In a league filled with flying wingers and clinical strikers, it’s often easy to overlook the men at the back, especially when it comes to goals in the Indian Super League (ISL). But every now and then, some defenders step up, not just with last-ditch tackles or crucial interceptions, but with decisive strikes in front of goal.

The ISL 2024-25 season saw a handful of defenders regularly turning up on the scoresheet be it through towering headers off set-pieces to instinctive finishes in the box.

Here are six defenders who not only protected their goal but also made a habit of finding the opposition’s net.

1) Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) - 6 Goals

Subhasish Bose was a man on a mission this season. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant skipper was instrumental in their incredible campaign, guiding them to the ISL double. But it wasn’t just his defensive solidity or leadership that caught the eye. Bose found the net six times this season, making him the top-scoring defender in the league.

Bose consistently showed up when it mattered and was a major threat from set-pieces, with most of his goals coming from headers. He even finished as his team’s third-highest goalscorer, a stat you don’t often associate with a defender.

2) Mourtada Fall (Odisha FC) - 5 Goals

At this point, it almost feels like Mourtada Fall is legally required to score goals every season.

The veteran Senegalese defender continued his rich tradition of being a threat from corners and set-pieces, netting five times for Odisha FC. Known for his aerial dominance and experience, Fall made life miserable for opposition defenders and goalkeepers alike with his well-timed leaps and bullet headers.

Despite Odisha FC’s mixed run this season where they narrowly missed out on the playoffs, Fall’s goals were often momentum-shifting, especially when Odisha FC needed a spark from an unexpected source. Once again, he proved why he’s one of the most effective attacking defenders in ISL history.

3) Alberto Rodriguez (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) - 5 Goals

The Spanish centre-back was the epitome of calm and composure at the heart of MBSG’s defence, forming a solid partnership with Tom Aldred that helped the Mariners register the most clean sheets in the league. But Rodríguez wasn’t content with just keeping goals. He made sure to chip in with five goals of his own.

He often popped up with clutch finishes in high-pressure games and in a season that saw the Mariners dominate the league, Rodríguez’s contributions in both penalty areas were vital.

4) Nathan Rodrigues (Mumbai City FC) - 3 Goals

Nathan Rodrigues may have started the season as a fresh face but he finished it as one of Mumbai City FC’s biggest revelations.

The young fullback had a breakthrough campaign, bringing both flair and maturity to the flank. Whether it was his overlapping runs or charging into the box to score goals, Rodrigues grew in confidence under head coach Petr Kratky and became a crucial member of their playing eleven.

In a team known for its structured style of play, he added extra spark in the final third. And at just 21, this could be the first of many goal-filled seasons for the Goan lad.

5) Stephen Eze (Jamshedpur FC) - 3 Goals

We already know Eze is a mountain at the back but during the 2024-25 season, the Nigerian defender reminded us that he can be a menace up top too.

Returning to Jamshedpur FC for another stint, Eze added three goals to his tally, making him one of the league’s top-scoring centre-backs. One of his standout goals saw him dart from the halfway line, glide past a couple of defenders and curl a beauty into the far corner against MBSG. Some fans instantly labeled it ‘Ankara Eze’, the kind of goal even Lionel Messi would tip his hat to.

His physicality and ability to dominate aerial duels made him Jamshedpur FC’s go-to man during dead-ball situations. And while the club’s defensive record was patchy, Eze helped them stay competitive right till the semi-final run.

6) Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC) - 3 Goals

Back in blue and back in business, Rahul Bheke’s homecoming season with Bengaluru FC had all the makings of a comeback story that was worth celebrating.

Bheke not only marshaled the backline but also led by example as Bengaluru FC made it to their first final in two years. With three goals and 10 clean sheets, he was a two-way force; solid as a rock defensively and sharp enough to finish chances when they came his way.

His presence on set-pieces gave BFC another dimension in attack while his leadership in defence ensured the team stayed organised. For a player who's been around the block, Bheke proved why he remains among the league’s finest defenders.