In football, scoring goals holds paramount significance because, based on it, two teams are differentiated after an engaging end-to-end 90-minute game.

From last-gasp winners to thunderous free kicks to phenomenal long rangers, the forwards have the ultimate task on their shoulders to consistently find the back of the net for their respective teams. The goal-poachers should have the skill and finesse, hunger to chase the opponent's defender relentlessly, and expertise in goalscoring technique to create a potent threat in the opposition half and make the difference with impactful goals.

The Indian Super League (ISL) has been graced with its prolific goalscorers, who have been scoring a flurry of goals with ease, entertaining their supporters, and leading their teams to win crucial fixtures. From Alessandro Del Piero to Diego Forlan, Nicolas Anelka to Dimitar Berbatov, Luis Garcia to Helder Postiga, Robbie Keane to Iain Hume, Bartholomew Ogbeche to Ferran Corominas, the league has been enriched with many elite names since his inception.

With the 2024-25 ISL season just around the corner, we’ve figured out a forwards’ queue who are poised to deliver commanding performances in the forthcoming season and amaze the fans with their goalscoring manifest.

Dimitrios Diamantakos (East Bengal FC)

 

Dimitrios Diamantakos has proved his mettle by scoring goals in crunch moments, displaying his offensive prowess. The Greek talisman scored the highest number of goals (13) for Kerala Blasters FC last season to win the prestigious Golden Boot accolade.

Diamantakos has recently joined East Bengal FC during the summer transfer window. He also found the back of the net in his debut game for the Kolkata-based side.

The forward, who has 23 goals in his 38 ISL appearances, will be looking to maintain his red-hot form for the Red and Gold Brigade to present numerous goals to their ever-enthusiastic supporters.

ISL Fantasy potential: Priced at 12 CR, Diamantakos is the costliest forward in ISL Fantasy, but his goalscoring proficiency makes it worth spending such a huge amount of money to earn maximum numbers of points.

Jamie Maclaren (Mohun Bagan SG)

 

Jamie Maclaren himself is a big name in Asian football. The Australian international who featured in the FIFA World Cup holds the record of being A-League’s all-time top scorer with 149 goals to his name.

Maclaren has recently penned a long-term deal with Mohun Bagan SG, which will arguably strengthen their forward line. The seasoned forward will come with his wealth of experience playing in top-tier competitions and is set to take the league by storm with his goalscoring expertise.

Having such a clutch player like Maclaren in the team, the Mariners’ forward line will not only be enriched but also offer a galore of goals.

ISL Fantasy potential: Priced at 11.5 CR, Maclaren could be a solid pick for your squad who guarantees lots of goals in the upcoming season.

Jason Cummings (Mohun Bagan SG)

 

Mohun Bagan SG’s star forward Jason Cummings enjoyed a successful debut season last year, as he scored the most goals (12) for his club, playing a pivotal role in the Mariners’ first-ever ISL League Shield triumph. The Aussie forward paired well with his compatriot Dimitri Petratos, but this time Cummings will be looking to form an invincible trio with his fellow Aussie teammates, Maclaren and Petratos, which could be alarming for the opponent defenders.

The 29-year-old World Cupper has been sensational throughout the last season, with his mature positioning sense inside the box, innate ability to find himself in the goalscoring positions and beat his marker in 1v1 situations, and calm and composed attitude in decision-making making him one of the best at his position. With Cummings set to embark on his second season with the Mariners, the forward will target scoring as many goals as he can to win titles with the club.

ISL Fantasy potential: Priced at 9.5 CR, Jason Cummings is a smart option for your fantasy lineup.

Armando Sadiku (FC Goa)

 

Armando Sadiku is another big name on the list. The Albanian international who represented his country in top European competitions a few years back has joined FC Goa after plying his trade with the Mariners in the 2023-24 season.

Sadiku netted eight goals in 22 matches for Mohun Bagan SG, including his mesmerizing brace against Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi and his inch-perfect equalizer in the first Kolkata derby last year. Mainly operating as a false nine, the versatile forward was often seen dropping deep into the midfield to receive balls and allow spaces in the upfront for his wingers to exploit. 

ISL Fantasy potential: Sadiku could enjoy a breakthrough season this year under Manolo Marquez. Priced at 8.5 CR, he could be a viable option.

Jesus Jimenez (Kerala Blasters FC)

 

Kerala Blasters FC have recently acquired the services of dynamic forward Jesus Jimenez, who will replace Diamantakos in the Blasters’ no. 9 position. Coming through the ranks of Club Deportivo Leganés (CD Leganés), Jimenez was playing for OFI Crete in the Greek Super League.

The Spanish forward has vast experience of playing in various leagues across the globe. It could be interesting to see how the fleet-footed forward gels up with Noah Sadaoui and Adrian Luna in the forward line for the Blasters.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Bengaluru FC)

 

Jorge Pereyra Diaz has been a common name in the Indian football circuit for his energetic presence inside the pitch.

The fox-in-the-box has played for Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City FC before signing for Bengaluru FC in the summer transfer window. With the Islanders, the Argentine forward clinched the ISL League Shield in the 2022–23 season and the ISL Cup in the 2023–24 season.

Known for his sharp movements inside the box, ability to win duels inside and outside the opponent's box, strong aerial presence, and powerful strikes from tight situations, Diaz has been a sensation over the last couple of years. The 29-year-old goal poacher has 29 goals to his name in his 58 appearances.

ISL Fantasy potential: Priced at 10 CR, Diaz’s crucial goals could see your team taking moving upwards in the fantasy leaderboard.

Roy Krishna (Odisha FC)

 

The Fijian international is aging like fine wine, as he is getting better as the time passes by. Since coming to India in 2019, Roy Krishna has consistently been on the top goalscorers’ list almost every season.

The Odisha FC striker scored the joint-highest number of goals in the 2023-24 ISL season. Pairing with Brazilian forward Diego Mauricio in the forward line, Krishna will be aiming to reach new heights with the Kalinga Warriors under the guidance of Sergio Lobera.

ISL Fantasy potential: Krishna is a proven goalscorer. Priced at 10.5, the forward could be a solid addition to your team.

Nikolaos Karelis (Mumbai City FC)

 

Coming with diverse experience around Europe, Nikolaos Karelis is set to fill the void left by Diaz in the center-forward role. The Greek forward has recorded 103 goals in his 361 professional appearances.

Karelis won the coveted Player of the Season award during his time with Panetolikos in the 2022–23 season. Moreover, the Greece international recorded a notable feat in his career by scoring in the UEFA Champions League qualifier and UEFA Europa League.

ISL Fantasy potential: Priced at 7 CR, Karelis could be an interesting figure in your fantasy team.

 

Related tags:

2024-2025 Dimitrios DiamantakosRoy KrishnaJorge Pereyra DiazArmando Durim SadikuJason Steven Cummings