The 2024-2025 Indian Super League (ISL) season was an enthralling spectacle for football fans.A total of 468 goals were scored across 163 games, averaging 2.87 goals per match - keeping fans glued to the action week in, week out.

While the league saw its fair share of screamers, silky finishes, and thunderous volleys, it was consistency that separated the elite forwards from the rest. But unlike previous seasons, this year’s Golden Boot race had a clear runaway winner, thanks to a phenomenal debut season by NorthEast United FC’s Alaaeddine Ajaraie.

Here’s a look at the top five scorers from the season:

1. Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC) - 23 goals

The Moroccan maestro took Indian football by storm. In his first season in the ISL, Ajaraie smashed records with 23 goals, clinching the Golden Boot in dominant fashion. Ajaraie was a constant threat in front of the goal, registering seven braces, including home and away doubles against both Odisha FC and Jamshedpur FC. Remarkably, he went goalless in only nine matches.

But his influence wasn’t limited to scoring—he also finished second in assists with seven, showcasing his all-around attacking flair. His performances earned him not just the Golden Boot but also the prestigious Golden Ball, cementing his place as the league’s standout star.

2. Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC) - 14 goals

At 40, Chhetri turned back the clock with a sensational season. After a quiet 2023-24 campaign with only five goals, the Bengaluru FC captain responded in style, scoring 14 times in 28 appearances.

His highlights included a brace against Hyderabad FC, a hat-trick against Kerala Blasters in a thrilling 4-2 win at the Kanteerava, and two crucial goals in the playoffs. Leading from the front, he once again proved why he's one of Indian football's greatest ever.

3. Jamie Maclaren (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) - 12 goals

Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s forward enjoyed a stellar debut season with the Mariners, recording 12 goals and two assists to play a major role in his side’s ISL double-winning campaign. Despite a slow start to life at MBSG, the Aussie forward made his mark as the league progressed and peaked at the business end of the season. His consistency and class came to the forefront, and it was his strike that sealed the ISL Cup win.

4. Jesus Jimenez (Kerala Blasters FC) - 11 goals

Jesus Jimenez made a solid impact in his first season with the Blasters, perfectly filling the big shoes of Dimitrios Diamantakos. Despite missing a significant amount of time due to injury, the Spanish forward racked up 11 goals, including a run of scoring in six consecutive games. With his presence up front and link-up play with Noah Sadaoui, he remained a significant threat throughout the campaign, despite the team’s struggles.

5. Luka Majcen (Punjab FC) - 10 goals

Rounding off the top five is Punjab FC's ever-reliable Luka Majcen. The Slovenian forward had scored eight goals last season and improved on that tally by finding the net 10 times this season. Renowned for his sharp movement inside the box, powerful strikes from close range, and agile dribbling, he continued to make a significant goal-scoring contribution for the Shers. Under a new head coach and alongside mostly new teammates, he transitioned well.

Honourable mentions: Armando Sadiku, Nikolaos Karelis, and Wilmar Jordan Gil also scored 10 goals each, but clocked more minutes on the pitch than Majcen.