The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a springboard for budding talents, showcasing a myriad of youthful energy destined to shape the football landscape for years to come. Over the past decade, the league has witnessed the ascent of numerous young stars like Sandesh Jhingan, Suresh Singh Wangjam, and Sahal Abdul Samad, who seamlessly transitioned from promising prospects to key players for their respective teams.

The 2023–24 ISL season continued this rich tradition, once again spotlighting emerging talents eager to etch their names in football lore. From Mohammed Sanan K to Shivaldo Singh, a fresh wave of Indian talent graced the league this season. These players not only played significant roles for their clubs but also broke into the scene with goals in the ISL at a very young age.

Amidst this whirlwind of excitement, we highlight five of the youngest players to find the back of the net in the ISL 2023-24 season.

Mohammed Sanan K (Jamshedpur FC) – 19 years, 210 days

Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant, November 1 2023

 

Jamshedpur FC winger Mohammed Sanan K’s early goal against Mohun Bagan SG ranks first on the list, making him the youngest goalscorer of the ISL 2023-24 season.

Sanan took full advantage of a miscommunication between Subhasish Bose and Vishal Kaith, which broke the coordination of the Mariners' backline. With Kaith, the onrushing keeper left out with the goal unmarked, Sanan scored a stunning goal in the sixth minute of the game.

The Kerala-born winger found himself in the right place to receive the miscued clearance from Bose. Showing utmost composure, he finished the attempt towards an open goal, giving Jamshedpur FC an early lead against the Mariners.

Shivaldo Singh (Bengaluru FC) – 19 years, 275 days

FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC, March 14 2024

 

Shivaldo Singh, the versatile Bengaluru FC defender, finds himself in the second spot as the only teenager to achieve this feat.

A long ball from Suresh Singh, delivered from deep, broke the FC Goa defensive line, leaving Shivaldo Singh in a favourable position in front of Dheeraj Singh. Shivaldo kept his composure and made no mistake in scoring his first ISL goal in the second minute of the game. Shivaldo beat Dheeraj in a 1v1 situation with his powerful right-footed shot, which was deflected by the goalkeeper’s hand but had enough power to cross the goal line.

Gurkirat Singh (Mumbai City FC) – 20 years, 165 days

Mumbai City FC vs Chennaiyin FC, December 28 2023

 

Gurkirat Singh’s fascinating footwork just outside the Chennaiyin FC box, after receiving the ball from Apuia, helped him dribble past his markers, placing him in an accurate position to fire a left-footed curling shot. His goal sealed the victory for Mumbai City FC as they eased past Owen Coyle’s men with a 3-0 scoreline.

Notably, this was Singh's first ISL goal since making his debut in the 2021–22 season.

Parthib Gogoi (NorthEast United FC) – 20 years, 237 days

NorthEast United FC vs Mumbai City FC, September 24 2023

 

Parthib Gogoi’s equalizing goal against Mumbai City FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium secures the fourth spot on the list.

In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, the winger positioned himself perfectly to receive a meticulously executed long pass on the edge of the opponent's box. With lightning-quick reflexes and impeccable control, he deftly evaded Rahul Bheke, before unleashing a looping, curved strike which sailed past the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper, Phurba Lachenpa.

Harsh Patre (Bengaluru FC) – 20 years, 309 days

Bengaluru FC vs Punjab FC, November 30 2023

 

Harsh Patre’s first-ever goal in the ISL comes fifth on the list. The midfielder swiftly levelled the scoreline just two minutes later for the Blues, responding to Punjab FC's early lead in the 19th minute.

Patre, who himself orchestrated the goal move starting from the centre circle, executed a quick one-two with Sunil Chhetri just outside the Punjab FC box before placing a precise left-footed shot into the bottom corner, leaving no chance for the Shers’ custodian Ravi Kumar.