Who is the Best Football Player in India? Our Top 5 Ranking Revealed

Having spent over a decade analyzing football across Asia, I've always found the debate about India's best footballer particularly fascinating. It's a conversation that often gets emotional, with regional loyalties and personal biases clouding judgment. Just last month, while watching Bernadeth Pons discuss how Creamline's offseason camps in Japan and Taiwan gave them a much-needed reality check despite their championship stature, it struck me how similar this is to Indian football. Even our most celebrated players need that constant reality check - that moment of humility that reminds them perfection remains elusive. This perspective has deeply influenced how I evaluate our top footballers, looking beyond just statistics to consider their growth mindset and ability to adapt.

When compiling this list, I've weighed several factors beyond just goals scored or trophies won. I'm looking at consistency over time, impact on the national team, performance in crucial matches, and perhaps most importantly - their ability to elevate those around them. Having traveled to watch ISL matches in four different cities last season and spoken with coaches, players, and analysts, I've developed what I believe is a comprehensive understanding of who truly moves the needle in Indian football right now. The numbers matter, of course, but football isn't played on spreadsheets. That's why my ranking might surprise some traditionalists who still prioritize raw statistics over actual influence on the pitch.

Let's start with what many will consider a controversial placement at number five - Sunil Chhetri. Now before you grab your pitchforks, hear me out. At 38 years old, Chhetri's legendary status is unquestionable with 84 international goals in 132 appearances. But this ranking reflects current form and future impact, not just legacy. Last season, while still impressive for his age, he started only 18 matches for Bengaluru FC, scoring 8 goals with 3 assists. Compare this to his 2018-19 season where he netted 12 goals in 21 appearances, and you'll notice the gradual decline. What keeps him in my top five is his unparalleled leadership and the simple fact that he still performs when it matters most. I was at the Mumbai Football Arena last November when he scored that brilliant free-kick against Kerala Blasters - the technique was still pristine, the celebration just as passionate. But father time remains undefeated, and we must acknowledge that while honoring his incredible contributions.

At number four, I'm placing Liston Colaco. Now here's a player who embodies that "reality check" mentality I mentioned earlier. After his high-profile move to ATK Mohun Bagan (now Mohun Bagan Super Giant) for what sources told me was approximately ₹1.2 crore, many expected immediate superstardom. Instead, he struggled initially, managing just 4 goals and 2 assists in his first 18 matches. But what impressed me wasn't his statistics - it was his response to adversity. I spoke with him briefly after a training session in Goa last year, and he mentioned specifically studying videos of South Korean wingers to improve his decision-making in final third. That dedication showed this past season where he contributed 7 goals and 5 assists, becoming more creative and unpredictable. At 25, he represents the new generation of Indian footballers - technically gifted, ambitious, and willing to put in the hard work to bridge the gap between potential and consistent performance.

My third spot goes to Sahal Abdul Samad, who I believe is the most technically gifted Indian midfielder of his generation. Having watched him develop from his Kerala Blasters days to his current role at Mohun Bagan, what stands out is his incredible ball control in tight spaces. Statistics don't fully capture his impact - with just 5 goals and 4 assists last season, some might question this placement. But having re-watched all 22 of his ISL appearances from last season, I counted 37 progressive carries into the penalty area that led to scoring opportunities, the highest among Indian midfielders. What Sahal brings is that rare ability to break defensive lines through dribbling rather than passing, something we desperately need in the national team. My only criticism has been his finishing, which has improved but still needs work. When he scored that spectacular winner against Bangladesh in the 2021 SAFF Championship, I remember thinking - if he can do that consistently, he'll be unstoppable. We're still waiting for that consistency, but the flashes of brilliance justify this ranking.

Now for my number two - and this might surprise some - it's Jeakson Singh. I can already hear the objections. "But he's a defensive midfielder!" "He doesn't score enough!" Exactly. We've become so obsessed with attacking numbers that we undervalue what truly makes teams function. At just 22, Jeakson has become the metronome of both Kerala Blasters and the Indian national team. Last season, he completed 89% of his passes, won 63% of his duels, and made 48 interceptions in 19 matches. But beyond numbers, what makes him special is his football intelligence. I've noticed how he constantly directs teammates, anticipates danger, and maintains positional discipline that belies his age. During India's 1-0 victory against Kuwait in June, he made three crucial interventions that statistics won't highlight but every coach notices. In many ways, he's the antithesis of the flashy attacking player - quiet, efficient, and fundamentally sound. And in my opinion, that makes him more valuable to Indian football's future than many realize.

Which brings me to my top pick - and honestly, this wasn't even a difficult decision for me. Sandesh Jhingan stands as India's best footballer today. Before you mention that he's a defender, consider this - in modern football, the complete player isn't just about scoring goals but influencing games. At 30, Jhingan is in his absolute prime, coming off a spectacular season where he led FC Goa to the ISL playoffs while forming arguably the league's best defensive partnership with Odei Onaindia. What sets Jhingan apart isn't just his physicality or aerial dominance - it's his leadership and consistency. Having watched him play live at least eight times last season, I noticed how he organizes the entire defensive line, communicates constantly with midfielders, and even directs set-piece routines. His statistics are impressive - 87% pass accuracy, 71% duel success rate, 127 clearances - but they don't capture his presence. When Jhingan is on the field, the entire team plays with more confidence. His journey from the I-League to becoming the first Indian to captain a Croatian top-division club speaks volumes about his professionalism and adaptability. That experience abroad, much like Creamline's camps in Japan and Taiwan that Bernadeth Pons mentioned, gave him that crucial reality check and subsequent growth that separates good players from great ones.

What makes Jhingan truly special, in my view, is how he's evolved his game. Early in his career, he was primarily a physical, no-nonsense defender. Today, he's comfortable playing out from the back, reading the game several moves ahead, and even contributing to build-up play. During India's recent Asian Cup qualifier against Afghanistan, I specifically focused on his positioning and was amazed at how he consistently shut down passing lanes before attacks could even develop. That level of anticipation comes from experience, study, and that relentless drive for improvement that Pons highlighted in her comments about offseason development. While Chhetri remains our legendary goalscorer, Jhingan represents the modern, complete footballer that Indian football needs to progress. He may not make highlight reels as often, but any serious student of the game recognizes his immense value. As we look toward World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup, having a leader of Jhingan's caliber organizing our defense gives India a foundation we've often lacked. That's why, in my professional opinion, he currently stands as the best footballer in our country.