ISL 2025-26 is finally around the corner and about to kick off after a lot of hindrances over the last few months, which have now been cleared. The ISL kicks off on 14th February, 2026, and here we will discuss the Top talents to look out for this season.

Criteria:

Here, we will discuss players under 24 years of age.

So, let’s begin the list and see the “young” stars that are going to light up the ISL 2025-26 season.

1. Macarton Louis Nickson

Macarton is a name synonymous with NorthEast United fans and now under the radar of national teams after seasons of consistent performances, controlling the midfield of NorthEast. The 21-year-old has football in his DNA as his father, Louis Nickson, is a former Indian player who represented India through different youth teams.

Past Experience: 

Macarton spent eight years of his youth career in the prestigious Bengaluru FC youth academy before moving to the Indian Arrows in the I-League. He didn’t get enough chances there, so he moved to Bengaluru United in the I-League 2, where he made 9 appearances throughout the season, which was enough to impress the scouts at NorthEast United in 2023. Since then, he has become a crucial part of Benali’s team and an integral part of NorthEast’s 2024 and 2025 Durand Cup-winning campaigns.

Why You Should Be Excited:

Macarton is widely regarded as the “Swiss Army Knife” of Juan Pedro Benali’s midfield, and here’s why the Spaniard highly touts him and why we should have our eyes on him.

• Versatility: While he is naturally a Defensive Midfielder, Benali has re-invented and rejuvenated his career path by playing him as a Box-to-Box and even further up in attacking positions, showing his versatility and control over the middle of the pitch.
• Big Game Mentality: Macarton’s biggest strength is his mentality, as he always shows up for the team in big games and stands up in difficult situations.

• National Recognition: His rapid rise earned him his first senior India National Team call-up by Manolo Márquez in March 2025.

Player Profile:

2. Korou Singh

Korou Singh Thingujam is widely considered the crown jewel of Kerala Blasters. Coming from the Kerala Blasters youth setup, Korou is known for his spark, and we expect him to light up the wings of this Kerala team.

Past Experience:

Korou’s story is one of incredible resilience and inspiration, as after losing both his parents at the mere young age of 10, he turned to football as his life. Korou initially rose through the ranks at Sudeva Delhi FC before captaining the India U-17 team to glory in the 2022 SAFF U-17 Championship. His performances in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup and on the European Tour, where he scored against the likes of Atletico Madrid U-16, convinced the Balsters to pay a transfer fee for the talented attacker in 2023, which is rare to see in Indian Football, speaking for the player’s talent and grit.

Why You Should Be Excited:

Korou Singh is a player with a spark in him and a player every fan would pay to watch. A fearless winger who became a part of history as the youngest assist-maker in ISL history by taking on veteran defenders without hesitation. Heres’ we why we should be excited about him:

• Record Breaker: Korou became the youngest debutant for Kerala Blasters, and he also became the youngest assist provider in ISL history at 17 years and 340 days against Hyderabad FC on 7th November 2024.
• The Playmaker: Under coach Mikael Stahre, Korou has transitioned from a substitute to a vital creative outlet for Kerala. He has an uncanny ability to “shrug off” defenders twice his size, as seen in his viral cut-back assist for Jesus Jimenez.
• Fearlessness: Unlike many young wingers who play it safe, Korou constantly looks to take on defenders 1-on-1. He has high technical flair and a genuine eye for creating a handful of chances. 

Player Profile:

3. Pramveer Singh

Pramveer Singh is a name fans are excited about. He is a name that is already recognised in history books, even though he has just started to take baby steps in his career. A tall, strong, and technically sound player to play from the back.

Past Experience:

Pramveer’s rise through the Punjab FC academy has been exponential. His standout moment came in the 2023 and 2024 RFDL, where he put in solid performances in the competition, leading the team as a true leader in his youth sides before making his senior jump. His big moment came in December 2024, when he made his ISL debut against Mohun Bagan Super Giants at just the young age of 17 years and 189 days. He therefore officially became the youngest-ever starter in ISL history. His development has also been fast-tracked through the national setup, as he became the youngest member of the India U-23 side and was also called up for senior national team games.

