Uncertainty in Indian Football: A Crisis Affecting Foreign Players in ISL
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL) is causing concerns not only for Indian footballers but also for foreign players who have made their homes in the country. As the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and clubs deliberate on the 2025-26 ISL campaign, the constant delays are causing frustration among many foreign players.
Foreign Stars Leaving Indian Football
Some foreign players have become so incensed by the lack of progress in the start of the ISL that they have decided to leave Indian football altogether. Here are five foreigners who have left the ISL because of the mounting uncertainty.
Jesus Jimenez
Kerala Blasters' Spanish forward Jesus Jimenez left Indian football after the 2024-25 ISL campaign. The lack of assurances over when the 2025-26 ISL campaign would begin and concerns over timely salary payments were the main reasons for his departure.
Edgar Mendez
Spanish attacker Edgar Mendez of Bengaluru FC left the club in August 2025 due to the uncertain situation at the club. Mendez scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists for Bengaluru FC in the 2025-26 season, but the uncertainty of the ISL forced him to leave ahead of schedule.
Javier Siverio
Javier Siverio left FC Goa after the 2024-25 campaign due to growing concerns over the future of the ISL. Siverio scored a key goal to help Goa qualify for the group stages of the AFC Champions League Two campaign, but he was not convinced about the future of the ISL and potential payment issues.
Javier Hernandez
Javier Hernandez, who helped ATK win the ISL title in the 2019-20 campaign, left Jamshedpur FC after the 2024-25 season due to the mass exodus of players triggered by the uncertainty of the ISL.
Borja Herrera
Spanish midfielder Borja Herrera left FC Goa due to the lack of assurances over when the ISL would start. Herrera was a crucial midfielder for FC Goa and scored two goals in the Super Cup final win over East Bengal.
Impact on Northeast Region and India
The exodus of foreign players from the ISL is a significant blow to Indian football, particularly in the Northeast region, which has seen a surge in interest in the sport in recent years. The loss of experienced foreign players like Jesus Jimenez, Edgar Mendez, Javier Siverio, Javier Hernandez, Borja Herrera, and others could have a long-term impact on the quality of football in the region.
Looking Ahead
The uncertainty surrounding the ISL is causing frustration and concern among players, coaches, and fans alike. It is crucial that the AIFF and clubs find a solution to the current impasse to ensure the future of Indian football and to prevent further departures of foreign players.