The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season was packed with drama and a whole lot of goals. From unexpected comebacks to stunning strikes, the league kept fans glued to their screens and stadium seats Matchweek after Matchweek.

But while every player had a role to play, some took it up a notch. We’re talking about the ones who were constantly on the scoresheet, either netting goals themselves or setting them up like a pro. And it wasn’t just the usual suspects from the frontline, but players from all positions stepped up and left their mark.

So, we decided to give credit where it’s due. Here are four players, one from each position, who made the biggest impact in terms of goal contributions.

Winger, forward, midfielder and defender: we’ve got them all.

1) Winger: Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC) - 30 goal contributions (23 goals, 7 assists)

NorthEast United FC pulled a rabbit out of the hat when they brought in Alaaeddine Ajaraie. The Moroccan forward didn’t just impress but terrorised defences week after week. With a ridiculous 23 goals and seven assists, Ajaraie wasn’t just NorthEast United FC’s standout player; he was one of the league’s most exciting, winning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball.

Whether it was cutting inside and curling one into the top corner or dropping a shoulder and bursting past his marker, Ajaraie had it all. And let’s not forget the flair and that celebration routine that became a weekly sight.

In a team that was still rebuilding under head coach Juan Pedro Benali, he became the face of the Highlanders’ resurgence, helping them reach the playoffs after three seasons.

2) Forward: Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC) - 16 goal contributions (14 goals, 2 assists)

Is there anything left to say about Sunil Chhetri that hasn’t already been said? The Bengaluru FC striker is a living legend, and once again, he showed why.

Chhetri delivered a vintage season with 14 goals, two assists and countless moments of brilliance. He showed the league he’s still very much that guy.

What stood out this season was his ability to adapt, whether it was leading the line in the starting eleven or coming off the bench. Chhetri’s positioning, off-the-ball movement and lethal finishing made up for anything age might have taken away. He was often in the right place at the right time, and when the ball came, the net rippled.

Bengaluru FC may have missed out on the ISL Cup, having made it to the final, but Chhetri once again was the heartbeat.

3) Midfielder: Hugo Boumous (Odisha FC) - 12 goal contributions (5 goals, 7 assists)

Hugo Boumous may have changed clubs but his influence remained as sharp as ever. With five goals and seven assists, the French-Moroccan playmaker was Odisha FC’s creative engine whether it was unlocking defences with a killer pass or scoring crucial goals.

His vision and passing range were top-tier and his partnership with Diego Mauricio helped Odisha FC keep their attacking edge throughout the season. Despite Odisha FC narrowly missing out on the playoffs, the Kalinga Warriors were a better side with him on the pitch, and his 12 direct goal involvements prove that.

4) Defender: Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) - 7 goal contributions (6 goals, 1 assist)

When you think of goal contributors, defenders aren’t usually first on the list. But Subhasish Bose flipped the script this season, finishing as Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s third-highest goalscorer. The MBSG captain not only locked things down at the back but also showed up big time in attack.

With six goals and an assist to his name, Bose was an aerial menace during set-pieces and a constant threat when pushed forward during attacking phases. Most of his goals came from headers, but his positioning and anticipation made him lethal inside the box.

Beyond the numbers, Bose brought leadership. He held a backline together which kept the most clean sheets during key stretches of the season and was a vocal presence on the pitch. While his primary job remained defending, his contributions up front were instrumental in helping the Mariners secure the Shield and the Cup.

Related tags:

Alaaeddine Ajaraie2024-2025 Hugo BoumousSunil ChhetriSubhasish Bose