Some players deliver results, while others leave lasting impressions. Every club in the Indian Super League (ISL) has that one player on whom fans can always count on. It is not always just for their performances, but for the passion, humility, and pride they bring every time they wear that jersey. These are the players that supporters look forward to watching every time they step onto the pitch, and in return, they never fail to connect with the crowd.

What makes these players likeable isn’t always the same. For some, it’s their flair and style of play. For others, it’s their attitude, tireless work ethic, quiet leadership, or even the way they carry themselves off the field. Whatever the reason, these players have earned a special place in the hearts of fans.

Here’s our pick of the most likeable player from every team in the ISL.

Bengaluru FC – Sunil Chhetri

What more can you even say about this man? Sunil Chhetri is the blueprint — a leader, a team man, a mentor, a fighter, and a legend in every sense of the word. From the very first day Bengaluru FC stepped into the ISL, he has been their heartbeat, leading the side with pride, passion, and unmatched professionalism. And even at 40, he continues to step up when it matters most: dragging his team out of danger, lifting those around him, and never letting the standards drop.

The love the Blues' faithful show him at the Kanteerava is unlike anything else in Indian football. The banners, the chants, the tears, it’s all a reflection of the unbreakable bond between Chhetri and the fans who have watched him give everything for the badge.

Chennaiyin FC – Irfan Yadwad

Irfan Yadwad is the kind of fighter every coach dreams of: relentless, fearless, and full of heart. Still in his mid-20s, the young forward is already showing signs of becoming a dependable force up front for Chennaiyin FC. But what truly makes him likeable is the way he gives everything for the badge.

Offensively sharp and defensively committed, Irfan never shies away from doing the dirty work: pressing hard, covering ground, and winning tackles, a rare trait in modern-day forwards. It’s that work ethic, hunger, and pride in wearing the shirt that makes him feel destined for the big stage. For the Marina Machans, he’s not just a promising striker; he’s a player fans already believe in.

East Bengal FC – Naorem Mahesh Singh

For a club as historic as East Bengal FC, their ISL journey hasn’t always brought the joy their fans are used to. But amid the tough phases, one name has consistently lit up the Red and Gold fans, and that is Naorem Mahesh Singh. The winger found his rhythm in Kolkata, a club that gave him space to express himself, and he embraced the opportunity with open arms.

Mahesh didn’t just rise: he soared. His flair on the flanks, eye for a pass, and relentless work ethic have turned him into one of the best creative wingers in the country. But more than just talent, it’s his bond with the club and fans that makes him special. They backed him from the beginning, and in return, he’s shown loyalty and belief, committing his future to the club that helped shape him. For the fans, Mahesh isn’t just a key player — he’s one of their own.

FC Goa – Seriton Fernandes

Eight seasons. Over 140 appearances. And still going strong.

Seriton Fernandes has grown from a promising local talent into a dependable senior figure at FC Goa. A true Goan boy through and through, he’s one of the longest-serving players in the league and has become a fan favourite not just because of his loyalty, but because of who he is.

Known for being of a calm and grounded nature, Seriton is one of the most likeable personalities in the Gaurs' dressing room. He may not be the flashiest player on the pitch, but his consistency, composure, and willingness to do the hard work rarely go unnoticed. He brings balance, discipline, and a touch of humility every time he steps out in orange.

For the FC Goa faithful, Seriton isn’t just a reliable full-back; he’s family.

Hyderabad FC – Abdul Rabeeh

Still only 24, Abdul Rabeeh has grown into one of Hyderabad FC’s most cherished players. The speedy winger has made the right flank his own with a fearless playing style, relentless energy, and a smile that rarely leaves his face. In a short span, he’s already clocked 63 ISL appearances, placing him among the top five most-capped players in the club’s history.

What makes Rabeeh so likeable is more than just his pace: it’s his attitude. He plays with joy, listens, learns, and leads by example. Fans have supported him from his early days, and he’s repaid that faith with impressive performances. For the young Keralite, the journey is just beginning, and with his mindset, the sky truly is the limit.

Jamshedpur FC – Mohammed Sanan

At just 21, Mohammed Sanan plays with the confidence and flair of a seasoned pro. Since joining Jamshedpur FC in 2023, he’s quickly become a fan favourite. He glides past defenders with ease, bringing life and energy every time he touches the ball. His movement is elegant, his style fearless, and his impact undeniable.

Back-to-back impressive campaigns have already made Sanan a household name at the Furnace. He was a key figure in their run to the semi-finals last season, showcasing not just his potential but his ability to deliver under pressure. But what makes Sanan truly likeable is the joy he brings to the game — the spark, the spontaneity, and the sense of promise.

