experience is essential for goalkeeper development. He aims to leverage his time abroad to refine his skills against higher-level opposition before potentially returning to Radomlje with stronger credentials for consistent senior team football.
| Player | Position | Current Club | League | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Som Kumar | Goalkeeper | Radomlje FC (loaned to ND Slovan LJ) | Slovenian PrvaLiga | 11 India U-17 caps |
2. Aman Khanna – Canadian Venture
Aman Khanna developed his football foundation at Chennaiyin FC’s renowned youth academy, spending three years with the Marina Machans’ youth teams and showcasing impressive versatility as a defender. His performances earned him international recognition, leading to an opportunity with Canadian club FC London, which competes in League1 Ontario—a semi-professional division below the Canadian Premier League.
At FC London, Khanna has worked on developing his technical abilities and tactical awareness, operating across various defensive positions and even midfield. The versatile player’s commitment to improvement in a foreign league reflects the emerging trend of young Indian footballers seeking developmental opportunities outside their home country, even if those leagues aren’t elite top-tier divisions.
3. Yohaan Benjamin – Slovenian Youth Development
Yohaan Benjamin’s outstanding performances for India’s under-19 national team captured international attention and attracted interest from foreign clubs. The Shillong Lajong youth academy graduate took a significant career step by joining NK Bravo’s under-19 team in Slovenia in August 2025.
The teenage talent has already proven his worth at this level, competing in the prestigious UEFA Youth League—including a match against FC Porto’s U19 team. Benjamin has particularly impressed in the NextGen Liga, Slovenia’s youth division, with eight appearances and three goals for NK Bravo U19. His development trajectory suggests potential for promotion to the Slovenian top division (PrvaLiga) as he matures. Benjamin’s progression through competitive youth football in Europe positions him as a future prospect for strengthening India’s national team.
4. Gabriel Fernandes – English Football Revival
Gabriel Fernandes represents an interesting case of career resurgence through international football. After an impressive spell with Indian clubs including Dempo SC—with whom he won the 2014-15 Federation Cup—and Sporting Club de Goa, a serious injury sustained in the 2017-18 season disrupted his Indian football career.
Rather than retire, Fernandes relocated to England in 2019 to play for Shrivenham FC in the Hellenic Football League, competing in England’s village football scene. His persistence in continuing his football career abroad despite career-threatening injury demonstrates remarkable determination and mental fortitude. Fernandes has maintained consistent playing time in English football, representing the possibility of career revival through international opportunities.
| Player | Background | Current League | Years Abroad | Playing Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Fernandes | Former FC Goa, East Bengal player | Hellenic Football League (England) | Since 2019 | Active |
5. Aniket Bharti – Colombian Development
Aniket Bharti presents a unique case—eligible to represent India through ancestry but having never played Indian football. This winger has moved throughout his youth career, gaining experience at various clubs across multiple countries. Bharti previously played for Polish clubs including Lechia Gdansk before establishing himself in Colombia.
Currently, Bharti competes for the Independiente Santa Fe under-20 team in Colombia, working toward breaking into their senior squad. His peripatetic career demonstrates the diverse pathways available to Indian-eligible footballers seeking development through constant exposure to different football cultures and competitive environments.
FAQs
Why do Indian footballers struggle to play overseas?
India’s lower FIFA World Ranking creates visa and work permit complications. Additionally, adapting to new countries’ environments and the competitive intensity of foreign leagues presents significant challenges for many players.
Who is the top Indian footballer overseas in 2026?
Som Kumar, a goalkeeper for Radomlje FC in Slovenia, tops the list. The 20-year-old’s move demonstrates ambitious career planning and commitment to development on a competitive European stage.
Which leagues are Indian footballers playing in abroad?
Indian footballers are competing across multiple leagues including the Slovenian PrvaLiga, Hong Kong First Division, English Hellenic Football League, Canadian League1 Ontario, and Colombian football divisions.
Are these players likely to return to Indian football?
Many maintain intentions to return strengthened by overseas experience. Their international stints are development phases designed to elevate their abilities before potentially returning to the Indian Super League or I-League.
What inspired this generation of overseas Indian footballers?
Players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and previous international stints by Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan inspired this generation to seek similar development opportunities abroad.