Why You Should Be Excited:

Pramveer is a unicorn profile in Indian football. The level of composure he has been showing at this young age is incredible. Let’s look at why we should be excited about him:

• Modern Profile: A left-footed, technical ball-playing centre back is a profile that is incredibly rare and a highly valued commodity in football in general, let alone in Indian football; it’s even more rare.
• Physicality: Standing at 185 cm (6’1”), he has the height, frame and physical strength to compete with seasoned campaigners. We all saw when he was thrown into the deeper side at the senior level ISL football, he didn’t look out of place compared to other youngsters of his age, and didn’t get bullied, either physically or in technical aspects.
• Ball Progression: Unlike traditional “no-nonsense” defenders, Pramveer is comfortable carrying the ball into the midfield and finding players in midfield like elite modern European defenders. 

Player Profile:

4. Abhishek Tekcham Singh

Abhishek Tekcham Singh is currently one of the most talked-about defensive prospects in the country. We can already imagine the potential of this prospect when 2 of the biggest clubs in Indian football (Mohun Bagan Super Giants and East Bengal FC) fought for his signature in the summer before his big-money move to Mohun Bagan Super Giants, being 20 years old and now being under the spotlight at one of India’s historic and present giants.

Past Experience:

Abhishek began his journey at Minerva Academy before moving to Punjab FC, where he featured in the I-League winning campaign of 2022-23, but his true breakout moment came when he featured in the historic PL Next-Gen Cup campaign of Punjab FC, where he displayed standout performances against the youth teams of English Giants like Everton and Aston Villa. His eventual transition to ISL was rather seamless, becoming the mainstay and one of the leaders of Punjab’s backline. His consistency and performances have earned him a Senior Indian National Team debut in March 2025, where he also displayed solid performances and didn’t look out of place.

Why You Should Be Excited:

Abhishek is the definition of a “modern full-back” who puts up proper shifts at both halves of the pitch, be it defensive or attacking phase, showing defensive alongside attacking input. Here’s why you should be excited about him.

• Versatility: While Abhishek has mostly featured as a left-back for Punjab and the national team, he’s equally comfortable in both flanks, being great with both of his feet and also being comfortable further up the field in much more attacking winger positions. This makes him an invaluable asset for any coach and can fit into multiple systems.

• Inevitable Threat:  He is known for his high-intensity overlapping runs and crossing ability; therefore, a threatening winger, he can provide a double-threat alongside an attacker on the flanks. Saying this, he also maintains a strong defensive output, which shows in the numbers in interceptions and duels won per 90. 
• Temperament: Abhishek has an excellent temperament, and that is shown in the way that when he was thrown into the deeper end of ISL, he didn’t seem to be affected by the level of top-flight. As a youngster, when he was called up for the National team and made his debut, it seemed he was meant for this level, as he showed a great display for the team and was one of the standout performers in the struggling team. Now in the summer, he chose the champion side in Mohun Bagan over the other teams or staying at Punjab FC to develop, but taking a challenge to compete with the top talents of the country toe-to-toe.

Player Profile:

5. Vinith Venkatesh

Probably one of the most romantic stories of a young prospect in this list is of Vinith Venkatesh, a local Bengaluru boy who grew up at the stands of Kanteerava Stadium as a fan and now representing his childhood love in front of the crowd he was once a part of.

Past Experiences:

Vinith has been through and through a one-club man for Bengaluru. He joined the Bengaluru FC Academy as an eight-year-old and progressed through every single age group before his ISL breakout. He grew into prominence at the RFDL and I-League 2 for BFC’s reserves team. Before his ISL debut, he announced himself to the Indian football scene when he scored a stunning goal against Mohun Bagan Super Giants in the Durand Cup 2024 semi-finals. 

