Indian football has produced a number of talented players over the years, many of whom have made significant contributions to the sport both domestically and internationally. While the Indian football scene has historically been overshadowed by cricket, football has been growing in popularity, with players excelling in both the Indian Super League (ISL) and international competitions. Here are some of the best and most influential players in Indian football:

1. Sunil Chhetri

• Position: Forward
• Club: Bengaluru FC (Indian Super League)
• International Career: Chhetri is the most famous and successful Indian footballer, widely regarded as the country’s best player. With over 80 international goals, he is the second-highest goal scorer among active international players (behind only Cristiano Ronaldo) and one of the highest in the history of international football.
• Achievements:
  • Captained India to multiple SAFF Championship victories.
  • Key figure in Bengaluru FC’s ISL success.
  • Winner of the AIFF Player of the Year award multiple times.
• Why He’s Great: His leadership, work rate, and technical ability have made him India’s most recognized footballer on the international stage.

2. Bhaichung Bhutia

• Position: Forward
• Club: Retired (formerly played for clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and the English club Bury FC)
• International Career: Bhutia is often called the “Sikkimese Sniper” for his lethal finishing ability. He was one of India’s most iconic footballers and is widely credited with putting Indian football on the map internationally.
• Achievements:
  • India’s most successful footballer before Chhetri, with over 100 international caps.
  • Played in Europe with Bury FC in the English Football League.
  • Winner of numerous National Football League titles with East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.
• Why He’s Great: His professionalism, tactical intelligence, and ability to perform on the big stage made him a pioneer for Indian football.

3. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

• Position: Goalkeeper
• Club: Bengaluru FC (Indian Super League)
• International Career: Gurpreet is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers India has ever produced. He was the first Indian goalkeeper to play in the UEFA Europa League while playing for Stabaek FC in Norway.
• Achievements:
  • Key figure for Bengaluru FC, helping them win ISL titles and perform well in AFC Cup competitions.
  • Solid performances for India in international matches, keeping crucial clean sheets.
• Why He’s Great: His shot-stopping ability, commanding presence in the box, and consistency make him one of India’s top goalkeepers.

4. Jeje Lalpekhlua

• Position: Forward
• Club: Kerala Blasters (Indian Super League)
• International Career: Jeje is known for his goalscoring ability and consistency. He is one of the leading forwards in Indian football, with a knack for scoring crucial goals for both club and country.
• Achievements:
  • Scored multiple goals for India, particularly in the SAFF Championship.
  • Played for top clubs in the ISL, including Chennaiyin FC, where he helped them win the title.
• Why He’s Great: A clinical striker, Jeje has been one of India’s most reliable goal scorers.

5. Anirudh Thapa

• Position: Midfielder
• Club: Chennaiyin FC (Indian Super League)
• International Career: Thapa is one of India’s most promising young talents. Known for his vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game, he is considered a key figure for both Chennaiyin FC and the Indian national team.
• Achievements:
  • Part of the ISL-winning squad for Chennaiyin FC.
  • Played crucial roles in India’s midfield during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
• Why He’s Great: His creativity, intelligence on the ball, and work rate make him one of the brightest midfield prospects in India.

6. Sandesh Jhingan

• Position: Center-back
• Club: Kerala Blasters (Indian Super League)
• International Career: Jhingan is known for his robust defending, leadership, and physicality. He has been a mainstay in the Indian national team defense and has played for several top ISL clubs.
• Achievements:
  • One of the top defenders in the ISL and a key player for Kerala Blasters FC.
  • Part of the Indian team that qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
• Why He’s Great: Jhingan’s commitment, aerial ability, and leadership qualities make him one of India’s best defenders.

7. Vishal Kaith

• Position: Goalkeeper
• Club: ATK Mohun Bagan (Indian Super League)
• International Career: Vishal Kaith has emerged as one of India’s best goalkeepers, known for his shot-stopping skills and command over his area. He has been pivotal for ATK Mohun Bagan in the ISL.
• Achievements:
  • Played for top ISL clubs and consistently impressed with his performances in goal.
  • Part of the Indian national squad and has kept crucial clean sheets in international fixtures.
• Why He’s Great: His consistency, reflexes, and composure in pressure situations have made him a reliable figure in goal.

8. Chinglensana Singh

• Position: Center-back
• Club: Hyderabad FC (Indian Super League)
• International Career: Chinglensana is known for his solid defending and physical presence at the back. He has represented India at the senior level and has impressed in the ISL with his performances.
• Achievements:
  • Played a key role in Hyderabad FC’s defensive line in the ISL.
  • Regular member of the Indian national team defense.
• Why He’s Great: His leadership, discipline, and defensive skills make him one of the top defenders in Indian football.

9. Subrata Paul

• Position: Goalkeeper
• Club: Retired (Formerly with clubs like Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC)
• International Career: Subrata Paul has been one of the best Indian goalkeepers over the last two decades. He has represented India in multiple AFC Asian Cup tournaments and SAFF Championships.
• Achievements:
  • Played in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
  • Held the AIFF Player of the Year award and was known for his incredible reflexes and leadership at the back.
• Why He’s Great: Known as the “Indian Cat” for his agility, Subrata Paul was one of the stalwarts in Indian goalkeeping.

10. Manvir Singh

• Position: Forward
• Club: ATK Mohun Bagan (Indian Super League)
• International Career: Manvir is a rising star in Indian football, known for his pace, strength, and work ethic on the field. He is a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line.
• Achievements:
  • Played an important role in ATK Mohun Bagan’s successful ISL campaigns.
  • Part of the Indian squad for various international competitions.
• Why He’s Great: His pace, physicality, and ability to score goals make him one of the most promising young forwards in Indian football.