Top five goal scorers in Indian Super League history

The Indian Super League started in a humble way with the tournament bringing retired international superstars to the Indian footballing grounds. The league has now transformed Indian football while also bringing multiple strategies on the field. The new free-kick routines are just simply an example these days. From the Brazilian flairs to Spanish tiki-taka, to today’s German pressing and English long balls in the league. 

While the league has undergone significant change, one thing has been constant. That is putting the ball in the back of the net. The clubs have experimented with different and multiple philosophies but these players have grown up and out to drive their teams amidst the changing tides.

Here is the list of the top 5 goalscorers in Indian Super League history: 

1. Sunil Chhetri

The legend of Indian football, always termed as “Captain, Leader, Legend”- Sunil Chettri has continued to be the Bengaluru FC’s marksman even at 40. Starting his Indian Super League career with Mumbai City FC, as soon as Bengaluru FC made their way to the Indian top-flight tournament, he changed the boats. His numbers tell a tale; 64 goals in 163 matches, including the most important hat-trick against North East United in the 2018-19 semi-final. 

Sunil Chettri stepping up when it mattered the most for the club remains the key trait that defines him. Chettri’s movement in the box is textbook stuff and near post runs are signs of his footballing intelligence. Even at 40, he continues to show the new generation how goal-scoring is done, proving why he's not just India's greatest striker, but one of Asia's finest gems.

2. Bartholomew Ogbeche

Since landing in India, the Nigerian striker has been nothing short of a goal machine. With 63 goals in 85+ ISL matches, Ogbeche has terrorized defenses across the country while playing for Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City, Hyderabad FC, and North United.

Ogbeche’s best season came in the 2021-22 campaign with Hyderabad FC, where he scored 18 goals in 20 matches to clinch the Golden Boot and lead his team to the title. Ogbeche’s differentiator wasn’t just the numbers—it was how he scored. Whether it's towering headers, clinical finishes, or those trademark long-range bombs, he had every finish in the book.

3. Roy Krishna

Talk about making an impact – this Fijian dynamo hit the ISL like a hurricane. Since his debut in 2019, Krishna has notched up 53 goals in 100 games across stints with ATK, ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, and Odisha FC. His first season was pure magic: 15 goals in 21 games, leading ATK to the title. 

Roy Krishna’s explosive pace and clinical finishing sets him apart from the rest of the strikers in the league. He's not just a poacher – this guy can create his chances out of nothing. Remember that solo goal against Chennaiyin in 2020? Pure Roy Krishna magic. Krishna’s partnership with David Williams at ATK Mohun Bagan was the stuff of ISL legend, terrorizing defenses with their telepathic understanding.

4. Ferrán Corominas

"Coro" might have only spent three seasons in the ISL with FC Goa, but boy, did he leave his mark. His numbers are ridiculous: 47 goals in just 50 matches, almost a goal per every 90, including back-to-back Golden Boots in 2017-18 and 2018-19. The Spaniard brought La Liga class to Indian shores, showing everyone what clinical finishing looks like. 

Coro’s best season saw him bang in 16 goals in 20 games, but it wasn't just the quantity – it was the quality. Those perfectly timed runs, the ice-cold one-on-ones, and that ability to find space in crowded boxes made him impossible to mark. Ask any FC Goa fan about their favorite Coro moment, and they'll probably need hours to decide.

5. Diego Mauricio

The Brazilian bombshell has lit up the ISL with his explosive style and knack for the spectacular. With 42 goals to his name, Maurício has been a constant threat, particularly during his spells with Odisha FC. What makes him special is his versatility. 

Diego Mauricio’s 2022-23 season was a masterclass in finishing, combining raw power with Brazilian flair where he went on to score 12 goals. Whether it's those trademark powerful runs, clever movement in the box, or those sublime free-kicks, Maurício has every tool in his arsenal. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, like those crucial playoff games, sets him apart from the rest of the pack.