Why You Should Be Excited:

He is the definition of a “Clutch” player who thrives in the toughest of situations for his team whenever they need him. Here’s why he should be excited:

• Big Game Player: In September 2024, he made his ISL debut against East Bengal and scored the winning goal in front of his home crowd. And this was also not the first time he delivered under pressure when his team needed him, as before this, he also scored a crucial goal in the Durand Cup 2024 campaign against the strong Mohun Bagan side,e showing that he never shies away from tough challenges.
• Versatility: While Vinith played as a central midfielder in his development years, Gerard Zaragoza reinvented him by playing him on either Right or Left WIng to take advantage of his pace and his ability to hold the ball and create chances.
• Instant Impact: His immediate impact earned him the ISL Emerging Player of the Month for September 2024, proving he belongs at the top level. Although he didn’t get enough chances but showed his impact every time he was trusted.

Player Profile:

6. Mohammed Aimen

Mohammed Aimen is a player based on pure flair and technicality. He recently made his switch from Kerala Blasters to the newly rebranded Sporting Club Delhi alongside his twin brother, Mohammed Azhar. Aimen is a player who brings in the “Joga Bonito” into ISL.

Past Experiences:

Aimen’s football journey began in Lakshwadeep before he moved to Kerala and eventually joined the Kerala Blasters Academy in 2018. He was a standout performer in the RFDL(where he helped the team to reach the PL Next Gen Cup in the UK) and the Durand Cup, scoring 3 goals in the 2022 edition. After breaking into the senior team, he became a regular feature for the Blasters, eventually earning a call-up to the Indian senior national team in 2025 following a standout performance for the India U-23s, where he scored a stunning brace against Brunei.

Why You Should Be Excited

If you see Aimen play, you’d know he’s a “pure” entertainer who models his game after his idol Neymar Jr., and you can see him trying to play like him. Here’s why you should be excited:

• Fearless Dribbler: He is one of the few young Indian wingers who is encouraged to “showboat” and take on defenders 1-on-1. He loves to beat his man and cut inside from the left using his trickery to create space and score or assist a goal.
• Vision: Despite his limited minutes in last season due to injury, he was among the top assist-makers for his club, proving that his vision for the final ball is just as dangerous as his dribbling.
• National Team Pedigree: His recent inclusion into the senior India squad for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, it marks that he is one of the finest talents in the making in our country.

Player Profile:

7.Lalrinliana Hnamte

Lalrinliana Hnamte is a name that has been on the lips of Indian football scouts since his teenage debut. After years of being a “super-sub” at bigger clubs such as East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, struggling for minutes in the star-studded squads. But he has finally found the environment to establish himself as one of the league’s most industrious midfielders at Chennaiyin FC.

Past Experiences:

Hnamte’s professional journey began at the Pune City FC(eventually Hyderabad FC) academies before he made his high-profile move to East Bengal FC in 2021. He made his ISL debut at just 18 and immediately announced himself to the fans as he scored against his current club Chennaiyin FC. He then spent two seasons at Mohun Bagan Super Giants, where he was part of the squad that won the ISL Cup in 2022-23 and ISL League Shield in 2023-24. However, his game time was limited during his stint in Mohun Bagan, which led to his move to Chennaiyin FC in June 2024 to play under Owen Coyle.

Why You Should Be Excited:

Hnamte is the definition of a “box-to-box engine” with relentless work rate and stamina. Here’s why we should be excited:

• Defensive Powerhouse: In his first full season with Chennaiyin (2024-25), he led the entire league in successful tackles (37) and was a top interceptor for his team, earning him the reputation of a defensive shield.
• The “Coyle” Effect: Known for nurturing young talent, Owen Coyle has transformed Hnamte from a bench option into a backbone of the team, praising his unique ability to offer something different with his relentless energy in the middle of the park.
• National Breakthrough: His consistency in performances at the club level earned him his Senior India National Team debut in October 2024 against Vietnam

Player Profile:

8. David Lalhlansanga

David Lalhlansanga is currently one of the most prolific young strikers in Indian football. After dominating the lower divisions and cup competitions with Mohemmedan SC, he made his high-profile ISL move to East Bengal FC to prove himself and lead the line for the legacy. 

Past Experience:

David’s rise is a classic story of “climbing to the top from the bottom”. He started his footballing journey at Aizawl FC, but his career truly exploded at Mohammedan SC during the 2023-24 season, where he became the central figure of the club and contributed massively to the club’s triumph in the I-League title 2023-24. He also won the Golden Boot in the Durand Cup 2023-24 and in the Calcutta Football League 2023-24 with 6 and 26 goals respectively. His clinical and exuberant display also earned him the title of the prestigious AIFF Emerging Player of the Year (2023-24) award.

