Football may be a team sport, but sometimes, two players develop a connection so instinctive that they tend to operate on the same wavelength. When one moves, the other follows. When one creates, another finishes and together, they do just one thing: elevate the gameplay of their team.

These partnerships become even more special when they form across generations: when a veteran’s experience meets the energy of an emerging talent.

The Indian Super League (ISL) has witnessed several such senior-junior duos, where seasoned players have helped shape the rise of younger stars through mentorship and on-field chemistry.

Here’s a look back at some of the most memorable senior and junior player partnerships in ISL history.

Ferran Corominas and Hugo Boumous

FC Goa endured a disappointing 2016 campaign, finishing bottom of the table, and were in dire need of a reset. In came Sergio Lobera as head coach, along with experienced Spanish striker Ferran Corominas and young playmaker Hugo Boumous, who joined in the winter window of that season. Lobera brought about a major transformation, and the duo were central to it across the next three seasons. It might have been just three seasons, but the memories they created were countless.

While Coro dictated the charge up front, Boumous was the perfect feeder behind him. Coro won back-to-back Golden Boots in his first two seasons and narrowly missed a third, while also registering 16 assists during that period. Boumous made an instant impact in the league, contributing four goal involvements in the 2017–18 campaign. He went on to record eight and 20 goal involvements in the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons, respectively. The pair combined for 12 goals during their time together and were instrumental in FC Goa’s first-ever ISL Shield triumph in 2019–20.

Ahmed Jahouh and Apuia

Foreign-Indian midfield duos are common in the ISL, but few have been as effective as Ahmed Jahouh and Apuia. Jahouh was already a household name in Indian football, following a successful spell with FC Goa and an ISL double-winning debut season with Mumbai City FC. Apuia, meanwhile, was a budding prospect who arrived a season after Jahouh, fresh off being named Emerging Player of the Season.

Despite coming from different footballing backgrounds, the two clicked instantly. Jahouh controlled the tempo with his composure and experience, while Apuia, given more freedom under coach Des Buckingham, evolved into a more adventurous and complete midfielder. Over two seasons together, their combination brought control, discipline, and attacking thrust to Mumbai City FC’s midfield. It was a partnership that showed how blending experience with hunger could reshape a team’s core.

Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh

A classic winger-and-striker combination, Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh had already built chemistry during their time in the I-League and were ready to replicate it when Bengaluru FC joined the ISL in 2017–18. Together, they formed an almost telepathic understanding. Udanta often delivered the final ball, while Chhetri timed his runs to perfection and created space for his teammate.

Their relationship played a vital role in Bengaluru FC’s early dominance in the ISL, culminating in their ISL Cup win in the 2018–19 season. The duo continued for six seasons together in the ISL, combining for nine goals. They may now play for different clubs, but their impact together at Bengaluru FC will be remembered forever.

Cleiton Silva and Naorem Mahesh Singh

Following a forgettable 2021–22 campaign, East Bengal FC turned to Brazilian veteran Cleiton Silva to solve their attacking problems. Silva arrived with a proven pedigree from Bengaluru FC, but the surprise spark came from a young winger eager to break through, Naorem Mahesh Singh. Mahesh had shown flashes of his talent the previous season, and with Silva guiding him on the pitch, he began to flourish.

However, under Stephen Constantine, the team struggled overall, but this duo gave fans some moments to remember. Mahesh constantly delivered clever through balls and sharp crosses, while Silva, ever the poacher, finished them off with ease. The Brazilian ended 2022–23 as joint top-scorer with 12 goals, and Mahesh recorded the most assists by an Indian that season with seven. They continued their chemistry under Carles Cuadrat. The duo combined for six goals in total. While Silva stayed one more year, injuries and inconsistency meant fans couldn’t enjoy much of this pairing in his final season.

Cedric Hengbert and Sandesh Jhingan

Cedric Hengbart and Sandesh Jhingan form one of the most iconic centre-back pairings in Kerala Blasters FC’s history. When the experienced French defender joined the Blasters in 2014, he played a pivotal role in mentoring a young and raw Jhingan. Their solid partnership at the back was instrumental in the club’s run to the ISL final in their debut season.

Hengbart returned to the club in 2016, and once again, the Blasters made it to the final. The defensive duo was central to the team’s success, helping them record the second-highest number of clean sheets that season. Hengbart’s leadership and composure, combined with Jhingan’s grit and tenacity, created a near-impenetrable backline.

Elano and Steven Mendoza

When Elano joined Chennaiyin FC as their marquee signing, expectations were sky-high, and he delivered in every sense. His impact went beyond goals and assists; he brought experience, leadership, and a calming presence to a newly formed side. Beyond his own numbers, Elano played a key role in guiding younger players, and Steven Mendoza was one of the biggest beneficiaries.

While Elano was already a well-known name, Mendoza was a relatively unknown young forward from Colombia. But from the very first game, the duo clicked and lit up the league with their chemistry. Elano clinched the Golden Boot in the inaugural ISL season with eight goals, and a year later, Mendoza followed in his footsteps, netting 13 goals to win the Golden Boot in 2015.

Their partnership was built on mutual understanding, creativity, and selflessness, with each playing a key role in the other’s success.

Erik Paartalu and Suresh Singh Wangjam

Bengaluru FC’s early ISL years were defined by tactical discipline, and experienced heads like Erik Paartalu and Dimas Delgado who anchored the midfield. Into that setup walked a teenager, Suresh Singh Wangjam, who was signed ahead of the 2019–20 season. While his first campaign was one of observation and learning, the following season saw him break into the starting XI and quickly earn trust.

It was alongside Paartalu that Suresh began to flourish. The Aussie midfielder shared his experience and positioned himself as a mentor on the pitch, allowing Suresh to grow in confidence and find his own rhythm. Their midfield partnership was more than tactical; it symbolised the passing of the torch at Bengaluru FC. Today, Suresh carries that legacy with pride, and much of that growth traces back to Paartalu's presence.

Notable mention

• Tiri and Henrique Sereno