The Indian Super League (ISL) has provided plenty of thrills and spills since its inception in 2014 and has elevated football in the sub-continent to a whole new level. Fan attendance in stadiums was never going to be a problem with India’s passionate football fan base, but what has come as a surprise is the relative ease of transition between the elite European leagues and the ISL franchises for the big names in the sport. Many of the top players in world football have made their way to the ISL and some have even stayed on to pursue management in the country.
One of the main reasons for continuing playing in India is the sheer monetary gain available in a cash-rich league aiming to make strides on the world stage. The situation is no different for some of India’s top talents either. It’s obvious that a few Indian players have stood out among the rest as the match-winners in some of the best ISL franchises and it is now more well-known than ever with these clubs now willing to break the bank in order to retain their top Indian stars. With no marquee names necessary in the ISL, it is time for Indian players to take the forefront. Keeping this in mind, here are the five Indian players who will earn the most money in the coming season of the ISL:
#5 CK Vineeth – Rs 1 crore
CK Vineeth has established himself as one of the stars of the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned Kerala Blasters franchise. The winger is one of the most versatile players in the Kerala squad, easily transitioning into attacking positions and even lying into midfield if the team requires him to. So much so, that Kerala are reportedly offering the player a cool Rs 1 crore to keep his services for another season. The 29-year-old has emerged a top prospect after strong performances in the ISL in the past with Bengaluru FC and even with the Indian national team.
It should, hence, come as no surprise that last season’s finalists want to go a step further than last season with Vineeth being one of the best ways to do just that.are reportedly offering the player a cool 1 crore to keep his services for another season. The 29-year-old has emerged a top prospect after strong performances in the ISL in the past with the Blasters and even with the Indian national team. It should hence come as no surprise that last season’s finalists want to go a step further next year with retaining Vineeth being one of the best ways to do just that.
#4 Sandesh Jhingan – Rs 1.2 crores
Sticking with the Blasters, top Indian defender Sandesh Jhingan is now the highest paid defender in the ISL following a reported 1.2 crore fee to be paid by the Kerala franchise to retain the services of Jhingan for another season. The 23-year-old has quickly become one of the most sought-after players in Indian football following strong performances for his domestic teams.
The former United Sikkim FC player has provided solidity at the back for the South Indian outfit and the national team is keen to make him one of the important players in the team. Joining the one-crore club at the age of 23 is no small achievement and Jhingan will hope for even better performances in the coming season of the ISL.
#3 Amrinder Singh – Rs 1.2 crores
Goalkeepers are often forgotten and lost in the shuffle when you think of highest paid players so it makes Amrinder Singh’s inclusion in this list all the more special. The Mumbai City FC stopper is reportedly on his way to earning a whopping 1.2 crore from the ISL franchise, making him the highest earning keeper in the league. A top prospect in every which way, the 24-year-old impressed one and all with his heroic saves for the Mumbai club and Bengaluru FC in the recent past.
With the national team keeping a keen eye, Amrinder’s stock continues to rise. The retention offer from Mumbai comes following a speculated big money move planned by Bengaluru FC, prompting the Mumbai franchise to up the scales on his salary. Expect the goalie to make waves in the forthcoming ISL season too.
#2 Jeje Lalpekhlua – Rs 1.3 crores
The well-known Indian football talent Jeje joins the list at number two but could easily have been numero uno if reports are to be believed. The North Eastern player has unsurprisingly been retained by Chennaiyin FC for Rs 1.3 crores and it makes him one of the highest-paid footballers in the country. The 26-year-old has consistently performed brilliantly for club and country with the national team dependent on his pace and willingness to run the line for the best possible results.
Jeje’s three-year contract with Chennaiyin is reportedly worth Rs 4.3 crores cementing him as one of the stalwarts of Indian football today.crore and it makes him one of the highest-paid footballers in the country. The 26-year-old has consistently performed brilliantly for club and country with the national team dependent on his pace and willingness to run the line for the best possible results. Jeje’s three-year contract with Chennaiyin is reportedly worth 4.3 crores cementing him as one of the stalwarts of Indian football today.
#1 Sunil Chhetri – Rs 1.5 crores
It is not surprising that India’s mercurial striker Sunil Chhetri tops the list of richest Indian footballers following a purple patch of goalscoring form for his country in particular. The captain of the national team, Chhetri has penned a three-year contract with current club Bengaluru FC to keep him there in a deal worth 4.6 crores.
With many suggesting he is well past his prime, Chhetri hasn’t lost out on his worth with clubs though, proving just how valuable he still is with goals at important junctures of the match. He still has a few good years left in him and Bengaluru will do all they can to tie him to the club for as long as possible.
