In the ever-evolving world of football, loyalty is becoming a rare trait. The Indian Super League (ISL) too has seen a flurry of players come and go. But amidst all this, a few players have stood as symbols of consistency and identity for a single club. These are the players who season after season, chose to stay, lead and define their team’s ethos both on and off the pitch.

While many other players may have played several matches for a single club, the ones featured here are more than just long-serving members. They are the true one-club men of the ISL – players who became synonymous with the badge they wore, who weathered both triumphs and setbacks with their teams and who influenced dressing rooms.

Be it their leadership, commitment or sheer quality, these individuals shaped the destinies of their clubs and left behind legacies that will be difficult to match.

1) Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

When Bengaluru FC made their ISL debut in the 2017-18 season, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was between the sticks and he has remained there ever since. With 164 appearances for the Blues, Sandhu has been a constant presence in goal and a key figure in the club's success.

Over the years, Sandhu has helped Bengaluru FC reach four ISL finals, winning the Cup once. In the 2024-25 season, after a rocky middle phase despite a strong start, he bounced back to guide the team into yet another final.

Sandhu’s resilience, shot-stopping ability and leadership have earned him two Golden Glove awards and his evolution from a promising young keeper to one of India's finest has been largely scripted in Bengaluru FC. More than just a goalkeeper, he's the spine of the club.

2) Edu Bedia (FC Goa)

One of the most defining figures in FC Goa’s modern identity, Edu Bedia arrived at the club in 2017 and went on to become the heartbeat of their midfield for six seasons. He brought a distinct Spanish flavour to FC Goa’s style of play, quickly earning the admiration of Indian football fans.

He made over 100 appearances for the club and departed in 2023 as FC Goa’s longest-serving foreign player. During that time, Bedia wasn’t just a consistent performer but also a leader. After the Sergio Lobera era, he stepped up as captain and became the team’s guiding force both on and off the pitch. In the 2022-23 season, even as FC Goa narrowly missed out on the playoffs, Bedia enjoyed one of his best campaigns, recording three goals and four assists. Under his influence, the Gaurs remained one of the most attractive attacking sides in the league, missing the playoffs in just two of his six seasons.

3) Carlos Delgado (Odisha FC)

No foreign defender has made more appearances for Odisha FC than Carlos Delgado, who has featured 79 times for the club. Joining initially on loan in the 2019-20 season, Delgado played a vital role in helping Odisha FC finish sixth in their debut ISL campaign where they narrowly missed out on the playoffs.

After a brief return to Spain, he reunited with Josep Gombau and captained the team to their first-ever playoff qualification in 2022-23. The team went one step ahead the following season. Delgado was at the heart of Odisha FC’s defensive transformation as they went unbeaten at home in the 2023-24 campaign and registered nine clean sheets, with Delgado playing a part in eight of them. Even in 2024-25, where the club narrowly missed playoff qualification, Delgado remained central to their plans, offering leadership and solidity at the back.

4) Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters FC)

If there is one foreign player who has embodied the spirit of Kerala Blasters FC, it is Adrian Luna. Making his debut in the 2021-22 season, Luna quickly won the hearts of fans with his flair, attacking ability and leadership. He has since then racked up 75 appearances, making him the longest-serving foreigner at the club.

Luna’s impact was immediate in the 2021-22 season. That campaign, the Blasters reached the final and Luna contributed six goals and seven assists, his best-ever ISL campaign. Over his first three seasons, the Blasters reached the playoffs each time. This was a first in the club’s history. Even in a challenging 2024-25 season, Luna remained the team's creative heartbeat and captain, rallying a young squad and continuing to inspire from midfield. He is now a cult hero among the Blasters fans.

5) Joao Victor (Hyderabad FC)

Efficient and criminally underrated, Joao Victor was the midfield lynchpin of Hyderabad FC from 2020 to 2024, making 71 appearances. His time at the club coincided with their most successful years under former head coach Manolo Marquez.

Victor captained Hyderabad FC to their first ISL Cup in 2021-22 and was central to the team finishing in the top two for two consecutive seasons. Known for his ability to read the game and positional sense, he also chipped in with crucial goals. Even during their disappointing 2023-24 season where Hyderabad FC finished bottom and many players left, Victor stayed on and led the team with dignity. His service has made him the longest-serving foreign player at the club and his contribution, a club legend.

6) Seriton Fernandes (FC Goa)

A local lad from Goa, Fernandes has become a symbol of consistency and pride for FC Goa ever since joining the club in 2017. Over the years, he has racked up 140 appearances, making him the longest-serving player at the club.

As a full-back, he has played a vital role in shaping FC Goa’s success over the seasons. Fernandes was a key part of the squad that lifted the Shield in the 2019-20 season and has featured in six semi-final campaigns with the Gaurs.

Although injuries limited his involvement in the 2024-25 season, he still made an impact in the minutes he played. Now, as a senior figure in the dressing room, his leadership and experience continue to be invaluable to the Gaurs. For the fans, he isn’t just a player but one of their own.