Spanish players have played a defining role in shaping the identity of the Indian Super League (ISL) and have been at the heart of its growth and evolution. Bringing with them a blend of technical finesse, tactical intelligence, and competitive spirit, they have left a lasting impact on Indian football.

Read: Best Brazilian XI in ISL history

Spain also holds the record for the highest representation among foreigners in the ISL, with 116 players featuring in at least one match. Selecting the best XI from such a rich talent pool was never going to be easy, but after weighing individual brilliance, consistency, and influence, here is our ultimate Spanish XI in ISL history.

Goalkeeper

Toni Doblas

The former Real Betis shot-stopper brought a wealth of experience to the ISL. Representing Delhi Dynamos in the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Toni Doblas was calm under pressure and excellent at organising his defence. His knack for producing big saves in crunch moments gave the team a sense of security between the posts. He played a key role in helping Delhi Dynamos reach the playoffs in both campaigns.

Defenders

Odei Onaindia

A silent yet commanding figure in defence, Odei Onaindia made his mark with Hyderabad FC, quickly earning a reputation for reliability at the back. When he returned to the league in 2022–23, he looked even sharper, bringing an added edge to his game. Following coach Manolo Marquez to FC Goa for the next two seasons, Odei showcased his all-round qualities; strong in the air, precise in his positioning, and composed on the ball. Combining physical presence with a crisp passing game, he proved the perfect fit for Marquez’s style of play.

Juanan

A two-time ISL Cup winner, Juanan brought both stability and elegance to the backline. One of the league’s most experienced foreign defenders, he spent five seasons in the ISL, most of them with Bengaluru FC. His ability to play out from the back made him a perfect fit for the Blues’ style, while his leadership and consistency were vital in their 2018–19 ISL Cup triumph. In 2021–22, he joined Hyderabad FC and played a key role under Manolo Márquez as they lifted the ISL Cup.

Tiri

One of the most consistent foreign defenders in ISL history, Tiri is known for his calmness on the ball and excellent positioning. The most-capped foreign player in the league with 154 appearances, he has been a key figure for ATK FC, Jamshedpur FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and now Mumbai City FC.

Also Read: How Tiri rose as a defensive stalwart in the ISL

Strong in the tackle and smart in his reading of the game, he is equally comfortable starting attacks from the back. Season after season, Tiri has been a benchmark for defensive quality in the ISL.

Midfielders

Borja Fernandez

One of the ISL’s earliest Spanish stars, Borja Fernandez, was an ever-present figure in the ATK FC line-up during the league’s formative years. His experience, defensive solidity, and composure under pressure proved invaluable as he helped the side lift the ISL Cup in the inaugural season. In the following two campaigns, he donned the captain’s armband and once again guided the Kolkata outfit to glory in 2016. A natural leader and a calming influence, Fernandez was a pillar both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Edu Bedia

Only the third Spanish player to reach 100 ISL appearances, Edu Bedia was a one-club man, representing FC Goa for six seasons. One of the most gifted midfielders in league history, he was the heartbeat of the Gaurs, dictating play from deep with his vision, passing range, and set-piece mastery. His creativity made him a cornerstone of the team for years, and he played a pivotal role in their first ISL League Shield triumph in the 2019–20 season.

Dimas Delgado

The calm in the chaos, Dimas Delgado was Bengaluru FC’s on-field compass during his four seasons in the ISL. With an elegance that made the game look effortless, he dictated the tempo, threaded passes through the tightest gaps, and always seemed two steps ahead of the opposition. His composure and vision were pivotal to Bengaluru FC’s 2018–19 ISL Cup triumph, while his tireless work off the ball kept the midfield perfectly balanced. One of the finest deep-lying playmakers in league history, Dimas left an enduring mark on the Blues’ style of play.

Javi Hernandez

A proven big-game player, Javi Hernandez made his mark with ATK FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC, and Jamshedpur FC by delivering goals and assists when they mattered most. One of the few players to maintain top form across multiple clubs, he has 125 appearances, the second-most by a Spanish player in the ISL. Comfortable as both a playmaker and an advanced midfielder, his vision, creativity, and knack for stepping up in clutch moments have earned him a reputation as a true match-winner.

Alberto Noguera

A tireless presence in midfield, Alberto Noguera combined skill, vision, and control to great effect in the ISL. Across five seasons with FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, and Bengaluru FC, he came just two games short of the 100-appearance milestone. Equally comfortable in deep or advanced roles, he was calm under pressure, quick to find space, and capable of opening defences with a perfectly timed pass. His intelligence on the ball and remarkable consistency made him indispensable for every side he played for. During his time in India, Noguera added both the ISL Shield and the ISL Cup to his achievements.

Strikers

Ferran Corominas

The gold standard for strikers in the ISL, Coro set new benchmarks for goal scoring during his time at FC Goa. With intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and exceptional link-up play, he consistently tormented defences, capable of finding the net from anywhere in the final third. A back-to-back Golden Boot winner in 2017–18 and 2018–19, he amassed an incredible 48 goals and 16 assists in just 57 appearances.

More than just a prolific poacher, Coro was the creative heartbeat of the Gaurs’ attack, often dropping deep to orchestrate play. His legacy as one of the most influential strikers to have ever graced the ISL remains firmly intact.

Igor Angulo

A natural-born finisher, Igor Angulo made an instant impact in the ISL. He went on to win the Golden Boot in his debut season with FC Goa, scoring 14 goals in 21 appearances. He later brought his scoring prowess to Mumbai City FC, where he blended physical presence with razor-sharp instincts to find the net with minimal chances, adding 12 more goal involvements, including ten goals in 19 appearances. Lethal inside the box and decisive under pressure, Angulo was the kind of striker who needed only a split second to change the course of a game.