The Indian Super League (ISL) will finally resume action on 14 February 2026 after a half an year delay but the long duration of the uncertainty of the league's future was enough for certain superstars of the league, mainly the foreigners, to turn elsewhere for game time. The indefinite suspension of the 2025-26 season led to a significant foreign exodus that devoid clubs of their service and quality leading to scramble for replacements. However, the teams are set to suffer a lot without their marksman and experienced campaigners for the upcoming season.
The uncertainty was caused by the dispute between AIFF and former league owners FSDL over the MRA extension coinciding with the new constitution adoption and further standoff between clubs and the federation.
This forced a sporting, economic and even humanitarian crisis that forced these players to leave India for career stability. Some clubs have been forced to let go of their key figures and fan favourites either on a permanent basis or loan deals to slash wages due to the economic burden the club had to carry for the lack of football. From the player perspective, they were understandably unwilling to wait in an uncertain environment and had to explore opportunities in other leagues. For these professionals, competitive game time is crucial for maintaining form, career progression, and financial security, especially when age and future contracts are at stake. By the time all parties met to restart the league with government intervention, it was too late. Indonesia's Super League became the preferred destination for these ISL stars due to the league's delay.
Here are some of the top ISL stars that won't be featuring for their teams in the 2025-26 season:
Borja Herrera
Only player to win three consecutive Super Cups in India, Borja Herrera left FC Goa to join Persijap Jepara in Indonesian top flight league at the frag end of 2025. The Spanish midfielder slammed the parties involved that caused the uncertainty of the ISL, calling it 'shameful' for Indian football and that the situation became ‘untenable’ for him and his family which forced him to make the decision. Borja joined the ISL in 2022 for the erstwhile Hyderabad FC, helping them win their maiden ISL trophy before switching to East Bengal and then finally FC Goa, spending two and a half years with the Gaurs. The 33-year-old contributed to 25 league goals across the three clubs making him one of the finest playmakers in recent years in ISL. Unfortunately, his dream journey in the league ended abruptly with FC Goa also ensuring a major loss.
Iker Guarrotxena
Manolo Marquez's side dealt with more blows when like Borja, another creator Iker Guarrotxena decided to end his stay with the club and join the fellow Spaniard at Persijap Jepara. The club has taken Goa's two creating hubs threatening the inaugural Shield winners. Guarrotxena took the league by storm, scoring 11 goals in his debut season for FC Goa. After a brief stint at Spain, the Athletic Club academy graduate contributed to six goals in six league games after joining Mumbai City FC in the winter window of 2024 helping them win the ISL Cup. Guarrotxena returned to Goa a season later for his second stint and won more trophies, looking to continue his journey in the league. However, it failed to materialise due to the ISL's uncertainty. Capable of playing both as a striker and a number 10, FC Goa will be frustrated to let go of such a player because of the condition that was caused by the league delay.
Javier Siverio
Another key foreigner to leave FC Goa is Javier Siverio who, unlike the rest, joined the club only last summer. Also a Spaniard, operating up front, joined ISL at just 23 years of age and made an instant impact. Like Borja, he was a key contributor to Hyderabad FC's ISL Cup successes before joining East Bengal where he won the Super Cup. After a two season spell at Jamshedpur FC, the forward joined Goa last year winning the Super Cup straightaway and also helping the club in their AFC Champions League 2 campaign. Although not prolific, Siverio gained reputation in the league for his excellent hold up play and being a workhorse in the attack which explains him being a transfer target for so many ISL clubs. Yet, Siverio had to cut his Goa spell short and leave ISL entirely, also telling AIFF to 'have some shame', to join Ethnikos Achnas in Greece.
Alaeddine Ajarie
The Moroccan not only became a heartthrob for Northeast United but also became a desired figure for fans of their clubs due to his phenomenal goalscoring ability and the records he set. Alaeddine Ajarie joined the Highlanders in the summer of 2024 just as another foreigner coming to the league but quickly established himself as a recognised footballer in the league's history in just one season. That is because the 33-year-old scored a spectacular 23 goals in his debut season, shattering the record of most goals scored in a single season by a player. Ajarie also won back-to-back Durand Cup titles, winning the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball in last year's triumph. However, due to the league's delay, the player that was one of the prime reasons for Northeast's transformation had to leave the club albeit on loan to Indonesia's Persija Jakarta for game time and keep up his incredible scoring form. On the other hand, it was a huge blow for the Highlanders to lose their talisman for a situation not under their control.
