Since 2014, the ISL has significantly changed its player signing and transfer system. Many players have become rich since the league’s establishment. All of us likely want to know who are the ISL highest-paid players in the ISL or ISL highest-paid player.
Who is the ISL highest-paid player?
Since the league’s inception and its subsequent development, there have been improvements in investments, professional facilities, and the quality of both international and domestic football talent. Among these changes, the most notable has been the increase in costly transfers, reflecting the league’s growing financial strength as a competitor.
Over the last decade, Indian football clubs have worked to increase the league’s competitiveness while investing in top-tier players. One trend that has emerged is the payment of high transfer fees, which has enhanced the visibility of the ISL and positioned it as a major football league. This article will explore the most notable and expensive transfers in ISL history and ISL highest-paid player.
Table of Contents
List of Top 10-ISL highest-paid Player in ISL.
The Indian football market, after the advent of the ISL, has grown and evolved significantly from its beginnings. This increased interest from investors, both domestic and international, has enabled clubs to spend heavily on players, making the ISL one of the most vibrant leagues in Asia.
Several factors have driven the rise in transfer fees:(ISL highest-paid player 2024)
- Financial Growth of ISL Clubs: Over the years, as the ISL’s popularity has grown, clubs have attracted major sponsors and broadcasting rights, enabling larger investments in their squads.
- International Influence: Clubs have worked to attract big names from other leagues to enhance the league’s standards, drawing more fans and sponsorships.
- Player Development: Indian football has seen improvements in the quality of domestic talent, and many clubs are making strong efforts to recruit Indian players with the potential to achieve success.
- Strategic Long-Term Investments: ISL clubs are now planning for the long-term impact of player signings, focusing on licenses to compete both domestically and on the global stage, making these transfers increasingly strategic
List of Top 10- ISL Highest-Paid player in 2024.
| Rank | Player Name | Transfer Fee (₹) | From | To | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Liston Colaco | 1 Crore | Hyderabad FC | ATK Mohun Bagan | 2021 |
| 9 | Prabhsukhan Singh Gill | 1.2 Crore | Kerala Blasters | East Bengal | 2023 |
| 8 | Asish Rai | 1.5 Crore | Hyderabad FC | ATK Mohun Bagan | 2023 |
| 7 | Aibanbha Dohling | 1.5 Crore | FC Goa | Kerala Blasters | 2023 |
| 6 | Apuia Ralte | 1.6 Crore | Mumbai City FC | Mohun Bagan SG | 2024 |
| 5 | Apuia Ralte | 2 Crore | NorthEast United FC | Mumbai City FC | 2021 |
| 4 | Anwar Ali | 2.5 Crore | Delhi FC | East Bengal | 2024 |
| 3 | Akash Mishra | 3 Crore | Hyderabad FC | Mumbai City FC | 2023 |
| 2 | Anirudh Thapa | 3 Crore | NorthEast United FC | Kerala Blasters | 2023 |
| 1 | Jeakson Singh | 3.3 Crore | Kerala Blasters | East Bengal | 2024 |
10. Liston Colaco – (₹1 Cr. approx)
Hyderabad FC had arguably the best performances of Liston Colaco and he got transferred and signed by the ATK Mohun Bagan in 2021. His speed, technical ability, and capacity to unlock defenses, and create opportunities for others were some of the elements that caused him to be moved. He had a single spectacular season at Hyderabad, the lights turned on, and the Mariners bought him for ₹1 crore.
9. Prabhsukhan Singh Gill – (₹1.2 Cr. approx )
Although joining East Bengal in the 2023 transfer window for ₹1.2 crore was good enough for a talented goalkeeper like Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, this move was crucial for bolstering East Bengal’s defense line. Gill was instrumental in carving out a reputation while playing for Kerala Blasters through his heroics in shots-saving ability and was also on the list of best young goalkeepers in ISL.
8. Asish Rai – (₹1.5 Cr. approx)
Defensive and offense powerhouse Asish Rai of Hyderabad FC was instrumental for the team, but in 2023, The side ATK Mohun Bagan signed him for ₹1.5 crore. He was off to his new club as a speed merchant whose strong defensive stance added depth to the team both in defense and in the forward line.
7. Aibanbha Dohling – (₹1,5 approx)
Aibanbha Dohling, who had been with FC Goa successfully, joined Kerala Blasters in 2023 for ₹1.5 crore. Dohling mainly played for Kerala this season for his defensive stability and captaincy skills and his addition gave stability to the side needed at the back for the future seasons.
6. Apuia Ralte – (₹ 1.6 Cr. appox)
In 2024, Apuia Ralte was also bought by Mohun Bagan SG from Mumbai City FC by paying ₹1.6 crore including taxes. He was active in the ISL as a ball winner with a vibrant display in the midfield till his transfer to Kolkata club was part of the team’s strengthening of the middle line in both national and international leagues.
5. Apuia Ralte – ₹ 2 Crores).
Ralte whom NorthEast United sold to Mumbai City FC for the 2021 season was one of the most sensational transfers. His ability to see the game, passing, and hardworking attitude in the midfield area attracted Mumbai City to sign him up for a ₹2 crore fee. This was not long after Apuia got to Mumbai where he asserted himself as one of the city’s influencers.
4. Anwar Ali –₹ 2.5 Cr. approx)
The one club in which Anwar Ali, a promising central defender, switched from Delhi FC to East Bengal in 2024 for ₹2.5 crore. As a well-accomplished leader and a strong tackle man, Ali was being projected as a key player in defense as Bengal was aspiring to be a champion side of the ISL.
3. Akash Mishra – (₹3 Cr. approx)
Hyderabad FC’s Akash Mishra became the highest-paid player of ₹3 crore in the 2023 new season joining Mumbai City FC. His astute performance on both offense and defense attracted the eye of Mumbai who sought to boost their defense line.
2. Anirudh Thapa -( ₹3 Cr. approx)
The Kerala-based team signed Anirudh Thapa from NorthEast United FC for ₹ 3 crore in 2023 as part of their big plans to sign the Best Indian Players. IPL’s most reliable Chennaiyin FC Midfielder’s leadership, technique in passing and driving, and defensive capabilities led to his acquisition by the Kolkata club geared for local and international championships.
1. Jeakson Singh – (₹3.3 crore approx)
During the 2024 season, Jeakson Singh created a record by joining East Bengal for ₹3.3 crore. Having scored a famous goal in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the Kerala-born midfielder Singh signed for East Bengal after his stint at the Kerala Blasters. As a result of his performance for his previous club and his feature for the Indian national team, he was one of the best ISL players with all-round skills and experience.He becomes one of the ISL highest-paid player in 2024
The Future of Football Transfers in India and ISL’s Growing Influence. The future of football transfers highlights the Indian Super League (ISL) as a key player in connecting with premier leagues worldwide. With clubs investing in big-name players and improved facilities, the league is on track to becoming a powerhouse in Asian football.That’s all the list of Top 10, ISL highest-paid player in 2024.
Hello….I’m Tobar Nianglang, holding an MBA in Marketing with a focus on Digital Marketing. I’m also the founder and author behind sportskai.com, a prominent sports news platform.