Over the years, the Indian Super League (ISL) has grown into a vibrant platform for domestic talent, providing them a platform to showcase their skills and talent. But beyond the goals, the drama and the silverware lies a quieter, more emotional layer: the human stories that remind us why we fall in love with sport in the first place.

Among these, tales of siblings sharing the same professional stage stand out as something special. When two brothers play together, the game becomes more personal, the stakes more emotional and the memories more lasting.

Here’s a look at some of the brother duos who have not just worn club jerseys but also carried their family legacy into Indian football’s top flight.

1) Mohammed Azhar and Mohammed Aimen

Some siblings grow apart while chasing different dreams. Azhar and Aimen grew closer while chasing the same one.

Hailing from Lakshadweep, the Mohammed brothers weren’t just playing football but were living it. Their journey began together in the Kerala Blasters FC’s U-15 setup where their potential quickly became evident. As they progressed, their talent shone through in tournaments like the Reliance Foundation Development League and the Next Gen Cup.

In 2022, the duo took a significant leap in their development with a three-week training stint at Polish club Rakow Czestochowa, an experience that exposed them to European football and elevated their understanding of the game. Later on, they both were promoted to Kerala Blasters FC’s first team ahead of the ISL 2023-24 season.

That campaign marked a milestone not just for the club but for the brothers and their family. Both Azhar and Aimen played key roles in the Blasters’ run to the playoffs that campaign. Azhar impressed with his composure and intelligence in midfield and Aimen with his directness and flair in attack. They may play different roles on the pitch, but together, they move in harmony.

2) Michael Soosairaj and Michael Regin

In the quiet coastal village of Eraviputhenthurai in Tamil Nadu, football wasn’t just a pastime; it was a way of life. It was there, in the narrow bylanes of this small fishing community, that brothers Michael Regin and Michael Soosairaj first fell in love with the beautiful game. Life wasn’t always easy. They lost their parents at a young age. But it was their cousins who stepped in, raising them with care and encouraging them to chase their passion for football.

Both brothers began their professional journeys with Chennai City FC. Regin, the elder sibling, brought calm and intelligence to the midfield and was a key part of the club’s historic I-League triumph in 2018-19. Soosairaj, on the other hand, had already made an impression during his time at the club from 2016 to 2018, before earning a move to Jamshedpur FC in the ISL. There, he burst onto the big stage with his dazzling footwork and energetic runs down the wing, quickly becoming one of the most exciting young Indian players in the league.

In 2019-20, the brothers reunited at ATK FC. Their reunion was crowned with success, as they lifted the ISL Cup that season. They later were part of Mohun Bagan Super Giant but Regin parted ways soon after and injuries hampered Soosairaj’s career. The winger eventually joined Odisha FC in 2022 in search of a fresh start.

While their careers have taken different turns since, their rise from a humble fishing village to the pinnacle of Indian football is nothing short of remarkable. It's a story of perseverance and chasing greatness against all odds, proof that even from the quietest corners of the country, champions can emerge.

3) Prabhsukhan Gill and Gursimrat Gill

In Ludhiana, two brothers dreamed of football. But while one looked to stop goals, the other set out to prevent them from happening at all.

Gursimrat and Prabhsukhan grew up with the game stitched into their daily lives. Gursimrat, the elder sibling and a defender by position, was the first to step into the professional circuit. He made his ISL debut with NorthEast United FC in the 2017-18 season and was later part of Bengaluru FC’s ISL Cup win in 2018-19. Quietly observing along the way was his younger brother, Prabhsukhan.

Prabhsukhan made his ISL debut in 2019-20 with Bengaluru FC, but it was after joining Kerala Blasters FC in 2020 that he truly announced himself. Fearless and blessed with razor-sharp reflexes, he delivered a standout 2021-22 campaign as KBFC reached the final, quickly earning a reputation as one of the country’s brightest young goalkeeping talents after winning the Golden Glove.

In the 2023-24 season, the brothers reunited at East Bengal FC, sharing the same dressing room for the first time at the ISL.

But whether on the pitch or watching from the sidelines, their bond remains unshakable.

4) Parthib Gogoi and Pragyan Gogoi

In Assam, football is more than a game; it’s a language. And the Gogoi brothers speak it fluently.

Pragyan, the elder, was the first to step into the ISL when he joined NorthEast United FC in 2020, quietly doing the hard yards in midfield. He carved a name for himself with sheer discipline and heart having represented the Highlanders for four seasons.

Then came Parthib, the younger, more flamboyant sibling who joined the Highlanders in 2022. When Parthib exploded onto the scene with NorthEast United FC during the 2023-24 season, it felt like a moment long in the making.

For their parents, seeing both sons don the NorthEast United FC jersey must have felt like a dream come true; of two boys who once played barefoot in Assam now representing their state with pride.

In many ways, Parthib stands tall today because Pragyan paved the way. But if you ask Pragyan, he’ll tell you there’s no pride greater than watching his brother soar.

5) Jeakson Singh and Amarjit Singh

Sometimes, family ties aren’t just about shared surnames but about shared ambition.

Jeakson and Amarjit grew up in the football-rich soils of Manipur. Though not siblings, the two are first cousins and their bond runs deeper than most sibling stories. They grew up together, played and trained together. And then, they created history together both being part of India’s U-17 World Cup team in 2017.

Jeakson, with his calm demeanour and presence, scored India’s first-ever goal in a FIFA tournament with a towering header that became an entire nation’s memory. Amarjit, the fiery midfielder and captain, led from the front, showing a maturity far beyond his age.

Both made their ISL debuts in the 2019-20 season and have since taken their own paths. Jeakson grew into a midfield mainstay at Kerala Blasters FC before making the move to East Bengal FC. Amarjit, who first caught the eye at Jamshedpur FC, has gone on to represent several other clubs in the league and is currently part of Mohammedan Sporting Club. Along the way, both have also donned the national team jersey at the senior level.

Add to that another cousin, Kritina Devi, who has represented India at the youth level and played in the Indian Women’s League and you begin to understand that this family doesn’t just play football, it breathes it.