Why You Should Be Excited:

He is a player with those natural “Poacher” instincts with an elite sense of positioning, knack and eye for the goal. Here’s why we should be excited:

• Clinical Finishing: David has an uncanny ability to find the back of the net with both feet and his head. He doesn’t need many chances to score due to his strong positioning sense and eye for the goal. 
• Goal of the Week Regular: In his debut ISL season (2024-25), he won the “Fans’ Goal of the Week” multiple times for stunning strikes, including a diving header against Punjab FC and a first-time volley against Mumbai City, proving the fact that he can score any kind of goals from anywhere on the pitch.
• National Setup: He has been a consistent part of the Indian youth national teams and received his first senior India National Team call-up in May 2024.

Player Profile:

9. Dhruv Alva

Dhruv Alva is perhaps the most unique player on this list because he chose the “hard road” to the ISL, bypassing the traditional Indian academy system to test himself in the heart of Spanish football.

Past Experiences:

Dhruv’s journey is defined by a bold gamble. While most Indian talents move through the RFDL or I-League, Dhruv moved to Spain independently to join Racing Rioja CF and later Peña Balsamaiso in the lower divisions of Spanish football. He spent nearly three seasons grinding in the Spanish fourth tier, learning the tactical discipline and technical proficiency required in Europe. His “Spanish education” caught the eye of Mumbai City FC, who brought him back to India in October 2025 on a three-year contract.

Why You Should Be Excited:

Dhruv brings in with him the”European” pedigree into the Indian backline. He has honed his technical, tactical and physical abilities in lower Spanish tiers and is set to put up standout displays this season. Here’s why we should be excited:

• Modern Full-Back: Unlike traditional defenders, Dhruv is a natural Right-Back who excels in high-pressure systems. His time in Spain has made him exceptionally comfortable under pressure.
• Tactical Intelligence: He is lauded for his “scanning” and positioning. He knows exactly when to tuck inside to form a back-three and when to provide overlapping width.
• The “Kratky” Project: Petr Kratky is known for integrating players with high technical ceilings. Dhruv fits Mumbai City’s philosophy of possession-based football perfectly with his ball retention ability and smart movement.

Player Profile:

10. Ayush Chhetri

Ayush Dev Chhetri is often described as the “silent heartbeat” of the FC Goa midfield. While he doesn’t always make the highlight reels with goals, his technical security and tactical discipline make him a favourite of both Carlos Peña and Manolo Márquez.

Past Experiences:

Ayush is a product of the football-crazy city of Aizawl. He fast-tracked through the Aizawl FC youth ranks, making his professional I-League debut at just 17. His standout 2021-22 season, where he scored three goals from midfield, prompted FC Goa to trigger a transfer in 2022. Since moving to the coast, he has become a regular in the ISL and has been a staple for the India U-23s, recently captaining and leading the side in tours like the Tajikistan series in 2025.

Why You Should Be Excited:

Ayush represents the “Spanish La Pausa style” of Indian midfielders. He is incredibly press-resistant and rarely loses the ball, and can dictate the tempo of midfield flawlessly. Here’s why we should be excited:

• National Team Debut: His rapid rise culminated in his senior India debut in March 2025 against the Maldives. Manolo Márquez (who coaches him at both club and country) famously told him before his debut that he was “better than all the opposition players” to boost his confidence.
• Ball Retention: He has an elite passing accuracy (often hovering around 85-90%), making him the perfect link between defence and attack.
• High Football IQ: He reads the game better than most players his age, allowing him to snuff out attacks before they become dangerous.

Player Profile:

11. Mohammed Sanan

Mohammed Sanan K is the crown jewel of the  “Red Miners’’ and arguably one of the most exciting young attackers Jamshedpur FC has produced in recent years. Hailing from the football hotbed of Malappuram, Kerala, he plays with a freedom and flair that is rare for domestic wingers.