Kerala Blasters FC – Adrian Luna

There are some footballers you just can’t bring yourself to dislike, no matter who you support. Adrian Luna is one of them. The Uruguayan maestro has been the beating heart of Kerala Blasters FC for four seasons, experiencing every high and low alongside the club and its passionate fanbase. And through it all, the supporters have stood behind him, just as he’s always stood tall for them.

Luna’s magic on the ball is matched only by his humility off it. Despite his star status, he carries himself with a quiet dignity and warmth that fans across the league admire. But don’t be fooled by his calm demeanour, he’s one of the hardest-working players on the pitch. Whether it’s scoring goals, setting them up with vision and precision, or leading the team with character and grit, Luna does it all with heart.

Mohammedan SC – Zodingliana Ralte

A quiet leader and a constant presence in Mohammedan SC’s backline, Zodingliana Ralte has become the kind of player every fan respects and trusts. In their debut ISL campaign, while the club had its share of struggles, Ralte remained composed and reliable. But his importance goes back even further: he was a vital cog in their I-League title-winning campaign that secured their promotion to the top flight.

Hard-working, humble, and deeply professional, Ralte doesn’t crave the spotlight, but his consistency and leadership have made him one of the most likeable figures in the Black and White Brigade.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant – Subhasish Bose

He’s not just the local boy. Not just the captain. Subhasish Bose is the symbol of strength, pride, and resilience for Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The full-back has led from the front, marshalling the defence, lifting the squad, and playing a pivotal role in guiding the Mariners to a historic ISL double, while also helping them successfully defend the League Shield.

But what truly sets Bose apart is the bond he shares with the fans. Loyal to the badge and fiercely protective of the club’s identity, he stands tall not just on the pitch, but off it too: speaking up for supporters, staying rooted in the community, and wearing the Green and Maroon with deep emotion.

He doesn’t just represent the team, he embodies it. Subhasish Bose is made for the Mariners.

Mumbai City FC – Lallianzuala Chhangte

The Indian speedster announced himself early, bursting onto the scene with raw pace and fearless attacking intent. But like many young stars, Chhangte faced a tough phase in between moments where it seemed like the spark might fade. Instead, he held on. And when Mumbai City FC gave him the platform to rediscover himself, he seized it with everything he had.

Through sheer hard work, humility, and belief, Chhangte didn’t just bounce back; he became the heartbeat of the Islanders. His tireless runs, electric energy, and never-say-die attitude have made him one of the most likeable players in the league. And now, as captain of the side, he wears that responsibility with quiet pride.

NorthEast United FC – Alaaeddine Ajaraie

There’s almost nothing Alaaeddine Ajaraie can’t do on a football pitch. Score goals, create chances, glide past defenders, track back to defend — the Moroccan superstar did it all for NorthEast United FC last season. He wasn’t just the team's top performer — he was the heartbeat of everything they did right.

In a campaign that marked the Highlanders' true rise among the ISL elites, Ajaraie was the catalyst. While head coach Juan Pedro Benali provided the vision, it was Ajaraie who executed it with brilliance and belief. His record-breaking season, winning both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball, was simply the reward for a year where he carried the team with grace, flair, and fierce determination.

What makes him so likeable isn’t just the numbers, it’s the joy he brings, the way he connects with fans, and the humility he carries off the pitch. In just one season, Ajaraie became a fan favourite and honestly, it’s easy to see why.

Odisha FC – Carlos Delgado

Carlos Delgado is the definition of personality on a football pitch. The Spanish centre-back brings charisma, leadership, and a magnetic presence that’s impossible to ignore — on and off the field. Over two separate spells with Odisha FC, he has built a bond with the club and its fans that goes beyond just football.

Delgado has become something of a cult hero in Bhubaneswar — not just for his defensive solidity, but for the way he carries himself. A rock at the back, he leads the line with commanding authority, often seen organising, guiding, and mentoring younger players around him. His commitment has never wavered, whether it’s his first stint or the one now, and that unwavering loyalty has only deepened fans’ affection for him.

Punjab FC – Nikhil Prabhu

Once struggling for minutes at other ISL clubs, Nikhil Prabhu has now become one of the most dependable figures at Punjab FC, if not the most. Given a new lease of life by the Shers, he found his footing in an unfamiliar role as a defensive midfielder and embraced it with heart, hunger, and humility.

With every match, he’s grown into the role. Tackling, intercepting, and shielding the backline with remarkable discipline. He’s become the spine of the team, the first line of defence, and the link between back and front. The coaching staff showed faith in him, and he rewarded that trust by becoming irreplaceable in the middle of the park.