Ever since the introduction of Indian Super League, many players have risen through the obstacles and made their name in the top tier of Indian football. ISL has gifted many new talents to Indian football and provided a perfect platform to them to showcase their talents. In this article, we focus to look back on those ISL heroes whose performances have won the heart of Indian football fans and emphasis on where are they now.
1. Apoula Edel
The Cameroon-born Armenian International was one of the fans favourite during the first two seasons of Hero Indian Super League. He is in fact one of the very few players who got the privilege to win two ISL trophies. The custodian has won the inaugural season of Hero ISL with ATK and later repeated the same miracle with the Chennaiyin FC side. The former PSG first choice goalkeeper has now retired from football and has joined no clubs till now.
2. Stiven Mendoza
The Colombian striker has been one of the successful faces who’ve evolved from Indian Super League. Mendoza was the real talisman for Chennaiyin FC during his stay with the club, scoring 13 goals in 16 matches. After having a successful stay in India, Mendoza signed for Ligue 1 side Amiens and has been playing for the club ever since. His performances drastically kept improving as he went on to represent Colombian National Football Team and played in the same team comprising the likes of David Ospina, James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao. He now plays his trade in Ligue 1 competing with big talents like Neymar Jr, Edinson Cavani, etc.
3. Elano Blumer
Elano Blumer or simply Elano made his name before joining Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC. The Brazilian played two seasons of Hero Indian Super League and he was the marquee player for the side Chennaiyin FC during those two season of Indian Super League. Having represented Brazil national football team in over 50 matches, Elano also played for top professional clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City, Galatasaray etc. Elano retired from international football after completing his tenure with Chennaiyin FC. The attacking midfielder now plays the role of coach for the football club Inter de Limerira.
4. Cedric Hengbart
The former Center-Back of NorthEast United FC impressed everyone with his defensive attributes during his time in Indian Super League. The Frenchmen also played for Kerala Blasters in the top tier tournament. Hengbart started his career with Ligue 1 side Caen before moving to several Eredevisie clubs Auxerre and Ajaccio. The defender enjoyed a fruitful career before his retirement from professional football. He now serves as a coach for the under-17 side of Stade Malharde Caen.
5. Fikru Teffera Lamesa
The first ever goalscorer of Indian Super League will always remain in the minds of every Indian Super League fans. The Ethiopian international played 12 matches for ATK during the inaugural season and was instrumental in guiding the team to their maiden trophy. Fikru Teffera then joined Chennaiyin FC as well and playef crucial role in their title race as well. After completion of his contract with the ISL-based side, Fikru tried out his luck in Bangladesh before joining Mohammedan S.C. The Ethiopian International is currently without any club and it will be interesting whether he decided to retire or comes up with a new contract in the ongoing transfer window.