Odisha FC joined the Indian Super League (ISL) in the 2019-20 season, and since the very beginning, they have continued to grow.

After missing out on the playoff berth in their inaugural season by just four points, the Kalinga Warriors endured a challenging phase in the next two seasons, where they struggled, including a bottom-place finish in the 2020-21 season.

However, the club bounced back to make the playoffs for the first time in their history in the ISL 2022-23 season before going one step better in 2023-24 when they reached the semi-finals, having gone the entire season unbeaten at home under Sergio Lobera.

Over the last six years, there have been many players who have left an indelible mark at the club. With an aim to put across the club’s best-ever team, here’s the all-time Odisha FC XI.

Goalkeeper: Amrinder Singh

Amrinder Singh, arguably the easiest pick on the list. The experienced Indian goalkeeper joined the Kalinga Warriors in the 2022-23 season, and since then, he has been a regular face under the bars, as he has featured in 69 games in which he recorded 15 clean sheets.

Singh played a pivotal role in Odisha FC’s playoff qualification in the 2023-24 season. He recorded the joint-highest number of nine clean sheets in that season.

The 32-year-old shot-stopper has been a leader at the back for the Kalinga Warriors with his crucial saves, ability to organize the defense line, and efficiency in build-up play. Despite Francisco Dorronsoro and Arshdeep Singh being the other names in contention, Singh’s consistency gives him an edge in this position.

Right back: Amey Ranawade

Amey Ranawade’s rise from a promising youngster to a regular face in the right-back position has been quite impressive. The 27-year-old defender spent two seasons with the Kalinga Warriors, on loan from Mumbai City FC.

Ranawade featured in 46 games in Odisha FC colours and helped the team register nine clean sheets in the last two seasons. The dynamic full-back’s quick overlapping runs and ability to recover defensively made him a go-to choice in his position, not only in Lobera’s lineup but also in our all-time playing XI.

Local boy and full-back Shubham Sarangi made his mark at the club, but it’s Ranawade’s contributions during their recent successful campaigns that truly stand out.

Centre-Backs: Carlos Delgado and Mourtada Fall

Carlos Delgado and Mourtada Fall have been indispensable parts of Odisha FC’s defensive organization in the last two seasons. The foreign centre-back duo brought in the much-needed stability in the Kalinga Warriors’ backline, playing an instrumental role with their defensive prowess and aerial supremacy.

Delgado is one of Odisha FC’s longest-serving foreigners in ISL history. The Spaniard first joined the club in the 2019-20 season, the Kalinga Warriors' first in the ISL. He later returned to Odisha FC ahead of the 2022-23 season and featured in 79 games for the Kalinga Warriors across two spells. Delgado’s composure in tense situations, clinical tackling, and excellent passing range have made him an integral part of Odisha FC’s defense line.

A defensive stalwart like no other. Mourtada Fall had an impressive two-year stint with Odisha FC and has made an instant impact since joining the club in 2023. A towering figure in the backline, Fall’s knack for finding the back of the net in set-piece movements has turned him into a potent threat in the opposing half.

Given the impact the Delgado-Fall partnership has had on Odisha FC’s defensive resurgence, this duo becomes an automatic choice in marshalling the backline.

Left back: Jerry Lalrinzuala

Jerry Lalrinzuala joined Odisha FC in 2023 and since then he was a regular face in the left-back position.

The experienced full-back's overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses have made him a key player in the Kalinga Warriors' starting lineup over the past two seasons. Despite players like Sahil Panwar and Saviour Gama playing in this position, Lalrinzuala's sharp movement and influence in build-up play give him the edge advantage in this case.

Defensive Midfielders: Ahmed Jahouh and Puitea

The central defensive midfielders are the engine of a team, as they not only command the heart of the pitch but also dictate the tempo of the game.

With an ISL legend, Ahmed Jahouh, complemented by an agile Indian midfielder in Puitea, Odisha FC’s midfield corridor was quite sorted with this partnership.

The Moroccan midfield maestro may have left the club, but his contribution during his time was immense. Jahouh joined the Kalinga Warriors in 2023 and became the heartbeat of the team with his sheer quality. Jahouh’s deep-lying playmaking skills, excellent passing range, and pinpoint crosses played a massive role in Odisha FC’s recent performances.

Marcos Tebar, a standout leader during their 2019-20 campaign, was in the mix but Jahouh’s longevity and influence make him the clear choice here.

On the other hand, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, better known as Puitea, has been the workhorse in Odisha FC’s midfield. Puitea’s versatility, energetic presence, and ability to thwart opponents’ attacks and initiate countermoves made him Jahouh’s ideal partner.

Puitea edges out former captain Vinit Rai, who was among Odisha FC’s most loyal servants and part of the club since its inception until his departure in 2022. However, Puitea’s greater impact, especially as a key figure in their playoff qualification in the 2023-24 season, gives him the nod.

Attacking Midfielder: Isak Vanlalruatfela

Isak Vanlalruatfela has been one of Odisha FC’s most exciting young prospects over the years. Since joining the club in 2020, Isak has been a part of the Kalinga Warriors for the last five years, and his emergence was quite impressive.

Isak has so far featured in 61 ISL games and scored 10 goals and racked up nine assists to his name. Quick feet, dazzling dribbling skills, and excellent passing range – the midfielder has been the creative spark that ignites Odisha FC’s quick attacking transition, and his versatility gives him the nod in their all-time XI.

Left Wing: Nandhakumar Sekar

Nandhakumar Sekar, a fan favourite among the Kalinga Warriors faithful, was one of the club’s longest-serving players. He constantly chipped in with goals and assists for the Kalinga Warriors before delivering his best campaign in the 2022-23 season, also his last with the club.

Nandhakumar scored six goals in that season and was the silver lining in Odisha FC’s attacking half. Since joining the club in 2019, his pace, directness, and ability to cut in from the left flank have not only made him a constant threat but also a key attacking outlet for the team.

Centre Forward: Diego Mauricio

Diego Mauricio, an Odisha FC legend, having scored the most number of goals for the club. It’s a no-brainer regarding the Brazilian’s selection in the Kalinga Warriors’ all-time playing XI, given his impactful stints with the club.

With 44 goals, 13 assists and one Golden Boot to his name in 86 matches for the Kalinga Warriors, the Brazilian has established himself as one of the greatest strikers in the ISL and definitely the best to ever play for Odisha FC.

Right Wing: Jerry Mawihmingthanga

Pace, sharp footwork, and exciting goals – all sum up Jerry Mawihmingthanga’s journey with Odisha FC.

The player with the most appearances for Odisha FC, Jerry is an icon at the club that has often put their trust in young players. Jerry is the best outcome of that exercise.

His on-and-off-the-ball understanding with Mauricio and his ability to stretch the opponent’s defense and create space for other forwards had made him a key player for Odisha FC during his time at the club. Since joining the club in 2019, the dynamic winger has featured in 112 games and recorded 17 goals and 17 assists over the last six seasons.

Head coach: Sergio Lobera

Sergio Lobera’s free-flowing attacking football has ushered in a new era for Odisha FC. From mid-table struggles to playoff contenders, the Kalinga Warriors underwent a significant revolution since the appointment of the Spanish head coach in 2023.

Odisha FC went unbeaten at home as they accumulated 27 points in 11 home matches in the 2023-24 season with eight wins and three draws. They also recorded their highest-ever league finish in the ISL, securing 4th place in Lobera's debut season with the Kalinga Warriors.