Leadership is often a thankless job. While head coaches pull the strings from the sidelines, it’s the captain who brings the plan to life on the pitch: organising teammates, rallying the squad in tough moments, and making split-second decisions, all while delivering their own performance. Captains are the heartbeat of a team: steady, focused, and always switched on.

In this article, we spotlight five ISL captains who did more than just wear the armband. They stood tall, led with purpose, and defined their teams with success, leadership, and unwavering loyalty.

Subhasish Bose

Becoming an ISL Shield-winning captain is no simple feat, and to do it in consecutive seasons is something very special. Subhasish Bose has done exactly that. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant skipper took over the captain’s armband following Pritam Kotal’s departure and stepped into the role with composure and leadership.

The Mariners had lifted the ISL Cup under Kotal in the 2022–23 season, but the Shield had eluded them. Under Bose’s captaincy, they finally clinched the League Shield, edging past Mumbai City FC to win it for the first time.

The following season was even more historic. The Kolkata giants not only defended their Shield in dominant fashion but also went one step further, reclaiming the ISL Cup and thus completing the ISL double, a feat they narrowly missed in the previous season.

Arguably the most successful captain in terms of silverware in ISL history, Bose has now led the side in 50 matches, making his case not just with silverware but with consistent performances and calm leadership.

Sunil Chhetri

Captain. Leader. Legend. No phrase fits Sunil Chhetri better. The face of Bengaluru FC has started as captain in a whopping 137 ISL matches, by far the most in league history.

Since Bengaluru FC's ISL debut in 2017–18, Chhetri has led from the front, guiding them to top-place finishes in their first two seasons and lifting the ISL Cup in 2018–19 with a memorable win over FC Goa in the final.

His on-field intelligence and off-field mentorship have been instrumental in shaping young talents, many of whom credit him for their growth. Through ups and downs, he has always led the Blues by example.

There is no question about his loyalty. Chhetri has remained with Bengaluru FC since their ISL debut, embodying everything what the team stands for. He is BFC through and through.

Amrinder Singh

Amrinder Singh has made his mark at every club he’s represented, but it was at Mumbai City FC and now with Odisha FC where he truly led by example. He captained Mumbai City FC to an unforgettable ISL double in 2020–21, lifting both the ISL Shield and ISL Cup.

He set the tone between the sticks that season with 10 clean sheets (joint-highest) and 59 saves (2nd most) across 23 games.

He joined Odisha FC in 2022 and took on the captaincy role from the 2023–24 season. That season, he led the Kalinga Warriors to their first-ever ISL semi-final, finishing the season with a league-high 81 saves. He has now captained Odisha FC in 48 ISL games, proving that his leadership and shot-stopping ability remain among the best in the league.

Peter Hartley

Peter Hartley may not lead the charts for most matches captained for a single team, but his impact at Jamshedpur FC is undeniable. The English defender arrived in 2020 and was handed the captain’s armband from day one. A vocal, commanding presence at the back, Hartley was a natural leader and an on-field extension of head coach Owen Coyle.

He played across three seasons with the Men of Steel and his standout moment came in the 2021–22 season, when he led the team to their first-ever silverware, the ISL Shield. That season, Jamshedpur FC conceded just 21 goals, the fewest in the league phase, with Hartley marshalling the backline with grit and authority.

His leadership helped shape Jamshedpur FC’s identity during their most successful era, and he remains one of the most respected foreign captains to have played in the ISL.

Joao Victor

When Joao Victor joined Hyderabad FC, the club was still finding its feet. Four seasons later, he left as one of their greatest-ever players and leaders. A one-club man during his time in India, Victor led 50 matches as captain, placing him among the longest-serving ISL skippers for a single team.

His leadership reached its peak in 2021–22, when he captained Hyderabad FC to their first ISL Cup, beating Kerala Blasters FC in a dramatic final. Beyond the silverware, Victor’s consistency and presence in midfield stood out. He registered 15 goal contributions and played a pivotal role in organising play and setting the tempo.

Victor embodied Hyderabad FC’s rise: a quiet leader, fiercely loyal, and central to their most successful chapter.