Every league has its legends. Those who have etched their names into the history books, those who are revered by fans and respected by rivals. But not every legend has ended up with a medal around their neck.

The Indian Super League (ISL) has seen its share of heartbreaks – moments where some good players came within touching distance of the Cup, only to walk away empty-handed. They had the talent, the influence, the consistency but just not the ultimate prize.

Some came heartbreakingly close, a few lifted the Shield, but the ISL Cup always slipped away. So here’s a look at our Nearly XI – a team of the finest ISL players never to have won the Cup.

Goalkeeper

TP Rehenesh

One of the most experienced Indian custodians in the league, TP Rehenesh has been a constant presence between the sticks for several ISL sides, particularly NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC. Known for his shot-stopping ability, Rehenesh ended his trophy drought in the league in 2021-22 by lifting the Shield with Jamshedpur FC.

However, the ISL Cup has remained just out of reach with the Kerala-born player having close to 140 appearances. Vocal at the back and reliable, Rehenesh has been the spine of some strong defences but has never had a Cup to show for it at the end of the campaign.

Defenders

Eli Sabia

The Brazilian centre-back has been a dependable figure in the ISL, turning out most notably for Chennaiyin FC, Jamshedpur FC and racking up 100 appearances across six seasons.

Aerially strong and composed on the ball, Sabia brought leadership and stability to every backline he marshalled. He played a crucial role in Chennaiyin FC’s run to the 2019-20 final and was instrumental in Jamshedpur FC’s historic League Shield triumph under Owen Coyle in 2021-22. Unfortunately, the Men of Steel bowed out in the semis, denying him another shot at a final.

As one of the ISL’s most experienced and consistent foreign defenders, Sabia may not have lifted the Cup but few have left a mark quite like he has.

Sandesh Jhingan

Arguably India’s most iconic defender of the ISL era, Sandesh Jhingan has been a rock at the heart of every backline he’s featured in. With close to 160 appearances to his name, he has turned out for multiple clubs over the years and currently anchors the defence at FC Goa.

A fan favourite for his aggressive style and warrior-like defending, Jhingan has featured in four ISL finals – twice with Kerala Blasters FC (2014, 2016), once with Mohun Bagan Super Giant (2020-21) and once with Bengaluru FC (2022-23). But on each occasion, the Cup slipped through his fingers. Even at FC Goa, he’s endured near-misses, with the side falling short in the semis in back-to-back seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25).

A true leader at the back, all that’s missing from Jhingan’s resume is a well-deserved ISL Cup.

Lucian Goian

Romanian defender Lucian Goian brought leadership and strength to the backline, particularly during his time with Mumbai City FC and then with Chennaiyin FC. Goian was a pillar in defence and often chipped in with crucial goals from set pieces.

During his time with the Islanders, he reached the playoffs on two occasions. He then came painfully close to winning it all with Chennaiyin FC in 2019-20, losing the final to ATK FC.

Goian may not have lifted the Cup, but his impact on two of the league’s biggest clubs is undeniable.

Midfielders

Marcelinho

The 2016 ISL Golden Boot winner, Marcelinho was a nightmare for defenders at his peak. With flair, quick feet and a lethal left foot, the Brazilian attacker lit up the league during his time with Delhi Dynamos FC before turning out for the likes of FC Pune City, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and NorthEast United FC.

His moments of brilliance often powered his teams deep into the playoffs and his ability to change games in an instant made him one of the most entertaining players of his era. Yet, for all the magic he produced, the one prize Marcelinho never conjured was the ISL Cup.

Edu Bedia

A one-club man in the ISL, Edu Bedia spent six seasons with FC Goa and established himself as one of the most technically gifted midfielders the league has witnessed. Operating under multiple head coaches, Bedia remained a cornerstone of the Gaurs’ midfield, dictating the tempo and delivering consistent performances season after season.

He was instrumental in FC Goa’s Shield triumph in 2019-20 and helped the team reach the playoffs in four of his six campaigns. But despite his influence and longevity, the ISL Cup always remained just out of reach. For all his elegance and quality, a Cup win was the only thing missing from his FC Goa story.

Adrian Luna

Kerala Blasters FC's modern-day talisman, Adrian Luna has quickly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the league. With exceptional vision and leadership, Luna played a vital role in taking KBFC to the 2021-22 final and also helped them achieve three straight playoff qualifications under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, a first in the club’s history.

Though they lost that final in Fatorda in heartbreaking fashion on penalties, Luna's quality has never been in question. Still an active force in the league, he continues to chase that elusive Cup.

Rafael Crivellaro

When fit, Rafael Crivellaro has been one of the most dangerous midfielders in ISL history. His time at Chennaiyin FC was defined by sublime assists, long-range goals and moments of midfield brilliance. He was a key figure in their run to the ISL final in 2019-20 and after a brief spell with Jamshedpur FC, returned to Chennaiyin in 2023-24 to guide them to the playoffs once again, though they fell short of the semi-finals.

Injuries may have interrupted his rhythm, but across four seasons in the league, Crivellaro’s influence whenever he stepped onto the pitch was impossible to ignore. The Brazilian may not have lifted the Cup but few have matched his flair and finesse.

Forwards

Diego Mauricio

A powerful and relentless striker, Diego Mauricio has left a lasting impact at Odisha FC across multiple seasons. He won the Golden Boot in 2022-23, becoming the first player from the club to do so and has consistently ranked among the league’s top scorers.

With his physicality, finishing and knack for delivering under pressure, Mauricio has been a nightmare for defenders. He helped Odisha FC reach their first-ever playoffs in 2022-23, and the following season, took them one step further to the semis. But despite his individual brilliance, the team never quite made it to the final.

For a player who gave Odisha FC so much, the Cup would’ve been the perfect payoff.

Ferran Corominas

No list of great ISL players is complete without Coro. The FC Goa legend still holds the record for being the club’s top scorer and was twice the Golden Boot winner. Intelligent movement, clinical finishing and ice-cold composure defined his game when he was part of the league.

Coro helped FC Goa reach the playoffs in three consecutive seasons and played a pivotal role in their Shield triumph in 2019-20. For one of the league’s finest-ever imports, only a Cup win was missing from an otherwise glittering legacy.

Cleiton Silva

One of the finest Brazilians to grace the ISL, Cleiton Silva left a lasting impression during his time with Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC. Known for his hold-up play, set-piece prowess, and knack for scoring crucial goals, he proved to be a consistent attacking threat.

He finished as Bengaluru FC’s top scorer in the 2021-22 season before enjoying his best-ever campaign with East Bengal FC the following season, netting 12 goals and finishing as the joint-highest scorer in the league. In 2023-24, he once again topped the scoring charts for the Red & Gold Brigade.

Often the standout performer in teams that struggled, Silva’s efforts consistently stood out, even if team success remained elusive. For a player who gave everything on the pitch, a Cup would have been the perfect ending.

Overall, these players may not have lifted the Cup but in the eyes of many fans, they’ll always be winners.