FC Goa have long been regarded as one of the most entertaining and consistent teams in the Indian Super League (ISL). With a strong footballing identity rooted in possession-based, attacking football and a focus on developing local talent, the Gaurs have built a lasting legacy in Indian football. From the early days under Zico to the playoff-regular years under Sergio Lobera, FC Goa have consistently been among the most watchable teams in the league.

As one of the clubs that have been part of the league since inception, they boast a passionate fan base that stretches across Goa and beyond.

And as we revisit the most iconic all-time XIs from each club, it’s now FC Goa’s turn. This selection is based on overall impact, longevity and the lasting impression each player left in the famous orange while keeping in mind the current ISL rules of allowing only four foreign players in a starting line up.

Goalkeeper: Laxmikant Kattimani

In a position that saw impressive competition over the years, Laxmikant Kattimani earned the gloves. Although he had a few error-prone moments early in his career, he was part of the squad that reached the playoffs in 2014 and went on to become a key figure under Zico during the 2015 season, when FC Goa reached the final.

After a forgettable 2016 campaign, he remained a steady presence under Sergio Lobera in 2017-18 and continued with the team into the following season, as they secured another playoff berth.Kattimani later moved to Hyderabad FC, where he proved his quality by winning the ISL Cup in 2021-22, before making a return to FC Goa in 2024. His local boy status, longevity and involvement in four playoff campaigns firmly places him at the top of the list.

Mohammad Nawaz, who impressed with his sharp reflexes and ball-playing ability as a teenager during their 2019-20 Shield-winning season, was a strong contender. But his shorter spell gave Kattimani the edge, especially when factoring in the latter’s leadership and remarkable redemption arc over the years.

Right-back: Seriton Fernandes

A no-nonsense defender who has been part of the FC Goa setup since 2017, Seriton Fernandes makes this list for his consistency and reliability. A defensive full-back, he has quietly gone about his business season after season.

He truly established himself as one of the best full-backs in the league during the Sergio Lobera era and remains the player with the most ISL appearances for FC Goa. Seriton’s sustained performances during one of the club’s most successful phases, especially from 2017 to 2020, when they consistently qualified for the playoffs, make him an easy pick.

Centre-back: Mourtada Fall

When it comes to foreign defenders in the ISL, few have had as big an impact as Mourtada Fall. Tall, commanding and deadly during set-pieces, Fall was not just a rock at the back but also a major offensive weapon, scoring crucial goals. He was a leader in the backline and one of the most vital players for FC Goa despite playing for just two seasons.

There were strong claims for players like Carlos Pena, Ivan Gonzalez and even the ever-dependable Odei Onaindia, but Fall’s goalscoring ability, defensive resilience and leadership see him comfortably beat others.

Centre-back: Sandesh Jhingan

When considering Indian centre-backs for this all-time eleven, Sandesh Jhingan stands tall, literally. Though he has played just two seasons for FC Goa, his impact was substantial.

In the 2023-24 season under Manolo Marquez, FC Goa found stability with Jhingan marshalling the backline. His injury late in the season coincided with the team’s faltering momentum during the playoffs, showing just how crucial he was. The trend repeated in the 2024-25 campaign. FC Goa picked up just one win in their first six matches while Jhingan was sidelined. But once he returned, the Gaurs went on a solid unbeaten run, eventually reaching the semi-finals once again.

Anwar Ali, who had a season and a half at the club, was a serious contender. Young, composed on the ball and full of potential, he showed glimpses of excellence. However, Jhingan's leadership, influence on results and ability to elevate the entire defensive unit give him the nod as the Indian centre-back in FC Goa’s all-time eleven.

Left-back: Mandar Rao Dessai

One of FC Goa’s most loyal servants, Dessai was a tenacious presence on the left flank. From a winger that flourished under Zico to a reliable full-back under Lobera, he was versatile.

A winger converted to full-back, Dessai’s attacking bursts and ability to cover ground made him a mainstay in the team. He represented the Gaurs for six seasons and captained the side during their run to the ISL League Winners Shield in 2019-20.

While Narayan Das offered depth for FC Goa in the left-back position, Dessai’s longevity and contribution to FC Goa’s identity remain unmatched.

Central midfield: Edu Bedia

There’s hardly a more influential figure in FC Goa’s recent history than Edu Bedia. He represented the Gaurs for six seasons and holds the record for the most ISL appearances by a foreign player in the club’s history. His elegance on the ball, ability to dictate play from deep and creativity made him a cornerstone of the team across several seasons. Whether it was unlocking defences with a long diagonal or controlling the tempo with his passing, the Spaniard brought composure and class.

While Leo Moura brought flair in the club’s early seasons under Zico and made FC Goa a team to watch, Bedia’s longer spell and influence in multiple campaigns place him just a touch higher in this all-time list.

Central midfield: Ahmed Jahouh

Paired with Bedia in this all-time eleven is Ahmed Jahouh, the midfield enforcer who was the heartbeat of FC Goa from 2017-20. A head coach's dream, Jahouh controlled tempo, won second balls and added grit to a team known for its finesse. He was the perfect midfield shield and contributed immensely to their dominance in possession and transition phases.

Lenny Rodrigues, a Goan local and fan favourite, deserves mention for his role during Lobera’s tenure. He brought balance and did the dirty work with minimal fuss. However, Jahouh's sheer influence, both in and out of possession and his ability to break up attacks without compromising FC Goa’s style give him the nod.

Attacking midfield: Brandon Fernandes

Brandon has become synonymous with FC Goa despite leaving the club in 2024. The playmaker from Margao consistently delivered since joining the club in 2017, providing countless assists, creating chances and linking midfield to attack with flair. His delivery both from open play and set pieces is among the most dangerous in the ISL, and his local hero status only cements his place further.

While Hugo Boumous was explosive and Manuel Lanzarote was magical, Brandon’s long-term impact and relevance that he brought to the side earned him a spot.

Right wing: Jackichand Singh

Singh’s pace and directness brought a different dimension to FC Goa’s attack. Under Lobera, he often played as an inside forward, using his pace to get in behind defences. He contributed crucial goals and assists and was tactically flexible, willing to track back and press from the front.

Across two seasons with the Gaurs, he chipped in with nine goals and seven assists and was the top Indian scorer for the team during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

Left wing: Romeo Fernandes

Romeo was one of the breakout Indian stars of the inaugural ISL season. His creativity, ability to take on defenders and flair on the wing made him a fan favourite. He linked up brilliantly with the likes of Dessai and Co. and was key to the Zico-era sides that played with pure attacking freedom.

Although his career didn’t quite reach the heights expected, Romeo’s influence during the formative years of the club and his electrifying performances earn him a place.

Striker: Ferran Corominas

There can be no debate here. Corominas is not just FC Goa’s all-time top scorer, but was also ISL’s top scorer for quite some period with 48 goals in just 57 appearances. He won the Golden Boot in 2017-18 and 2018-19, terrorising defences with his movement, composure in front of goal and finishing.

Igor Angulo, who also won the Golden Boot in 2020-21, had a fantastic single season at FC Goa, but Coro’s sustained brilliance makes him the undisputed striker in this eleven.

Head coach: Sergio Lobera

Sergio Lobera transformed FC Goa into the most attractive team in the ISL. Under him, the Gaurs didn’t just win but also entertained. He nurtured Indian talent, brought in world-class foreigners like Coro, Boumous and Jahouh and cultivated a possession-heavy, attacking brand of football that defined a golden era.

While Zico gave the club its early identity, Lobera’s reign remains the benchmark for sustained success and style.