Midfielders are like the heartbeat of a football team. They don’t always grab the headlines, but when they tick, everything flows. The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season gave us plenty of thrilling goals, dramatic comebacks and glorious moments. But behind most of those highlight-reel moments was a midfielder pulling the strings.

This list celebrates those midfielders who truly ran the show. Whether it was unlocking defences with a single pass, shielding the backline like a wall or popping up with a goal when it mattered most - these guys made things tick for their respective teams.

Javi Hernandez (Jamshedpur FC)

The Spanish playmaker was a man on a mission for the Men of Steel this season, scoring decisive goals in big moments and leading by example. Who could forget that dramatic late winner against NorthEast United FC to seal a playoff spot? Or his clutch goal in the semi-final first leg against MBSG? Ice in his veins.

With nine goals which was his best ISL tally, Javi wasn’t just Jamshedpur FC’s top scorer but their entire heartbeat. Calm, clever, and always two steps ahead, he was the glue that held the attack together.

Brison Fernandes (FC Goa)

The Emerging Player of the Season award was won by Brison Fernandes, who earned every bit of it. The young Gaur delivered seven goals and two assists in 24 games, finishing just behind Sunil Chhetri as the highest-scoring Indian player. That’s elite company.

He also made FC Goa history by registering the most goal contributions by an Indian in a single season for the club. Quick feet, sharper mind, and always fearless, Fernandes’ rise has been one of the stories of the season.

Hugo Boumous (Odisha FC)

Boumous was everywhere for Odisha FC this season, conducting the tempo and creating chances like a maestro. He ended the season with five goals and seven assists.

But he wasn’t all style. Boumous brought substance too. He tracked back, won duels, and showed that a playmaker can also be a warrior. He was truly the fulcrum of Odisha FC’s attacking flow despite the team narrowly missing out on the playoffs.

Connor Shields (Chennaiyin FC)

Shields ran the show for Chennaiyin FC. With eight assists (matching Rafael Crivellaro’s club record) and a jaw-dropping 76 chances created, the most by any player in an ISL season, Shields was the brains and engine of the Marina Machans’ midfield.

His relentless pressing, sharp passing, and eye for the killer ball made Chennaiyin FC one of the most entertaining sides to watch this season.

Mohammed Ali Bemammer (NorthEast United FC)

Holding midfielders rarely get the love they deserve, but Bemammer quietly ran the show at NorthEast United FC. Not only did he lead his team in successful passes, but he also chipped in with three goals and an assist, all while doing the dirty work defensively.

He was a massive reason why NEUFC found themselves in the playoffs. His contributions might not make headlines, but they definitely helped NorthEast United FC establish themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the league.

Lalengmawia Ralte ( Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Ralte had a dream debut season with the Mariners, helping them clinch the Shield and Cup. He became a crucial member of their starting eleven, topping the team’s stats in both passes and tackles.

He netted just one goal in the 2024-25 season, which was a clutch late winner in the semi-final second leg vs Jamshedpur that sent MBSG into the final. He was not always flashy but his presence was unmissable.

Pulga Vidal (Punjab FC)

Punjab FC had a rollercoaster of a season, but Vidal was a consistent spark throughout. The Argentine had a hand in 10 of the team’s 34 goals, scoring seven and assisting thrice. He was their second-top scorer behind Luka Majcen and also created the most chances for the team, showing his dual threat as a scorer and provider.

Punjab FC's playoff push might’ve fallen short, but Vidal’s impact was undeniable.

Yoell van Nieff (Mumbai City FC)

An all-rounder who did a bit of everything and did it well, Van Nieff was Mumbai City FC’s midfield general this season. In a side that didn’t score buckets of goals, he kept things ticking. He scored two, assisted three, earned the most fouls, tackled, intercepted, and passed like a pro.

His contributions were crucial as Mumbai City FC reached the playoffs while also establishing themselves as one of the meanest defences in the league.

Greg Stewart (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Even while battling injury issues mid-season, Stewart showed why he’s one of the ISL’s elite creators. He played a key role in MBSG’s double, delivering three goals and five assists. Whether starting or coming off the bench, the Scotsman always added value with his clever link-up play and vision.

This might have been his debut season for the club but it sure felt like home.

Alberto Noguera (Bengaluru FC)

Noguera was at the heart of everything Bengaluru FC tried in attack. Alongside Sunil Chhetri, Edgar Mendez, and Ryan Williams, he was a key part of their attacking quartet and helped push the team to the final with five goals and four assists.

He topped BFC’s charts for chances created, fouls won, and even tackles, proving to be an all-action midfielder.