Chennaiyin FC were one of the founding clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) when it kicked off in 2014. In their early years, they quickly became one of the top teams in the league, earning a strong reputation for their never-say-die attitude, exciting style of play, and passionate fan base.

The club lifted the ISL Cup twice in 2015 and 2017–18 and were finalists again in 2019–20. With five playoff appearances, they’ve consistently shown their competitive edge. While recent seasons have seen mixed results, Chennaiyin FC have always found ways to bounce back and stay in the fight.

Choosing their all-time best starting XI wasn’t easy. Over the years, the club has featured some outstanding foreign signings and dependable Indian stars. Sticking to seven Indian players and four foreigners, we’ve done our best to find the right balance.

Goalkeeper: Karanjit Singh

A two-time ISL Cup winner with Chennaiyin FC, Karanjit was the club’s trusted presence between the posts during their most successful years. A calm and reliable presence in goal, he played a big role in the 2017–18 ISL Cup win, making several crucial saves throughout the season. In the 2015 ISL Cup-winning campaign, he mostly played second-choice behind Edel Bete but still stepped up when called upon.

Over his time with the club, Karanjit made 49 appearances and kept 13 clean sheets, showing his ability to deliver under pressure and help the team in big matches.

While Vishal Kaith was also a strong contender for the spot, Karanjit’s influence during the club’s golden period in the early ISL years gives him the edge in our all-time XI.

Right-Back: Mehrajuddin Wadoo

Now serving as the assistant coach of Mohammedan Sporting Club, Mehrajuddin Wadoo makes our all-time Chennaiyin FC XI as the best right-back to wear the blue shirt. During the 2015 and 2016 seasons in the ISL, Wadoo was a dependable and composed figure on the right flank.

He made 27 appearances across those two campaigns and was part of nine clean sheets, bringing his defensive awareness and experience to a developing Chennaiyin FC side. Wadoo played a key role in the team’s 2015 ISL Cup win, contributing both on and off the ball with his calm presence under pressure.

While his time with the club was short, his impact during Chennaiyin FC’s early success makes him a worthy inclusion in this lineup.

Centre-Backs: Bernard Mendy and Mailson Alves

Bernard Mendy arrived in the ISL with a wealth of experience, and the French defender lived up to every expectation. While Chennaiyin FC have had several quality foreign centre-backs over the years, Mendy gets the nod in our all-time XI for his all-round impact, versatility, and leadership.

Primarily a central defender, Mendy was also seen filling in at other positions when needed, showcasing his adaptability and team-first attitude. He featured across the club’s first three seasons and also captained the side to their first ISL Cup win in 2015 along with Elano.

In addition to his defensive strengths, Mendy made meaningful contributions in attack, scoring five goals and providing one assist in 39 appearances. A vocal leader and an organiser at the back, Mendy played a key role in shaping the club’s identity during its early years.

Joining Mendy at the heart of defence is Mailson Alves, the Brazilian centre-back who was also his partner in Chennaiyin FC’s ISL Cup-winning 2015 campaign. The duo formed a solid backline that season, keeping a league-high six clean sheets with the Brazilian involved in five of them. Alves brought strength, discipline, and work rate to complement Mendy’s leadership, helping the club win its first-ever silverware.

However, it was Alves' second spell at the club that truly elevated his legacy. Returning for two more seasons, he became a mainstay in the backline and played a crucial role in Chennaiyin FC’s 2017–18 ISL Cup triumph. His crowning moment came in the final, where he scored a memorable brace against Bengaluru FC to lead his team to a dramatic 3–2 win.

Even during the difficult 2018–19 season, Alves remained a standout performer and captained the side on a few occasions. His consistency and knack for big moments give him the edge over other top foreign defenders like Henrique Sereno and Eli Sabia in our all-time XI.

Left-Back: Jerry Lalrinzuala

There’s hardly any debate when it comes to the left-back position; Jerry Lalrinzuala is the clear pick. While he played for East Bengal FC and Odisha FC too, he will always be remembered for his early years at Chennaiyin FC, where he spent six seasons after joining the club in 2016.

A hard worker and a specialist in delivering accurate crosses, Lalrinzuala quickly became a key figure at the club. He was a reliable and regular presence in the starting lineup, making over 90 ISL appearances in the Chennaiyin FC shirt. During his time at the club, he contributed seven assists and one goal, consistently offering width and defensive stability down the left flank.

He featured in two ISL finals with the club, winning the Cup in the 2017–18 season.

Central Midfielder: Edwin Sydney Vanspaul

Edwin Sydney Vanspaul might have had a quiet second spell with Chennaiyin FC, playing just one match last season, but his earlier contribution to the club was far more significant. Signed ahead of the 2019–20 season, Edwin initially played as a right-back. However, under Owen Coyle, he was pushed into a midfield role, where he proved to be just as effective.

Across four seasons with the Marina Machans, Edwin became a dependable and hard-working presence in the team. He wasn’t the flashiest player on the pitch, but his consistency and ability to adapt to different roles made him stand out.

