Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, is cruising on full throttle. The clubs are fighting aggressively in all matches to hold the precious three points in the end. With an aim to complement the Indian team, each club can have six foreign players in their roster; hence it makes it imperative for the teams to splurge on talented foreign recruits and get superiority in competition.
Under this scenario, we look at the top five countries, except India, that have the greatest number of foreign players involved in the ISL 2024-25 season.
Countries With Most Players At ISL 2024-25
5. France – 4 players
The most representatives ever from one country that has featured in the league this season is four Frenchmen: Madih Talal at East Bengal FC, Jeremy Manzorro at Mumbai City FC, Alexandre Coeff at Kerala Blasters, and Florent Ogier at Mohammedan FC. France also had legends Nicolas Anelka and David Trezeguet featured in their heydays of playing for various Indian clubs in the past seasons of the ISL.
4. Morocco – 6 players
The talent pool that Morocco holds never ceases to amaze- six players represented the country in the ISL this season. Among the key performers in the country include Ahmed Jahouh, Hugo Boumous, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Noah Sadaoui, Alaeddine Ajaraie, and Hamza Regragui. The Moroccan players have dominated at a higher percentage of 7.6% in the league.
3. Australia – 7 players
The clubs in ISL are still keen on signing the Australian players even after axing the Asian foreign player rule. Seven Australians have appeared this season with a remarkable three at Mohun Bagan Super Giant: Jason Cummings, Jamie Maclaren, and Dimitri Petratos. More Australians include Jaushua Sitario, Jordan Murray, Ryan Williams, and Aleksandar Jovanovic.
2. Brazil – 7 players
Brazil shares the second spot with Australia, having seven players in the ISL, representing 8.9% of the foreign players. The team has some well known players like Diego Mauricio and Cleiton Silva apart from Elsinho, Lukas Brambilla, Franca, and Andrei Alba who are all vital for their respective teams.
1. Spain – 18 players
The league is topped far and away by Spain, who have 18 players representing them this season, an incredible 22.8% of the foreign player count, which makes it still one of the biggest providers of foreign talent to the ISL. And among the foreign talent, the crème de la crème is divided between the likes of Michel Zabaco, Borja Herrera, Tiri and Carlos Delgado, all of whom have played their part for their respective sides.
The ISL is still attracting top talent from around the globe, and Spain, Brazil, Australia, Morocco, and France have sent the most foreign players of the season so far. These set of players play a major role in bringing a competitive level to the league, something global stars bring an international flavor to Indian football.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye