The 2023–24 Indian Super League (ISL) season was a thrilling spectacle, characterised by a relentless flurry of goals that ignited an intense battle among the league's top goal scorers until the final match. Spanning seven months, this campaign was adorned with phenomenal strikes, mesmerising skills, and unforgettable hat-tricks, offering a delightful spectacle for avid goal enthusiasts.

In its tenth season, the ISL witnessed a total of 384 goals, averaging an impressive 2.76 goals per match. From seasoned veterans to emerging talents, every player played a crucial role in bolstering their team's offensive prowess, underscoring the depth of attacking talent across the league.

With that context, let's shine a spotlight on the most impactful forwards who left an indelible mark on the ISL 2023–24 season.

Roy Krishna (Odisha FC)

 

After a successful season with Bengaluru FC in the 2022–23 campaign, the third-highest goal scorer in the history of the ISL, Roy Krishna, switched to Odisha FC, where he proved his worth. The Fiji captain missed the Golden Boot award by the smallest margin despite finishing as the joint-highest goal scorer in the tenth season of the ISL with 13 goals to his name.

The 36-year-old forward recorded 0.52 goals per game with a conversion rate of 37.14%. With his vast experience, commendable work rate, and maturity, Krishna was the driving force in the Kalinga Warriors’ offensive lineup and enjoyed an excellent partnership with Diego Mauricio and Isak Ralte.

Besides scoring goals, the veteran recorded three assists and created the second most chances for his team (42).

Dimitri Petratos (Mohun Bagan SG)

 

Mohun Bagan SG’s Dimitri Petratos, won the ISL 2023-24 Golden Ball having made 17 goal contributions all season, consisting of 10 goals and seven assists. In his 23 appearances for the Mariners, the forward clocked 1896 minutes, had 68 touches in the opponent box, created 60 chances, provided 53 key passes, and attempted 30 shots on target.

Displaying remarkable versatility, agility, and individual brilliance, the Australian forward adeptly assumed various attacking roles for his team, demonstrating sheer creativity on the field. Petratos emerged as the linchpin of his squad, consistently posing a potent threat to the opposing defense with his relentless attacking threat. 

Petratos played a significant role in the Mariners’ first-ever ISL League Shield triumph and has been the nucleus of Mohun Bagan SG’s offensive setup throughout the entire season.

Dimitrios Diamantakos (Kerala Blasters FC)

 

Despite missing several key players during the whole season due to injuries and suspensions, Dimitrios Diamantakos was one of the most consistent performers for Kerala Blasters FC, which guided Ivan Vukomanovic’s side to their third consecutive playoff berth. The Greek forward won the Golden Boot award by taking his game to new heights this season, where he bagged 13 goals in 17 appearances.

The lethal forward presented himself as a real threat to the opponent's defenders, creating pressure on them by using his positioning sense and ability to convert half-chances within the six-yard box. Diamantakos has been a prolific goal-getter for his team with his precise finishing, boasting a goal conversion rate of 40.62%. 

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC)

 

Having formed a reputation as one of India’s finest wingers in recent times, Lallianzuala Chhangte, continued to display his spark as he finished the ISL 2023–24 season with 10 goals to his name, becoming the only Indian to achieve such a feat in successive seasons. Besides his exploits in front of goal, he's also picked up six assists in the league, which made him the highest goal contributor for the Islanders in the tenth edition of the league.

Outclassing his defenders in one-on-one situations with his pace, exceptional skills, and agile footwork, Chhangte's offensive flair stands unmatched. Hailing from Mizoram, the forward showcased his attacking prowess with 126 touches inside the opposition box, completing 37 successful dribbles, and creating 43 scoring opportunities, all while maintaining an impressive goal conversion rate of 22.73%.

POV: You’re looking at the best 🇮🇳 footballer at the moment! 🙌#MCFCFCG #ISL #ISL10 #LetsFootball #ISLPlayoffs #MumbaiCityFC #LallianzualaChhangte | @Sports18 pic.twitter.com/LUQCpK6mve

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) April 29, 2024

Vikram Partap Singh (Mumbai City FC)

 

After a subdued start in the initial half of the ISL 2023–24 season, Vikram Partap Singh emerged as a standout player under the guidance of head coach Petr Kratky during the latter half. The 22-years-old forward showcased remarkable growth by netting eight goals throughout the season, a stark improvement from his previous tally of five goals over three seasons for the club. His impressive performances earned him the prestigious Emerging Player of the League award.

Singh's breakthrough season with Mumbai City FC was marked by a dynamic partnership with Chhangte, as they effectively utilised both wings to contribute significantly to the team's ISL Cup victory. A highlight of Singh's season was his first-ever ISL hat-trick against NorthEast United FC, a match where Mumbai City FC secured a commanding 4-1 triumph over the Highlanders.

