10 highest valued Indian footballers in the world

Modified Apr 09, 2020 14:44 IST

Indian players have seen significant rises in market values since the inception of the ISL

#8 Nishu Kumar - €225K

Nishu Kumar is another defender from the Bengaluru FC camp, highly valued for his abilities at the back. The AIFF Elite Academy product joined BFC in 2015 and has been an ever-present figure in the backline.

Starting as a young fullback with no prior league experience, Nishu soon evolved into a ball-playing defender, always willing to put his body on the line. The 22-year-old represented the nation at the U19 and U23 age categories, but had to wait for a long time for a senior national team cap.

The Uttar Pradesh-born defender finally got his nod during India's last fixture, against Oman in November. Nishu has earned himself a glowing reputation with his 45 ISL matches for Bengaluru FC, and a lot more can be expected in national colours in the future.

#7 Mandar Rao Desai - €250K

Another Indian fullback who has been consistently impressing in the ISL is FC Goa skipper Mandar Rao Desai. The 28-year-old rose through the Dempo youth side before joining Goa for the inaugural season of the ISL.

Though he had a short loan stint with Bengaluru FC, it was prior to the Blues' ISL debut. Mandar has represented FC Goa in 97 ISL matches and is the most capped player in the league.

The Goan-born who started as a left-winger has successfully transitioned to a left-back, and has all his 5 international caps in the backline.