The Indian Super League (ISL) has not only opened doors for a new generation of talent but has also provided the perfect farewell stage for some of the most celebrated footballers. For these legends, the ISL marked the final chapter of their careers. Their presence on the pitch gave fans a chance to relive old memories while also allowing them to inspire the youngsters around them. Here, we take a look at some of the players who hung up their boots in the ISL.

Mehrajuddin Wadoo

One of the most dependable full-backs of his time, Wadoo brought his quality to the ISL during the twilight of his career. He featured for FC Pune City in the inaugural edition of the ISL before a successful two-year spell at Chennaiyin FC that saw him lift the ISL Cup in 2015.

Wadoo’s final season as a player was with Mumbai City FC in the 2017-18 campaign. Unlike many players who struggle for minutes in their final years, Wadoo was in the thick of things for the Islanders featuring 14 times. He hung up his boots with him very much capable of delivering at the top level.

Arnab Mondal

Two-time ISL Cup winner with ATK FC, Arnab Mondal was a rock at the back for both club and country. He represented ATK for four seasons in the ISL, with his final appearance coming in the 2018–19 campaign, which also marked his last outing in the league before announcing his retirement later on. Mondal also enjoyed an illustrious career with East Bengal FC during the I-League days, making him a respected figure in Kolkata football. At the international level, the centre-back was part of the Indian national team that lifted the SAFF Championship in 2015.

Carlos Pena

Carlos Pena was the leader of Sergio Lobera’s FC Goa side from 2018 to 2020. The defender helped the Gaurs reach the ISL Cup final in 2018-19 before playing a vital role in the team’s League Shield triumph in 2019-20. The veteran’s experience was key in helping the Gaurs claim their first-ever ISL silverware.

Pena hung up his boots immediately after that season, ending his career on a high. The Spaniard later returned to FC Goa as head coach for the 2022-23 season further establishing his love for the club.

Jeje Lalpehlua

Jeje Lalpekhlua established himself as one of the finest Indian strikers in the early seasons of the ISL after his heroics helped Chennaiyin FC win two ISL Cup titles. His tenure with the Marina Machans from 2014 to 2020 saw him rack up 23 goals and six assists for Chennaiyin FC.

However, the Mizoram forward didn’t finish his career at Chennaiyin. A move to East Bengal FC ahead of the 2020-21 campaign meant he finished his ISL career with the Kolkata giants. His final season wasn’t as productive as he netted just one goal but it was still a notable comeback after injuries had plagued the forward in his final ISL years.

Aleksander Jovanovic

The Australian centre-back featured for Bengaluru FC for three straight seasons and was one of the most consistent performers for the Blues during that period. He featured in 60 ISL matches during that period and was a leader at the back. He remained a mainstay in defence across different managerial spells proving his worth for Bengaluru FC who reached two ISL Cup finals in that period. Jovanovic was also part of the Bengaluru FC side that won the 2022 Durand Cup.

He retired after the ISL Cup final in 2024-25. He may not have received a winning farewell but his contribution to Bengaluru FC and ISL remains undoubted.