It’s this longevity and tireless work ethic that gives Edwin the edge over other contenders like Dhanpal Ganesh for a spot in our all-time XI midfield.

Central Midfielder: Anirudh Thapa

Anirudh Thapa firmly established himself as one of the finest Indian midfielders during his time at Chennaiyin FC. Joining the club in 2016, Thapa went on to make 103 appearances, becoming the longest-serving player in the club’s ISL history, and spending seven memorable seasons with the Marina Machans.

He played a key role in several big moments, making 17 goal contributions. Ahead of the 2021–22 season, he was handed the captain’s armband and quickly won over fans with his tireless work rate, intensity, and passion.

Thapa’s combative style, ball-carrying ability, and versatility made him a coach’s dream in midfield. Add to that his calm leadership both on and off the pitch, and it’s easy to see why he’s a must-have in Chennaiyin FC’s all-time XI.

Attacking Midfielder: Rafael Crivellaro

The most difficult decision in this XI was selecting the central attacking midfielder. Chennaiyin FC have had several influential names in this role—Elano Blumer, Raphael Augusto, and Bruno Pelissari all left their mark, but Rafael Crivellaro just edges ahead.

While others lifted silverware with the club, Crivellaro stood out for his ability to carry the team even during difficult phases. In his first spell during the 2019–20 season, he was the creative heartbeat of a side that reached the ISL final, making an incredible 15 goal involvements (7 goals, 8 assists) in just 20 appearances. A serious injury cut short the next season for him.

However, he returned for another stint in the 2023-24 season and once again proved his worth, playing a key role in guiding Chennaiyin FC to the playoffs. Across both spells, Crivellaro made 49 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 16 assists.

With his flair, vision, and ability to turn games around, Crivellaro earns the nod as the all-time CAM for CFC.

Right Winger: Lallianzuala Chhangte

Lallianzuala Chhangte arrived at Chennaiyin FC as a young, exciting talent and quickly made his mark with a string of energetic and impactful performances. Though he spent just two and a half seasons with the club, his contribution during that time was noteworthy and influential.

In his very first season, Chhangte’s pace, dribbling skills, and ability to take on defenders made him a constant threat on the wing. He stepped up in crucial moments, most memorably scoring in both legs of the semi-final against FC Goa during the 2019–20 campaign. Chennaiyin FC eventually fell short in the final against ATK FC, but Chhangte’s performance throughout the season was one of the club’s biggest positives.

During his time with the Marina Machans, Chhangte registered 12 goals and two assists. His sharp rise at Chennaiyin FC makes him a natural fit in the all-time XI.

Left Winger: Steven Mendoza

While Nerijus Valskis was a strong contender for this position after his Golden Boot-winning campaign in 2019–20, it's impossible to look past the electric presence of Steven Mendoza during Chennaiyin FC’s early years.

Mendoza had an incredible ability to shift gears in an instant, making him a constant threat in the final third. His close control, tireless work rate, and ability to deliver under pressure made him one of the most dangerous attackers in ISL history.

During his two-season spell with the Marina Machans, Mendoza recorded 20 goal involvements in just 25 matches, including an unforgettable 2015 campaign where he won both the Golden Boot (with 13 goals and two assists in 16 appearances) and the Golden Ball for his all-round impact. He was instrumental in Chennaiyin FC’s historic first ISL Cup win, capping off the season with a dramatic late winner in the final.

Striker: Jeje Lalpekhlua

Jeje Lalpekhlua was the beating heart and soul of Chennaiyin FC—not just during his playing days, but even after hanging up his boots. One of the most iconic Indian forwards in ISL history, the “Mizo Sniper” featured across five seasons, becoming a true fan favourite.

He was part of both ISL Cup-winning squads (2015 and 2017–18) and played a key role in the club’s success during its golden years. Despite missing the 2019–20 season due to injury, his overall impact remains unmatched.

In 69 appearances for Chennaiyin FC, Lalpekhlua scored 23 goals and provided six assists. The forward consistently delivered and adapted to different systems, proving his value time and again at the club.

His legacy as one of India’s most successful strikers and a Chennaiyin FC icon makes him a certain pick in the all-time XI.

Head Coach – Marco Materazzi

The legendary Italian defender Marco Materazzi is our pick to lead Chennaiyin FC’s all-time XI. He joined the Marina Machans in 2014 as a player-cum-coach and made an instant impact during his three-season spell with the club.

Materazzi guided the team to a top-of-the-table finish in the inaugural ISL season and went one step further in 2015, leading Chennaiyin FC to their first-ever ISL Cup. His leadership and tactical understanding helped build the club’s identity in its early years.

Although the 2016 campaign proved challenging, Materazzi’s tenure laid the foundation for future success. His overall win percentage was higher than that of both John Gregory and Owen Coyle, and his role in shaping the club's early success makes him the ideal choice to manage this all-time XI.