In club football, while some players stay for years, many eventually move on. But a few never truly leave, at least not from the hearts of the fans who once cheered for them.

 Whether it's due to their memorable performances, humble attitude, or the respectful way they bid farewell, certain players continue to hold a special place in the hearts of supporters.

These players often show affection for their former clubs through kind gestures, and fans return that love without hesitation.

The Indian Super League (ISL) has seen several such players, who moved on but never lost the admiration of their old fan bases.

We look at some of those names and the moments that proved their bond with the fans never faded.

Borja Herrera

Borja Herrera might have only spent a short time in Kolkata, but he built a very special bond with the East Bengal FC fans. He joined the Red and Gold Brigade after a standout season with Hyderabad FC in the 2022–23 campaign, where his versatility and flair on set pieces had already earned him praise.

At East Bengal FC, he played just half a season, but in that short time, he helped deliver something truly special — the Kalinga Super Cup, ending the club’s 12-year wait for a national trophy.

Though he left mid-season after that triumph, Borja remains deeply admired by the Red and Gold faithful for the impact he made in such a short time.

When he returned to Kolkata that same season, he scored a hat-trick against his former club, East Bengal FC, in a thrilling 3–2 win.

In a gesture of respect and humility, Borja chose not to celebrate. His actions were warmly acknowledged, with even the fans on the opposite end applauding him during the match and as he left the pitch.

After that game, speaking to indiansuperleague.com, Herrera said, “I felt a little bit (nostalgic). I respect this club (East Bengal FC) and the fans too much. They gave me a lot of support.”

Iain Hume

One of the ISL’s earliest stars, Iain Hume, carved a unique place in the hearts of fans across two of the league’s most passionate cities: Kochi and Kolkata. Known for his fiery passion, relentless energy, and clutch performances, Hume became a household name for both Kerala Blasters FC and ATK FC.

Read: Playing football in Kerala and Kolkata was crazy, says Iain Hume

He played for Kerala Blasters FC in the inaugural 2014 season and returned in 2017–18. In between, he starred for ATK FC in 2015 and 2016. Despite switching sides, Hume was never treated as a villain; instead, he was welcomed with respect and admiration wherever he went.

He eventually wrapped up his ISL journey with FC Pune City, but his legacy lived on, especially in the hearts of fans in Kochi and Kolkata. Hume is a true fan’s footballer. A rare player, adored by both sides, even when the colours changed.

Roy Krishna

Roy Krishna’s bond with Kolkata runs deep, as he spent some of the most iconic years of his ISL career in the city-based clubs. Over three seasons, he won the ISL Cup with ATK FC in his first season and then continued to shine with Mohun Bagan Super Giant (2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons). Although he didn't win any silverware with MBSG, his performances, leadership, and quiet connection with the fans made him one of the most respected foreign players to play for the Mariners.

Ahead of the 2022–23 season, Krishna joined Bengaluru FC. When he returned to the ‘City of Joy’ for the second leg of the league fixture, he scored against his former club and chose not to celebrate. It was a quiet, heartfelt gesture that showed how much the fans and the city still meant to him.

A year later, he was with Odisha FC, and once again found the net against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, this time in the ISL semi-final. Before joining in the celebrations with his teammates, he took a moment to acknowledge the fans who once stood behind him, and that particular moment said everything.

Bartholomew Ogbeche

Bartholomew Ogbeche’s ISL journey took him to four clubs – NorthEast United FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mumbai City FC, and Hyderabad FC, and he made an impact everywhere he went. The league's second-highest goalscorer, Ogbeche, was known for his strength, skill, and ability to find the net in any situation.

But it wasn’t just his goals that stood out. What made him truly special was the way he was respected at every club he played for and connected with their fans.

He’s still remembered as a hero in Guwahati, where he had a brilliant start to his ISL career. In Kochi, he became a fan favourite for leading the line with heart. And in Hyderabad FC, he reached legendary status by helping the club win their first-ever ISL Cup.

Few players earn respect from everyone, and Ogbeche is one of them.

Related tags:

2024-2025 Iain HumeBorja HerreraBartholomew OgbecheRoy Krishna