The Indian Super League (ISL) has not only provided a platform for India’s brightest footballing prospects but has also attracted young international talent eager to make an early impression in their careers. While the league has often welcomed experienced overseas professionals, several clubs have also placed their faith in hiring youthful foreign players.

Read: FIVE young foreigners who found instant stardom in the ISL

Their energy, potential, and long-term value made them exciting prospects, and clubs have been quick to seize the opportunity to bring them in.

In this article, we take a look at the five youngest foreign players to make their debut in the ISL.

Stijn Houben (Delhi Dynamos FC) – 19 years, 210 days old

Stijn Houben made his debut in November 2014 at the age of 19, earning his first start in a 2–1 away defeat to FC Goa.

The Dutch centre-back partnered Anwar Ali in central defence. He played only one season in the ISL, making seven appearances, with two of them coming as a substitute. Despite his age, Houben delivered a composed performance and showed promise in his limited minutes.

To this day, he remains the youngest foreign player to make an ISL debut.

Sibongakonke Mbatha (ATK FC) – 20 years, 54 days old

Defending champions ATK FC endured a challenging start to the 2017–18 campaign and, midway through the season, they brought in a young South African attacking midfielder, Sibongakonke Mbatha.

Mbatha joined the Kolkata-based side and was among the brightest spot on an otherwise disappointing night during his debut on 24 February, scoring in a 4–3 defeat to Delhi Dynamos FC.

He made his debut at just 20 years and 54 days old and went on to make two more appearances, finishing with three in total.

Francis Dadzie (NorthEast United FC) – 20 years, 93 days old

Third youngest on the list is Ghanaian forward Francis Dadzie, who, like the previous two, played only one season in the ISL.

Dadzie joined NorthEast United FC ahead of the 2015 season and made his debut as a substitute in their 3–1 defeat to Kerala Blasters FC in the opening game. The forward made 11 appearances and scored one goal, which came in a 3–1 home loss to FC Goa. His performances added youthful energy to a NorthEast United FC side that narrowly missed out on the playoffs.

Matheus Trindade (FC Goa) – 20 years, 213 days old

Brazilian midfielder Matheus Trindademade his ISL debut at 20 years and 213 days old, featuring for FC Goa in a 2–0 defeat to NorthEast United FC in 2016. Despite his young age, he showcased impressive versatility, playing across various midfield roles and creating chances regularly. He ended his debut season with 13 appearances and one assist.

In the following campaign, he signed for the newly-formed Jamshedpur FC, where he enjoyed a breakthrough year. Trindade not only anchored the midfield but also stepped up in attack, scoring four goals in 15 appearances.

Gustavo Marmentini dos Santos (Delhi Dynamos FC) – 20 years, 255 days old

Gustavo Marmentini dos Santos spent two seasons in the ISL with Delhi Dynamos FC and remains the fifth-youngest foreigner to debut in the league to date.

One of the brightest young sparks in the early seasons of the ISL, Marmentini made his debut at 20 years and 255 days old, coming on as a late substitute in a goalless draw against FC Pune City. He gradually found his rhythm as the season progressed and finished his debut campaign with five goals and two assists.

In the following season, he added three goals to his name and continued to play a vital role in the attack, helping Delhi Dynamos FC qualify for the playoffs for the first time.