Jason Cummings (Mohun Bagan SG)

 

Cummings, boasting extensive experience from competing in the FIFA World Cup 2022 with Australia and securing an A-League championship with his former club, arrived at Mohun Bagan SG as one of the most high-profile signings in Indian football. With such a pedigree, fans and experts held lofty expectations from Cummings. True to form, the Australian didn't disappoint in his debut ISL season.

Cummings played a significant part in Mohun Bagan SG's League Shield triumph and helped them finish as ISL Cup runners up. Despite facing competition from teammate Armando Sadiku for a spot in the starting lineup, the 28-year-old striker consistently showcased his talent as the season progressed. His partnership with Petratos not only flourished but also transformed Mohun Bagan SG into one of the most formidable attacking forces in the league.

By the end of his inaugural ISL campaign, Cummings had notched an impressive tally of 12 goals and provided two assists in his 23 appearances, becoming a key contributor to Mohun Bagan SG's success.

Manvir Singh (Mohun Bagan SG)

 

Singh's dynamic performances on the flanks, characterised by his blistering pace, pinpoint crosses, and clinical finishing, made him a vital asset for the Mariners throughout the ISL 2023–24 season. Hailing from Punjab, the winger contributed significantly with seven assists and four goals in his 23 appearances.

Singh's influence extended beyond scoring and creating goals, as evidenced by his impressive passing statistics. He completed 517 successful passes, averaging 28 passes per game with a commendable accuracy rate of 77%. Moreover, the 28-year-old winger showcased his playmaking abilities by creating 37 chances and delivering 30 key passes. His brilliance in one-on-one situations was evident, as he completed 24 successful dribbles.

Beyond his attacking contributions, Singh displayed versatility and defensive solidity. Winning 90 duels and making 101 recoveries, he proved his effectiveness both as a winger and as a full-back, underlining his all-round impact on the pitch.

Noah Sadaoui (FC Goa)

 

Since his arrival at FC Goa during the 2022-23 season, Noah Sadaoui has established himself as one of the finest attackers in the league. Guided by head coach Manolo Marquez, Sadaoui's performances played a crucial role in FC Goa's return to playoff contention after a two-year absence.

Scoring 11 goals and providing five assists, Sadaoui emerged as the leading contributor in terms of goal involvements for the team. Notably, his creative prowess was evident as he generated 37 scoring opportunities, second only to Brandon Fernandes in the FC Goa squad. Sadaoui's impact extended beyond scoring, as he played a pivotal role in setting up chances.

Luka Majcen (Punjab FC)

 

Despite Punjab FC enduring a challenging start to their debut ISL campaign, marked by a ten-match wait for their first victory, the Shers found numerous positives to build upon for the future. Similarly, their forward Majcen encountered initial difficulties in adapting to the league, but he progressively acclimated and showcased his potential as the season unfolded.

Majcen played a significant role in Punjab FC's inaugural ISL season, contributing to the team's successes with eight goals and two assists in his 22 league appearances. Forming a crucial part of Punjab FC's attacking trio alongside Madih Talal and Wilmar Jordan Gil, Majcen played a pivotal role in the latter stages of the season, delivering vital goals that propelled the club closer to playoff contention. Despite falling just short of playoff qualification, Majcen's contributions were instrumental in establishing Punjab FC as a potent attacking force in the league.

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

 

Odisha FC’s most dependable striker in the past few seasons, Mauricio demonstrated his attacking prowess again by netting 11 goals besides boasting an impressive average of 0.48 goals per game and a remarkable goal conversion rate of 36.67%.

Teaming up with veteran Roy Krishna, Mauricio formed a formidable partnership upfront, making the most of his intelligent movement and potent threat in and around the penalty area. This season added to Mauricio's already illustrious track record, having clinched the Golden Boot award in the previous campaign.

Mauricio showcased his all-around impact beyond scoring goals. He contributed a total of 12 goal involvements for the Kalinga Warriors, while also displaying his playmaking abilities with 217 successful passes and 13 chances created. His ability to navigate through opposition defences was evident, as he completed 16 dribbles and won 56 duels, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier strikers.

Notable Mentions: Carlos Martinez (FC Goa), Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Mumbai City FC), Armando Sadiku (Mohun Bagan SG), Cleiton Silva (East Bengal FC), Wilmar Jordan Gil (Punjab FC), Tomi Juric (NorthEast United FC).

Related tags:

2023-2024 Vikram SinghLuka MajcenDiego MauricioLallianzuala ChhangteJason Steven CummingsManvir SinghDimitrios DiamantakosRoy KrishnaNoah SadaouiDimitrios Petratos