Hugo Boumous
A serial winner and a renowned playmaker, it will be hard to stomach for ISL fans to not see Hugo Boumous lighting up ISL as he did season after season with the French-Moroccan deciding to leave the league to join Malaysian side Selangor on loan from Odisha FC because of the league's uncertainty. Boumous won seven major titles during his stay in India with four ISL clubs including two ISL Cups and three League Shields. He topped the table with three different clubs, became a crucial member of the Mumbai City FC squad that won the historic double and was voted the player of the tournament in 2019-20 season by becoming the first player to record double digits in goals and assists in the league. The 30 year old was a supreme creator, contributing to 74 goals (34 goals and 40 assists) in 124 appearances and became one of the most creative players the league has ever seen. Boumous became a fan favourite wherever he went because of his creativity, vision, dribbling, being technically gifted with high confidence plays and his set-pieces. Unfortunately, the player who has ruled the pitch for eight years won't be competing in the country for the 2025-26 season.
Tiri
The league will not only miss some of its famed attackers but also a defender that became a symbol of his role. Joining the league in only it's second season in history, the Spaniard became an example of longevity and leadership defined by his elite qualities, defensive intelligence and technical proficiency with his passing as a left-footed center-back, a rare trait in football. Tiri made over 138 appearances in the ISL, won two ISL Cup and League Shield while also captaining Jamshedpur FC, Atletico de Kolkata, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC on several occasions. His calm presence in organising defences, making himself a brick wall and competitive spirit while also maintaining consistency made him a fan favourite wherever he went. His attributes also made him transfer targets for top ISL clubs each time. Yet, Tiri won't be carrying on his legacy in what could have been his tenth season in the ISL because of the long standoff, joining Borja Herrera and Iker Guarrotxena at Persijap Jepara in Indonesia.
Noah Sadaoui
Another star that won't be lining up in the 2025-26 ISL season is the explosive winger Noah Sadaoui. Turned out to be one of the best players at his role in the league, the Moroccan winger became an instant favourite for Goa fans and the neutral because of the devastation he caused in the opposition defences. His brilliant pace making him one of the fastest the league have ever seen, dribbles, creativity, versatility, directness and also prolific nature kept everyone on the edge of the seat. Despite not winning titles during his stay in ISL, he surely won hearts at FC Goa after joining the club in 2022 and later at Kerala Blasters a season ago. Sadaoui contributed to 45 goals in 62 ISL appearances, showing his ruthless presence. He joined the league with a high profile by winning the African Nations Championship with his home country and the CAF Confederation Cup with Raja Casablanca and he only reinstated his class in ISL. However, the very league's uncertainty means he was forced to move on loan to Indonesian club Dewa United depleting the league's superstar panel.
Adrián Luna
However, the most influential player of ISL among others in the list to not feature in the league for 2025-26 season is undoubtedly Adrián Luna. The Uruguayan midfielder and Kerala Blasters captain who is the club's most-capped foreign player quickly turned into a tantalizing prospect and no less than one of the icons of the league. Like Sadaoui, he might not end the trophy drought for the Blasters but mesmerized everyone with his class and cracking strikes. Adding South American flair with an immense work ethic, the deadly combination made Luna a relentless machine looking to be a nightmare for the opposition. His tactical mastery and versatility to play anywhere in the attack made him a asset. Luna contributed 36 goals in 75 league appearances with the best return coming in his debut season, 13 goals contributions. He was an elite playmaker creating an incredible 129 chances for his teammates. Yet, the club legend for Kerala Blasters had to test his loyalty in the most difficult time and seek pastures new amid on loan to Indonesian club Persik Kediri for career sustainability. For the Tuskers, it was a loss that cannot be described in words.
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