The Indian Super League (ISL), since its inception in 2014, has been a platform where talent, ambition, and sheer footballing brilliance collide to establish rising talents as future superstars. Over the decade, the league has witnessed many new faces arriving on Indian shores and immediately taking the league by storm.

They often redefine expectations, spearhead challenges for trophies, and etch names into the collective memory of football fans. From goalscoring phenomena to midfield engines and defensive titans, the ISL has seen a diverse array of players hit the ground running, enjoying an undeniable impact on their team's performance.

It's not just about raw statistics but also about the impact on their team's fortunes. Whether the individual awards were garnered or not, it was the sheer excitement they created and their sparkling touch that set the league ablaze with their performances.

With that said, let's delve into some of the most extraordinary inaugural campaigns that have captivated ISL audiences.

Elano Blumer (Chennaiyin FC) - 2014

Elano Blumer came as a marquee player in the league's inaugural season and lived up to every bit of the hype.

Elano was the top scorer in ISL 2014, scoring eight goals in 11 games, an outstanding ratio for a debutant. The Brazilian was instrumental in leading the Marina Machans to a top-of-the-table finish in the very first season and establishing Chennaiyin FC as one of the early powerhouses.

Elano set the tempo of the league with his clinical finishing and technical brilliance. Some of his free-kicks are revisited over and over again by fans.

Marcelinho (Delhi Dynamos FC) - 2016

A player like Marcelinho is not only an asset for a team but also leaves a mark on the league with his versatility and sheer creativity.

Despite not having won any silverware, Marcelinho's individual brilliance was undeniable in his debut season. He recorded 10 goals and four assists with Delhi Dynamos FC in the 2016 season, which ultimately earned him the Golden Boot accolade.

Marcelinho was a treat to watch, with his dribbling, speed, and eye for goal, and he could turn imagination into reality with his artistic footwork, demonstrating his individual flair that could still shine brightly.

Ferran Corominas (FC Goa) - 2017-18

Ferran Corominas spearheaded Sergio Lobera's attacking prowess and enjoyed an instrumental stint at FC Goa, rewriting the definition of greatness. His record-smashing impact, dismantling goalscoring records with ruthless efficiency, made him an unprecedented figure in league history.

Coro racked up 18 goals and five assists, setting a new record at that time, eventually winning the prestigious Golden Boot award. The Spaniard set a new standard for the fellow strikers in the league for years to come and established the Gaurs' supremacy in golden letters.

He was certainly not a one-season wonder; rather, he built his legacy with eye-soothing goals and memories, as he will be reckoned as one of ISL's elite forwards.

Bartholomew Ogbeche (NorthEast United FC) - 2018-19

Bartholomew Ogbeche is a NorthEast United FC icon. The Nigerian forward not only enjoyed a highly impressive stint with the Highlanders but also was the driving force in securing the club’s first-ever semi-final berth.

Known for his electric pace and lethal finishing, Ogbeche quickly became the talisman for NorthEast United FC, bringing a wealth of experience from his playing career in Europe. He scored 12 goals in 18 appearances in his debut season and was the joint-second highest goalscorer in the 2018-19 season.

Ogbeche has been one of the most consistent players in the league and is the highest-scoring foreign player in ISL history.

Nerijus Valskis (Chennaiyin FC) - 2019-20

Chennaiyin FC are known for producing sensational strikers in the league, and one of them is Nerijus Valskis, who comes next on our list.

Valskis became CFC's undisputed talisman, injecting a match-winning ability. He scored 15 goals and provided six assists for the Marina Machans, playing a pivotal role in their road to the ISL Cup final in the 2019-20 season.

The Lithuanian forward also won the Golden Boot award in his debut season and was known for his precise finishing and sharp headers that will live long in the Marina Arena.

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC) 2020-21

Diego Mauricio not only led Odisha FC’s forward line by example but also established himself as a club legend. Mauricio’s Samba magic, boasting fierce strikes and sensational free-kick goalazos, still resonates on the shores of Kalinga.

Mauricio made an immediate impact, demonstrating his powerful striking and clinical finishing. Despite the 2020-21 season being a challenging season for the Kalinga Warriors, Mauricio was a consistent goal threat and a bright spot for the team. He finished just two goals shy of the Golden Boot in that season.

The Brazilian has been a prolific striker in the league, leading to subsequent successful stints with the club, including winning the Golden Boot in the 2022-23 season.

Greg Stewart (Jamshedpur FC) - 2021-22

Greg Stewart, a wizard on the pitch who can make the ball speak. A composed figure at the heart of the pitch, Stewart's proficiency in controlling the rhythm of the game and breaking down low blocks and man-to-man marking with his visionary passing range made him one of the greats, if not the greatest, in his position.

The Scottish playmaker was the linchpin in Jamshedpur FC's historic League Shield triumph in the 2021-22 season. With double-digit contributions in both goals and assists, Stewart brought versatility to the Men of Steel’s style of play and earned the Golden Ball for his outstanding season.

From stunning free-kick goals to brilliant solo goals, incisive passes, and ultimately an incredible skill set, Stewart has been the creator-in-chief for a reason.

Dimitri Petratos (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) - 2022-23

Dimitri Petratos, who came as a high-profile signing, is now living his life as a Mohun Bagan Super Giant legend. A clutch figure, the most loved among the fans, Petratos has not only been a player but eventually become the Dimi-God to the Mariners.

Petratos announced himself with a bang, and his impact was monumental. The Australian forward notched 12 goals and seven assists in his debut season, playing a pivotal role in MBSG's first-ever ISL Cup glory. Moreover, he was the joint-highest goal scorer in the 2022-23 season.

Petratos' iconic stengun celebration, cracking numbers, sheer potential to perform when it matters the most, his dynamic versatility to operate from several positions, and his ongoing legacy with MBSG are arguably ones for fairytales.

Jason Cummings (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) - 2023-24

Like his fellow Aussie partner Petratos, Jason Cummings also shone bright in his debut season. Known for his consistent goal-scoring prowess and commendable presence in the opposition third, Cummings' inclusion had a significant impact on Mohun Bagan Super Giant's performance.

Cummings was the second-highest goalscorer with 12 goals in the 2023-24 season. Coming with a prolific scoring record, the Australian international, seamlessly integrated into the system and played a crucial role in MBSG's maiden League Shield triumph.

From scoring goals 'Aaram Se' (with ease) to charging up the thousands of fans with his match-winning performances, Cummings' energetic character has been wholeheartedly admired by the Mariners' faithful.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC) - 2024-25

Now it's Alaaeddine Ajaraie's turn. What a tremendous debut campaign the Moroccan has had in his first season with NorthEast United FC.

Ajaraie scored 23 goals and registered seven assists, making it a statistical anomaly in league history to record the highest goal contributions in a single season. He played a massive role in the Highlanders' playoff qualification and significantly turned them into one of the most formidable attacking forces in the league.

The NEUFC sensation achieved a glorious feat by winning both the coveted Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards, showcasing his remarkable proficiency and all-around impact throughout the season.