Best Indian Footballer: Top 10 Indian Football Players Currently

The Indian football scene has been a little dull in recent times, but that doesn't stop the country from producing phenomenal football players. When it comes to the best Indian footballer, there are several players who come to mind based on their recent success and overall contribution to club and country. From Sunil Chhetri to Lallianzuala Chhangte, there have been several players who performed brilliantly last season and are looking to dominate the upcoming campaign. Join us as we take a look at some of the best football players from India currently who continue to bring fame and limelight to Indian football.

Best Indian Footballers (Top 10 List)

While the Indian Super League and other international matches have presented some great football players from India in recent memory, the main question ahead is, who can be adjudged as the Indian football best player at the moment? Well, there might be several answers to that question, as many players have outdone themselves to become the best players in the country. However, we have carefully curated a table for the Indian football best player, keeping in mind their current form and success, making them the best Indian football players at the moment. Join us as we take a look at the Top 10 list of the best Indian footballers at the moment.

How did we rank the Best Indian Footballer?

Given the current scenario, it might be tough to rank the best Indian footballer on the basis of only one metric. Therefore, we have carefully set out several metrics to rank these players so the ranking remains fair irrespective of their playing position.

• Performance Stats: A player's performance is a key metric that should be kept in mind while ranking these players. These statistics include goals, assists, saves, and several other individual statistics for each player.
• Consistency: Consistency is a huge ranking factor, as a player who is consistent for his team and always shows up is an essential part of the squad. A player who easily avoids injuries and is match fit most of the time is an asset.
• Impact in Key Matches: Every player needs to perform in crucial matches, which might carve the path ahead for his team. Crucial performances in knockout matches or derbies automatically elevate the player's overall ranking in the list.

NOTE: All the stats of the different players in this top 10 list have been taken from Sportsdunia, Transfermarkt, Fbref, and FootyStats, respectively.

Who are the Best Indian Footballers?

As we previously ranked some factors based on which we have curated a list of the best Indian footballers, the question might arise as to who is the best Indian footballer at the moment. Well, if we talk about the best player in the Indian football team at the moment, several fans might have numerous choices, but on the basis of the metrics provided above, we have carefully ranked some of the Indian football team at the moment.

10) Akash Mishra (Mumbai City FC)

The 24-year-old defender Akash Mishra has been dominating the left flank with his defensive as well as offensive prowess. The Mumbai City left-back has previously played for Hyderabad FC and the Indian Arrows and is currently also a part of the Indian National team.

He is widely praised for his prolific play and calculative positioning. His attack-minded approach has made him one of the best crossers at such a young age. It remains to be seen how this young and promising talent is used in the future.

9) Lalengmawia Ralte (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Another promising Indian midfielder, Lalengmawia Ralte, currently plays for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the ISL and also represents the Indian National team. Known by his nickname Apuia, the 25-year-old has previously played for Mumbai City, NorthEast United, and the Indian Arrows.

He is known for his energy, stamina, and the ability to win the ball back. Being a central midfielder, Apuia also creates several counterattacking opportunities.

8) Anirudh Thapa (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Indian midfielder Anirudh Thapa is one of the most reliable midfielders for India and has been playing in the Indian Super League (ISL) for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, which happens to be one of the biggest Indian football teams currently.

Considered to be a dynamic and versatile midfielder, Anirudh Thapa prefers playing box-to-box and is extremely adaptable, making him one of the key players in his team. He excels in creative passing and is beneficial in attack as well as defence.

7) Sandesh Jhingan (FC Goa)

Sandesh Jhingan is one of the most experienced Indian centre-backs and has been prominently performing at the highest level for several years. The 32-year-old currently plays for ISL club Goa FC and also captains the Indian National team at the moment.

Jhingan is a huge aerial threat, and having such physicality, his presence is a huge threat to attackers. Making crucial interceptions and clearances, Sandesh Jhingan is one of the most reliable defenders for India.

6) Liston Colaco (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Indian forward Liston Colaco is one of the most prolific forwards at the moment and plays in the ISL for Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The 27-year-old also represents the Indian National football team and has played for several clubs over the years.

Known for his immense pace and dribbling skills, Liston Colaco is also a lethal left winger, where he excels. Being phenomenal in shooting, he likes to take on defenders and score goals from inside the box. Being able to play as a left winger as well as a striker, Liston Colaco is one of the most versatile forwards at the moment.

5) Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Indian left-back Subhasish Bose currently plays for ISL club Mohun Bagan Super Giant, which he captains, and also represents the Indian National team. Known for a veteran skillset and defensive prowess, Bose can also play as a centre-back, which showcases his versatility.

The 30-year-old has also played for Sporting Goa, Bengaluru, and Mumbai City before. Given his physicality, Bose is a huge threat to opposition attackers and has been a valuable asset for India.

4) Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC)

Rahul Bheke is considered to be one of the best Indian footballers, and has been a huge defensive threat over the years for the Indian football team. He currently plays and captains the ISL club Bengaluru FC and also represents the Indian National team.

Rahul is one of the most versatile defenders in the Indian football team as he is capable of playing as a right-back, along with being a centre-back. His aerial powers and tackling skills make him one of the most lethal defenders.

3) Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Probably the best Indian footballer for many, Sunil Chhetri is one of the most decorated Indian football players of all time. Known for his immense pace and versatility on the field, Sunil Chhetri is the fourth-highest International goalscorer, the most-capped player and the all-time top goalscorer of the Indian national team and one of the most famous Indian footballers too.

The 41-year-old maestro currently plays for Bengaluru FC in the ISL and also represents the Indian National team. He is a recipient of the Arjuna Award, the Padma Shri Award, and the Khel Ratna Award, showcasing his excellence in the world of football.

Although he's retired now from the national team, Chhetri has cemented his place as one of the biggest legends in Indian football, contributing immensely towards the betterment of the game in the country.

2) Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Vishal Kaith has been one of the biggest revelations for Indian football in recent times. The 29-year-old currently plays for Mohun Bagan Super Giant and also represents the Indian National team occasionally.

He has been saving Mohun Bagan day in and day out with his magical saves, being one of the trusted figures between the posts. Kaith has proved his worth in the past couple of seasons, even bettering the legendary Gurpreet Singh Sandhu at times, which gave him a big shout for the no. 1 goalkeeping position in the national team. Only time will tell how his career carves out ahead, but as of now, he is one of the most in-form Indian football players.

1) Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC)

Probably the best football player in the Indian team currently, Lallianzuala Chhangte, is one of the most lethal forwards in the Indian team. He currently plays and captains the ISL club Mumbai City and also represents the Indian national team.

Being a fast and pacy attacker, he is called ‘Mizo Flash’ due to his staggering pace. Being versatile and tactically equipped, Chhangte aligns perfectly with the position he is given and has phenomenal goal finishing ability. His skillset and vision make him one of the best Indian footballers at the moment.