Left footed players have always been seen as rare commodities in world football, bringing a unique balance to teams. In the Indian Super League (ISL), this has been no different. Over the years, several left-footed players not only became key players but pillars around which teams were built.

These were players who dictated games, influenced results and elevated the players around them. They created magic out of thin air, gave fans memories to cherish and left behind a lasting legacy.

These players have been chosen for the impact they had on their sides and the way they carried their teams over the course of seasons. They aren’t ranked in any particular order but each left a mark in their own way.

Greg Stewart

When Greg Stewart arrived in the ISL in 2021, few knew what to expect. By the end of that season, everyone knew they were watching something extraordinary. Stewart didn’t just play for Jamshedpur FC but he became the identity of their Shield-winning campaign.

Stewart’s left foot was a weapon of mass destruction. Opponents feared him but what really set him apart was his ability to dictate a match at will. He could turn defenders inside out or split a backline with a single pass.

The 2021-22 season wasn’t just about numbers, though he delivered those in abundance with 11 goals and 10 assists in the league. It was about how he elevated everyone around him. Under Owen Coyle, Jamshedpur FC were a hardworking, organized side. Add Stewart’s flair and suddenly they were Shield winners. For a club that had never tasted silverware, Stewart’s influence was nothing short of historic as the Scotsman won the Player of the League that season.

Even after leaving JFC, while representing Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, he carried his aura. He became the benchmark for playmakers in the league.

Marcelinho

If you wanted entertainment in the early years of the ISL, Marcelinho was the man to watch. The Brazilian forward had a swagger about him that made even ordinary league games feel like carnival nights. His debut season with Delhi Dynamos FC in 2016 remains the stuff of legend: 10 goals and four assists. He ended up winning the Golden Boot.

Marcelinho wasn’t just an all-round player but an entertainer. On his day, he was unplayable. Defenders knew what he was about to do but stopping him was another story.

While his ISL career had its ups and downs and he played for different teams, Marcelinho’s flair never went unnoticed. Even when his numbers dipped, his ability to spark a moment of brilliance made him valuable. He gave fans reasons to show up, because you never knew when he’d pull off something outrageous.

Marcelinho may not have lifted a trophy, but he gave the league some of its most jaw-dropping goals.

Rafael Crivellaro

Few players in ISL history have looked as elegant on the ball as Rafael Crivellaro. The Brazilian playmaker wasn’t the fastest, nor the most physical but once the ball stuck to his left foot, the game slowed down to his rhythm.

At Chennaiyin FC, Crivellaro became the heartbeat of their attack. His 2019-20 season was his masterpiece. With 7 goals and 8 assists, he led an unfancied Chennaiyin FC side from the bottom of the table to the final. The way he threaded passes to his teammates made that team one of the most entertaining to watch.

Crivellaro was consistent in making those around him better and he provided the Marina Machans with a competitive edge that kept Chennaiyin FC fighting in games they had no right to dominate.

Though injuries curtailed his later seasons, his influence remains undeniable. For Chennaiyin FC fans, Crivellaro remains a club legend.

Javi Hernandez

When Javi Hernandez first arrived in the ISL with ATK FC, very few knew about him but soon enough, he carved a reputation as a man who delivered when it mattered most. His brace in the 2019-20 ISL final against Chennaiyin FC remains etched in history, securing ATK FC’s third ISL Cup.

What makes Javi special is his versatility. He’s also the kind of midfielder who can play anywhere across the pitch while contributing to goals and assists. His balance between hard work and finesse made him invaluable for the sides he played in the league.

He proved that in the 2024-25 season with Jamshedpur FC where Javi came into his own. His crucial goals lifted the club as the Men of Steel made it to the semi-finals.

Hernandez is the definition of a big-game player, one who doesn’t necessarily have the spotlight all the time but when the stakes are high, you can count on him.

Edu Bedia

With all the flair associated with FC Goa’s attacking philosophy, Edu Bedia was often the unsung hero when he was part of the team. The Spaniard wasn’t the one regularly making the headlines but his influence was everywhere.

Came as a player, left as a Gaur! 🟠#HeroISL #LetsFootball #EduBedia #FCGoa pic.twitter.com/3l7PnO1JKQ

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) June 19, 2023

Over six seasons, he became their longest-serving foreign player in the ISL. Calm on the ball and clever with his passing, he controlled games from midfield and often set the tone for the team. The Spaniard brought both composure and creativity, making him a key part of the Gaurs for years.

Bedia’s longevity in the league also made him special. In a league where foreign players often come and go, Bedia stayed and became part of FC Goa’s identity. He was there for the highs like the 2019-20 season when FC Goa lifted the Shield and through the rebuilds. Fans loved him not just for his technical ability but for his loyalty and consistency

Lallianzuala Chhangte

Among the many foreign magicians who have dazzled in the ISL, Lallianzuala Chhangte has stood tall as India’s own left-footed maestro. Quick, fearless and constantly improving, Chhangte has grown from a promising youngster into one of the most dangerous forwards in the league.

His pace has always been his biggest weapon but over the years, he has added quality to his game: sharper decision-making, better finishing and an ability to cut inside and curl shots with his trusted left foot.

At Chennaiyin FC, he showed flashes of brilliance but it was at Mumbai City FC where he truly exploded. Surrounded by a system that allowed him to thrive, Chhangte became a consistent scorer and provider, even finishing as the highest-scoring Indian in back-to-back seasons in 2022-23 and 2023-24, where he won the Shield and Cup, respectively.

Chhangte represents the new generation of Indian footballers who combine hard work with technical quality. For Mumbai City FC and the national team, he’s become a symbol of what’s possible when talent is matched with dedication. Among the other foreign names in this list, Chhangte’s left foot has ensured that an Indian stands proudly in the conversation.

Honourable mentions: Stiven Mendoza, Florent Malouda.