The Indian Super League (ISL) has rapidly grown into one of Asia’s most exciting football competitions since its launch in 2014. With clubs bringing in some of the world’s best attacking talents alongside India’s finest, the Golden Boot race has become one of the most thrilling subplots each season.
Goal‑scoring is the lifeblood of football, and in the ISL, the Golden Boot isn’t just an award; it’s a testament to clinical finishing, unwavering consistency, and the sheer hunger to find the back of the net week after week in one of India’s toughest leagues.
Over the years, names of global stars, brute finishers, and league legends have graced the Golden Boot podium, each sculpting unforgettable chapters in the ISL’s history. From the inaugural goal‑machines to the record‑smashing marksmen of today, the journey of top scorers reflects how the ISL has evolved into a stage for pure attacking art.
Complete ISL Golden Boot Winners List
Below is the complete table of all ISL Golden Boot winners, covering season, player, club, matches played, and goals scored:
| Season | Player | Club | Matches Played | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Elano Blumer | Chennaiyin FC | 11 | 8 |
| 2015 | Stiven Mendoza | Chennaiyin FC | 16 | 13 |
| 2016 | Marcelinho | Delhi Dynamos FC | 15 | 10 |
| 2017–18 | Ferran Corominas | FC Goa | 20 | 18 |
| 2018–19 | Ferran Corominas | FC Goa | 20 | 16 |
| 2019–20 | Nerijus Valskis | Chennaiyin FC | 20 | 15 |
| 2020–21 | Igor Angulo | FC Goa | 21 | 14 |
| 2021–22 | Bartholomew Ogbeche | Hyderabad FC | 20 | 18 |
| 2022–23 | Diego Mauricio | Odisha FC | 25 | 12 |
| 2023–24 | Dimitrios Diamantakos | Kerala Blasters FC | 17 | 13 |
| 2024–25 | Alaaeddine Ajaraie | NorthEast United FC | 25 | 23 |
Let us look at them one-by-one:
1. Elano Blumer – 2014
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Chennaiyin FC |
| Matches | 11 |
| Goals | 8 |
In the inaugural season of the ISL, Elano Blumer announced himself as a true maestro. The 2010 FIFA World Cup star led Chennaiyin FC to the semi-finals with mesmerizing dribbles, pinpoint passes, and eight clinical strikes in just 11 matches. His technique and composure under pressure made him an instant fan favorite.
Beyond the numbers, Elano brought professionalism and world-class experience to a fledgling league. He was a guiding force for younger Indian players, showing them how to read the game, position themselves, and finish with flair. His impact extended well beyond goals, shaping Chennaiyin FC’s attacking identity for years.
2. Stiven Mendoza – 2015
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Chennaiyin FC |
| Matches | 16 |
| Goals | 3 |
Colombian striker Stiven Mendoza took the ISL by storm in 2015, striking 13 goals in 16 matches. Known for his lightning pace and deadly finishing, he scored one of the most memorable stoppage-time goals in the final against FC Goa, cementing Chennaiyin FC’s first ISL title.
Mendoza’s influence wasn’t limited to just scoring; his relentless pressing, off-the-ball runs, and work ethic set the tone for the team. He became a true marquee player, inspiring fans and teammates alike with a style that combined flair, aggression, and instinctive goal-scoring ability.
3. Marcelinho – 2016
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Delhi Dynamos FC |
| Matches | 15 |
| Goals | 10 |
Brazilian forward Marcelinho produced a magical campaign for Delhi Dynamos FC in 2016, netting 10 goals and assisting five more. His creativity, technical skills, and versatility made him one of the most dangerous attackers in the league, capable of scoring from almost anywhere.
Marcelinho’s flair on the field earned him plaudits from fans and critics alike. His ability to link play, draw defenders, and create scoring opportunities helped Delhi Dynamos reach the semi-finals and left a lasting impression on Indian football.
4. Ferran Corominas – 2017–18 & 2018–19
| Season | Club | Matches | Goals |
| 2017–18 | FC Goa | 20 | 18 |
| 2018–19 | FC Goa | 20 | 16 |
Ferran Corominas, or Coro, became a legend at FC Goa by winning back-to-back Golden Boots. In 2017–18, he scored a staggering 18 goals in 20 matches, showcasing pinpoint finishing, spatial awareness, and a killer instinct in the box.
