Top 10 Indian Footballers: Ranking the Best Players in Indian Football Today

Indian football features a group of players who have been raising the sport’s profile nationally. At the forefront stands Lallianzuala Chhangte, known for his leadership, scoring ability, and consistency. Behind him, goalkeeper Vishal Kaith offers dependable goalkeeping, while defender Sandesh Jhingan provides solidity and experience at the back. Midfield creators like Anirudh Thapa and Lalengmawia Ralte add vision and control. Attackers such as the legendary Sunil Chhetri and emerging talent Liston Colaco complete this list. Alongside them, Subhasish Bose and Rahul Bheke play crucial roles for their clubs and country, earning spots among India’s top footballers.

Though Indian football has faced quieter times recently, it continues to produce remarkable talents. When discussing the best Indian footballer, several names arise due to recent success and contributions. From veterans like Sunil Chhetri to rising stars like Lallianzuala Chhangte, many have shone brightly last season and look set to dominate the future.

Top 10 Indian Footballers Right Now

The question of who is the best Indian football player remains subjective. Still, based on current form and achievements, here is a curated ranking of the top 10 Indian footballers today:

• 10) Akash Mishra - Left-Back, Mumbai City FC
• 9) Lalengmawia Ralte - Midfielder, Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• 8) Anirudh Thapa - Midfielder, Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• 7) Sandesh Jhingan - Centre-back, FC Goa
• 6) Liston Colaco - Forward, Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• 5) Subhasish Bose - Left-back, Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• 4) Rahul Bheke - Centre-back, Bengaluru FC
• 3) Sunil Chhetri - Forward, Bengaluru FC
• 2) Vishal Kaith - Goalkeeper, Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• 1) Lallianzuala Chhangte - Forward, Mumbai City FC

Criteria Behind the Rankings

• Performance Stats: Goals, assists, saves, and other individual numbers shape these rankings.
• Consistency: Regularly performing well and staying fit enhances a player's value.
• Impact in Big Matches: Delivering in decisive games boosts a player's standing.

Data was gathered from sources including Sportsdunia, Transfermarkt, Fbref, and FootyStats.

Detailed Player Profiles and Stats

• Akash Mishra (Mumbai City FC): The 24-year-old left-back blends defense and attack, known for sharp positioning and strong crossing. Appearances: 20; Aerial Duels won per 90: 0.10; Blocks per 90: 0.68; Interceptions per 90: 0.17.
• Lalengmawia Ralte (Mohun Bagan Super Giant): Nicknamed Apuia, this 25-year-old midfielder excels in stamina and ball recovery, creating counterattacks. Appearances: 27; Goals + Assists: 1; Progressive Passes in Final Third per 90: 0.59; Progressive Carries per 90: 0.23.
• Anirudh Thapa (Mohun Bagan Super Giant): A dynamic box-to-box midfielder with creativity and versatility. Appearances: 22; Goals + Assists: 5; Progressive Passes in Final Third per 90: 1.81; Progressive Carries per 90: 0.27.
• Sandesh Jhingan (FC Goa): Experienced centre-back and captain of the national team, strong in aerial duels and defensive actions. Appearances: 24; Aerial Duels Won per 90: 2.23; Blocks per 90: 1.09; Interceptions per 90: 1.09.
• Liston Colaco (Mohun Bagan Super Giant): Speedy forward with exceptional dribbling, playing as winger or striker. Appearances: 32; Goals + Assists: 8; Shots on Target per 90: 2.71; Chance Creation per 90: 1.23.
• Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan Super Giant): Veteran left-back and captain, known for physicality and defensive versatility. Appearances: 30; Aerial Duels Won per 90: 2.10; Blocks per 90: 0.69; Interceptions per 90: 2.02.
• Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC): Versatile defender capable of playing right-back and centre-back roles effectively. Appearances: 26; Aerial Duels Won per 90: 1.59; Blocks per 90: 0.61; Interceptions per 90: 1.06.
• Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC): One of India’s greatest, fastest, and most prolific scorers with a career full of accolades. Appearances: 34; Expected Goals (xG): 12.80; Goals: 17; Assists: 4.
• Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan Super Giant): Highly reliable goalkeeper with an impressive save percentage and clean sheets. Appearances: 31; Clean Sheets: 19; Total Saves: 75; Save % per 90: 79.7.
• Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC): Known as 'Mizo Flash' for his pace, finishing, and versatility upfront. Appearances: 27; Goals + Assists: 13; Shots on Target per 90: 2.64; Chance Creation per 90: 1.26.

Common Questions

• Who is India's best footballer currently? Most consider Lallianzuala Chhangte to be the standout performer today.
• Does club performance influence the best player choice? Yes, performances at club level are important when deciding the best Indian footballer.
• Is the best player judged only by goals? No, factors like defending, chance creation, and goalkeeping also matter.
• Are defenders and goalkeepers included among the top 10? Yes, players like Akash Mishra and Vishal Kaith are part of the top 10.