Top 10 Indian Footballers: Ranking the Best Players in Indian Football Today

Indian football has a group of talented players who continue to raise the sport’s profile across the country. Leading this pack is Lallianzuala Chhangte, known for his speed, leadership, and goal-scoring ability. Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith stands out with his dependable performances, while defender Sandesh Jhingan offers strength and experience at the back. Midfielders like Anirudh Thapa and Lalengmawia Ralte provide creativity and control, and attackers such as the legendary Sunil Chhetri and emerging star Liston Colaco add firepower. Defenders Subhasish Bose and Rahul Bheke also play pivotal roles for their clubs and country, earning places among India's top footballers.

The recent period hasn’t been the brightest for Indian football overall, but that hasn’t stopped some exceptional talents from rising. When discussing the best Indian footballer right now, several names come to mind due to their form and impact on club and country. From seasoned veterans to young prospects, these players have impressed last season and look ready to dominate upcoming campaigns.

Top 10 Indian Footballers List

The Indian Super League and international matches have showcased many skilled Indian players. The question remains: who is currently the best Indian footballer? There isn’t a single answer, given the diverse talents shining across positions. We have assembled a list based on current form, impact, and achievements to highlight the top 10 players right now.

• Rank: 10 | Player: Akash Mishra | Position: Left-Back | Club: Mumbai City FC
• Rank: 9 | Player: Lalengmawia Ralte | Position: Midfielder | Club: Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• Rank: 8 | Player: Anirudh Thapa | Position: Midfielder | Club: Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• Rank: 7 | Player: Sandesh Jhingan | Position: Centre-back | Club: FC Goa
• Rank: 6 | Player: Liston Colaco | Position: Forward | Club: Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• Rank: 5 | Player: Subhasish Bose | Position: Left-back | Club: Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• Rank: 4 | Player: Rahul Bheke | Position: Centre-back | Club: Bengaluru FC
• Rank: 3 | Player: Sunil Chhetri | Position: Forward | Club: Bengaluru FC
• Rank: 2 | Player: Vishal Kaith | Position: Goalkeeper | Club: Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• Rank: 1 | Player: Lallianzuala Chhangte | Position: Forward | Club: Mumbai City FC

Criteria Behind the Rankings

Ranking the best Indian footballer isn’t simple when considering different playing positions. So, multiple factors were used to create a fair list:

• Performance Stats: Includes goals, assists, saves, and other individual stats.
• Consistency: Regular contributions and fitness throughout seasons matter a lot.
• Impact in Key Matches: How players perform in crucial games or derbies greatly affects their ranking.

All statistics referenced are sourced from Sportsdunia, Transfermarkt, Fbref, and FootyStats.

Profiles of the Top 10 Indian Footballers

A 24-year-old left-back known for both solid defending and attacking runs. Mishra has played for Hyderabad FC and Indian Arrows before joining Mumbai City FC. Praised for his positioning and crossing skills, he is also part of the national team.

• Appearances (24-25): 20
• Aerial Duels Won per 90: 0.10
• Blocks per 90: 0.68
• Interceptions per 90: 0.17

Known as Apuia, this 25-year-old midfielder plays an energetic role with great stamina and ball-winning ability. Previously at Mumbai City, NorthEast United, and Indian Arrows, he now creates chances and counterattacks for Mohun Bagan and India.

• Appearances (24-25): 27
• Goals + Assists: 1
• Progressive Passes in Final 3rd per 90: 0.59
• Progressive Carries per 90: 0.23

Thapa is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder with strong creative passing abilities. He is versatile and important both offensively and defensively for Mohun Bagan and India.

• Appearances (24-25): 22
• Goals + Assists: 5
• Progressive Passes in Final 3rd per 90: 1.81
• Progressive Carries per 90: 0.27

A seasoned centre-back, Jhingan is a commanding aerial presence and key defender for FC Goa and the Indian national team. Known for vital interceptions and physicality, he is also the current captain of the national side.

• Appearances (24-25): 24
• Aerial Duels Won per 90: 2.23
• Blocks per 90: 1.09
• Interceptions per 90: 1.09

A quick and skillful forward, Colaco excels as a left winger and striker. His pace and dribbling make him a consistent goal threat for club and country.

• Appearances (24-25): 32
• Goals + Assists: 8
• Shots on Target per 90: 2.71
• Chance Creation per 90: 1.23

Bose is a veteran left-back with strong defensive skills and versatility to play centre-back. His physicality and experience make him a key figure for Mohun Bagan and India.

• Appearances (24-25): 30
• Aerial Duels Won per 90: 2.10
• Blocks per 90: 0.69
• Interceptions per 90: 2.02

Bheke is a reliable defender capable of playing right-back and centre-back. His tackling and aerial ability have earned him the captaincy at Bengaluru FC and a spot in the national team.

• Appearances (24-25): 26
• Aerial Duels Won per 90: 1.59
• Blocks per 90: 0.61
• Interceptions per 90: 1.06

One of the most celebrated Indian footballers ever, Chhetri is known for his scoring prowess and leadership. With the most international goals and caps for India, he has won major awards and helped popularize football nationwide. Though retired from international duty, his legacy remains huge.

• Appearances (24-25): 34
• Expected Goals (xG): 12.80
• Goals: 17
• Assists: 4

Kaith has emerged as one of India’s top goalkeepers, known for spectacular saves and reliability. He has occasionally kept Mohun Bagan’s goal safe and challenged even the legendary Gurpreet Singh Sandhu for the national number one spot.

• Appearances (24-25): 31
• Total Clean Sheets: 19
• Total Saves: 75
• Shot Save Percentage per 90: 79.7%

Chhangte leads the list as arguably the best Indian footballer today. Nicknamed 'Mizo Flash' for his blistering speed, he is a versatile attacker and an excellent finisher. As captain of Mumbai City FC and a key player for India, his vision and skill set set him apart.

• Appearances (24-25): 27
• Goals + Assists: 13
• Shots on Target per 90: 2.64
• Chance Creation per 90: 1.26

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is the best footballer of India right now? Lallianzuala Chhangte is widely regarded as the top Indian footballer currently.
• Does club performance influence who is considered the best Indian footballer? Yes, performances at the club level play a significant role in these rankings.
• Is the best Indian footballer judged solely on goals? No, defending, chance creation, and goalkeeping are also key factors.
• Are defenders and goalkeepers included in the top 10 Indian footballers list? Yes, players like Akash Mishra and Vishal Kaith represent defenders and goalkeepers in the list.