Coro continued his dominance in the 2018–19 season, scoring 16 more goals and leading FC Goa’s attack with tactical brilliance. His consistency, movement, and clinical nature made him one of the most feared forwards in the ISL’s history.
5. Nerijus Valskis – 2019–20
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Chennaiyin FC |
| Matches | 20 |
| Goals | 15 |
Lithuanian striker Nerijus Valskis tormented defenses throughout the 2019–20 season. With 15 goals, he was the driving force behind Chennaiyin FC’s charge, demonstrating exceptional positioning, aerial dominance, and composure in front of goal.
Valskis’ style combined strength and intelligence, allowing him to exploit defensive gaps and finish with precision. His contribution highlighted the importance of an experienced forward in achieving team success and thrilling fans.
6. Igor Angulo – 2020–21
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | FC Goa |
| Matches | 21 |
| Goals | 14 |
Spanish striker Igor Angulo topped the scoring charts in 2020–21 with 14 goals, cementing his role as FC Goa’s attacking talisman. His intelligence, runs, lethal finishing, and calmness under pressure gave Goa a cutting edge in front of goal.
Beyond his goals, Angulo’s work ethic and leadership on the pitch inspired teammates. He set a standard for professionalism and was key in shaping FC Goa’s attacking philosophy, combining flair with clinical execution.
7. Bartholomew Ogbeche – 2021–22
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Hyderabad FC |
| Matches | 20 |
| Goals | 18 |
Nigerian striker Bartholomew Ogbeche was a powerhouse in the 2021–22 season, scoring 18 goals to claim the Golden Boot. His combination of strength, speed, and finishing ability made him one of the most dangerous forwards in the league.
Ogbeche’s experience allowed him to dominate in crucial moments, helping Hyderabad FC challenge for the top positions. Fans and pundits alike praised his consistency and knack for scoring decisive goals.
8. Diego Mauricio – 2022–23
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Odisha FC |
| Matches | 25 |
| Goals | 12 |
Brazilian forward Diego Mauricio delighted Odisha FC fans with 12 goals in the 2022–23 season. His flair, pace, and sharp finishing skills made him the cornerstone of Odisha’s attacking strategy.
Mauricio’s ability to turn tight situations into scoring opportunities impressed opponents and spectators. His movement, precision, and creativity earned him widespread recognition as one of the ISL’s elite forwards.
9. Dimitrios Diamantakos – 2023–24
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Kerala Blasters FC |
| Matches | 17 |
| Goals | 13 |
Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos was the standout performer for Kerala Blasters in 2023–24. His 13 goals came from blistering pace, aerial threat, and intelligent positioning in the box.
Diamantakos’ consistency and finishing precision electrified fans and made him a fan favorite. His performances reinforced the importance of foreign talent blending seamlessly with Indian teams to elevate the ISL’s competitive level.
10. Alaaeddine Ajaraie – 2024–25
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | NorthEast United FC |
| Matches | 25 |
| Goals | 23 |
Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie smashed records in 2024–25 with a staggering 23 goals, the most in ISL history. His precision, athleticism, and relentless work rate made him nearly unstoppable in front of the goal.
Ajaraie’s campaign was a blend of flair and power, inspiring NorthEast United FC fans with every match. His record-breaking tally set a new benchmark for future ISL goal scorers, proving the league’s evolution and rising standard of talent.
Also Check:
Conclusion: The Goalscorers Who Made ISL History
The Golden Boot winners of the ISL have been more than just goal-scorers; they’ve been icons, inspirations, and entertainers. From Elano’s early magic to Ajaraie’s record-shattering feats, each player left a unique imprint on Indian football.
Their contributions shaped club identities, thrilled fans, and elevated the league’s reputation internationally. Watching these athletes score, assist, and create moments of brilliance has turned the ISL into a showcase of attacking artistry and sportsmanship.
As the league grows, the Golden Boot race promises to become even more competitive. New stars will emerge, records will fall, and fans will continue to celebrate the electrifying joy of goals, the heartbeat of football.
