In the inaugural season of the Indian Super League (ISL), Elano Blumer was not just a marquee signing; he was the trend-setter.

Blumer came to India with a huge pedigree and vast experience playing at the top level. A former Brazilian international with 50 caps, a Copa America winner, and a former Manchester City playmaker, Elano had also featured in the UEFA Champions League in 2006-07 and the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

Joining Chennaiyin FC in 2014, the Brazilian midfielder lived up to the expectations and quickly proved why he was considered a class apart.

Blumer brought purpose and established the Marina Machans as an early powerhouse, showcasing his potential since his debut game. His passing vision, free-kick masterclasses, and composure on the ball set the tempo for the league, shifting the perception of what foreign talent could bring to Indian football.

Instant impact and Golden Boot award

Blumer scored eight goals in his first six appearances, an exceptional feat for a debutant. He went on to become the top scorer and was awarded the prestigious Golden Boot accolade in the league’s inaugural campaign.

The Brazilian was the talisman of Chennaiyin FC’s offensive unit, thanks to his all-around playmaking abilities. He was not just consistently finding himself on the scoresheet but also dictating how Chennaiyin FC played.

ISL Cup triumph, a lasting legacy

After a brief spell away with Santos FC, Elano returned to Chennaiyin FC for a second season. The midfielder was an instrumental figure in the Marina Machans’ ISL Cup win in the 2015 season.

Elano racked up four goals and three assists in Chennaiyin FC’s Cup-winning campaign. He clocked 996 minutes on the field and also created 33 chances, attempted 20 successful dribbles, and won 68 duels.

A mentor and icon

The quality that set him apart was his ability to elevate the game of those around him. He wasn’t just a superstar who had come in to enthrall the crowd, he took it up on himself to ensure those around him improve, especially the youngsters.

Players like Steven Mendoza, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Thoi Singh and Bruno Pelissari were key figures in the Chennaiyin FC squad but were still young and needed guidance. Elano didn’t throw an arm around their shoulders, he led by example on the field leaving the youngsters a path to follow.

His presence didn’t just make Chennaiyin FC better but also elevated the quality of football in the ISL and left a lasting impression on fans and fellow players alike.

He set the blueprint of what a foreign player was required to do in the ISL – entertain crowds with his quality, make a decisive impact on the team and set the standard for the rest to follow. Elano ticked all the boxes in style.

He was the reference for all the teams in the league when they set out to sign foreigners. Even after a decade after his departure as teams have sharpened their scouting teams and focussed more on foreigners that are younger in age who have scripted their own takes of excellence in the league, the Brazilian’s performance still stands out.

Even now clubs still look out for their own Elano when they venture in the transfer market, a model of excellence, commitment and leadership.