When we think of footballers, we usually remember them for the clubs where they became household names or truly shone. But not every chapter in their career was as memorable.

Before finding the right fit or hitting their prime, many players had short or lesser-known spells at clubs that are now easily forgotten. While they never truly made their mark during those stints, their names have since become familiar to almost every Indian football fan.

Here’s a look at some active ISL players whose former clubs you may have completely forgotten about.

Subhasish Bose at Bengaluru FC

Bose is now a hometown hero and the leader of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, but his ISL journey actually began with Bengaluru FC. He played a steady role at left-back, helping the side finish at the top of the league table and reach the final in their inaugural ISL season. Yet, not many fans readily associate him with the Blues.

His time in Bengaluru FC ended after a short yet effective stint, as he moved to Mumbai City FC the following season. There, he gradually developed into one of the most consistent defenders in the league before eventually returning to his hometown to represent the Green and Maroon.

Rahul Bheke at Kerala Blasters FC

Rahul Bheke is best remembered for his success with Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC, but few recall that his ISL journey began with Kerala Blasters FC. A regular starter at right-back in the 2015 season, he showed early signs of the dependable defender he would later become.

Despite the Blasters enduring a difficult campaign and finishing at the bottom of the table, Bheke’s commitment and work rate stood out. He moved on after just one season, but that stint proved to be a stepping stone toward greater success elsewhere.

Lallianzuala Chhangte at NorthEast United FC

Before Lallianzuala Chhangte lit up the ISL with his pace and flair at Delhi Dynamos FC, and later emerged as a key figure for Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC, his journey in the league had a modest beginning.

In 2016, he joined NorthEast United FC on loan and made only one appearance, coming off the bench against Mumbai City FC, the very team he now leads as a star attacker. Though his debut went under the radar, it marked the start of a remarkable rise to becoming one of Indian football’s most exciting attackers.

Udanta Singh at Mumbai City FC

Before becoming a fan favourite at Bengaluru FC and now plying his trade with FC Goa, Udanta Singh actually took his first ISL steps with Mumbai City FC in 2016. Then a raw and pacey youngster, Udanta didn’t get much game time but shared the dressing room with stars like Diego Forlan and Lucian Goian.

He made his ISL debut in the final league match of the season, playing the full 90 minutes against Delhi Dynamos FC. He was also adjudged the 'Emerging Player of the Match’. A small start, but one that helped shape the winger who would go on to become a regular for club and country later on.

Jerry Mawihmingthanga at NorthEast United FC

Jerry Mawihmingthanga is a name closely tied to Odisha FC, where he made a mark with his pace, flair, and consistency on the wing. Before his rise with the Kalinga Warriors, he quietly impressed over two seasons at Jamshedpur FC, a spell that often goes under the radar.

But even before that, Jerry’s ISL journey began in 2016 with NorthEast United FC, where he made just one appearance, coming on as a substitute against Mumbai City FC. For someone who went on to become one of the league’s most exciting young wingers, that one outing in Highlanders’ colours is a forgotten footnote.