Past Experiences:

Sanan is a product of the elite Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) academy, where he spent five years honing his technical skills. He gained international exposure early, competing against Premier League youth sides like Wolves and Everton in the Next Gen Cup. He signed for Jamshedpur FC in 2023 and made an immediate impact, scoring his first ISL goal against Mohun Bagan SG in his very first league start. His consistency and flair under Khalid Jamil led to his senior India National Team debut in late 2025.

Why You Should Be Excited:

Sanan provides a “dual-threat” as a winger; he is just as comfortable finishing a chance as he is creating one. Here’s why we should be excited:

• Fearless 1-v-1: He has a specific license from his coach to be creative. He loves to take on veteran full-backs and is known for his agility and close control.
• Ambidexterity: One of his biggest assets is his proficiency with both feet, making him unpredictable when he cuts inside from the left.
• High Output: Unlike many “promising” wingers who struggle with the final ball, Sanan has already registered significant goals and assists in his first two professional seasons, proving he has the end product to back up his dribbling.

Player Profile:

12. Rohit Danu

Rohit Danu is arguably the most famous “prodigy” on this list. Once the youngest goalscorer in Indian top-flight history, he is a player who has already tasted ISL glory but is now entering a “redemption” season to reclaim his status as one of India’s elite forwards.

Past Experiences:

Rohit Danu’s name is etched in the record books. He was the youngest member of the Indian camp for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, though a heartbreaking ankle injury kept him out of the final squad. In 2019, at just 16 years old, he became the youngest-ever goalscorer in the I-League for Indian Arrows. He moved to Hyderabad FC and played a pivotal role in their 2021-22 ISL Championship win under Manolo Márquez. After a period of limited game time at Bengaluru FC (where he made only a handful of appearances in 2024-25), he made a deadline-day move in January 2026 to join the newly promoted Inter Kashi.

Why You Should Be Excited:

He is a “natural finisher” who is finally back in an environment where he will be the main man. Here’s why we should be excited:

• Versatility in Attack: While he started as a striker, he has developed into a dangerous Winger who can drift inside. His “scoring mentality” means he is always looking for the goal rather than just staying wide.
• The “Habas” Influence: At Inter Kashi, he is playing under the legendary Antonio López Habas. Habas is known for getting the absolute best out of disciplined, hardworking attackers, and Danu fits that mould perfectly.
• Proven Pedigree: He has represented India at every youth level (U-16, U-17, U-19, U-23) and has the experience of winning the biggest trophy in Indian football.

Player Profile:

Other Talents To Look Out For

Here are some more talents we could not cover in detail, but can take the season by storm they are:

• Muhammad Suhail (Punjab FC): He has already impressed with his flair and performances in the recent India U-23 appearances, but it’ll be difficult for him to break into the first team due to Punjab’s immense attacking depth.
• Sajal Bag(Mohammedan SC): In the 2025 CFL, Sajal impressively displayed his prowess and could be key for Mohammedan’s campaign this season.

• Bijay Chhetri(Mumbai City FC): Another foreign returnee has come back to India and joined the Mumbai City FC. Bijay moved to the Uruguayan lower tiers to give himself a new challenge. He performed decently but developed himself into a better physical and technical player and is now back in India to represent Mumbai City.
• Salahudeen Adnan (Kerala Blasters): It’s a homecoming for the Kerala boy, as he left Kerala in the previous seasons to join Mohun Bagan, but injuries and attacking depth in that squad made it difficult for him to break in. Now back in Kerala, we can expect him to return to his peak form again, but it all depends on how he recovers from his long-term injury.
• Hritik Tiwari (FC Goa): After a breakout season last time, Hritik already developed himself to be a starter of this, and he grew in his stature and confidence as the seasons progressed. He has already been called up for the senior national now this we can expect him to grow in his stature further as he will be the undisputed No.1 of Goa.

• Mohammed Azhar (SC Delhi): The twin brother of the previously mentioned Aimen. He is a central midfielder known for his control, vision and physicality in the middle of the park. He never used to get his fair share of chances back in Kerala due to their stacked midfield, but here at delhi, expect him to grow into prominence and stature.

Here’s all we had in our bank. Share your thoughts on which talent you’re excited to see the most.