The Indian Super League (ISL) has grown into one of Asia’s most competitive and financially rewarding football competitions. As clubs invest more in domestic talent, Indian players are commanding record transfer fees and salaries, highlighting the steady transformation of the game in India. In this article, we explore the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian footballers in ISL History, delving into transfer figures, club moves, and the lasting impact these deals have made on the sport.
Here are the Top 10 Highest‑Paid Indian footballers in ISL History
10. Liston Colaco – INR 1 Crore

Club Move: Hyderabad FC → ATK Mohun Bagan
Fee: ~₹1 Crore
Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
Player | Liston Colaco |
Position | Forward |
Transfer | Hyderabad FC to ATK Mohun Bagan |
Approx Fee | INR 1 Crore |
Liston Colaco’s speed, dribbling and eye for goal earned him a big move, placing him on the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian footballers in ISL History list at number 10.
9. Prabhsukhan Singh Gill – INR 1.2 Crore

Club Move: Kerala Blasters → East Bengal
Fee: ~₹1.2 Crores
Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
Player | Prabhsukhan Singh Gill |
Position | Goalkeeper |
Transfer | Kerala Blasters to East Bengal |
Approx Fee | INR 1.2 Crores |
Prabhsukhan’s reliability between the sticks made him a valuable asset and earned him a position among the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian footballers in ISL History.
8. Asish Rai – INR 1.5 Crore

Club Move: Hyderabad FC → ATK Mohun Bagan
Fee: ~₹1.5 Crores
Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
Player | Asish Rai |
Position | Defender |
Transfer | Hyderabad FC to ATK Mohun Bagan |
Approx Fee | INR 1.5 Crores |
Asish’s consistency at full‑back has made him one of the more valuable defenders in Indian football, cementing his place on the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian footballers in ISL History.
7. Aibanbha Dohling – INR 1.5 Crore

Club Move: FC Goa → Kerala Blasters
Fee: ~₹1.5 Crores
Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
Player | Aibanbha Dohling |
Position | Defender |
Transfer | FC Goa to Kerala Blasters |
Approx Fee | INR 1.5 Crores |
Dohling’s defensive acumen and versatility have earned him recognition among the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian footballers in ISL History.
6. Apuia Ralte – INR 1.6 Crore

Club Move: Mumbai City FC → Mohun Bagan SG
Fee: ~₹1.6 Crores
Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
Player | Apuia Ralte |
Position | Midfielder |
Transfer | Mumbai City FC to Mohun Bagan SG |
Approx Fee | INR 1.6 Crores |
Apuia’s dynamic midfield presence made him an attractive target, helping him land at number 6 in the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian footballers in ISL History.
5. Apuia Ralte – INR 2 Crore

Club Move: NorthEast United → Mumbai City FC
Fee: ~₹2 Crores
Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
Player | Apuia Ralte |
Position | Midfielder |
Transfer | NorthEast United to Mumbai City FC |
Approx Fee | INR 2 Crores |
A rare double entry for the same player reflects his sustained market value, elevating Apuia into the upper half of the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian footballers in ISL History.
4. Anwar Ali – INR 2.5 Crore

Club Move: Delhi FC → East Bengal
Fee: ~₹2.5 Crores
Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
Player | Anwar Ali |
Position | Defender |
Transfer | Delhi FC to East Bengal |
Approx Fee | INR 2.5 Crores |
Anwar’s move in 2024 was one of the most noteworthy signings, further showcasing the expanding valuations reflected in the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian footballers in ISL History.
3. Akash Mishra – INR 3 Crore

Club Move: Hyderabad FC → Mumbai City FC
Fee: ~₹3 Crores
Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
Player | Akash Mishra |
Position | Left‑Back |
Transfer | Hyderabad FC to Mumbai City FC |
Approx Fee | INR 3 Crores |
Akash’s move was a major acquisition, earning him the bronze spot among the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian footballers in ISL History.
2. Anirudh Thapa – INR 3 Crore

Club Move: Chennaiyin FC → Mohun Bagan SG
Fee: ~₹3 Crores
Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
Player | Anirudh Thapa |
Position | Midfielder |
Transfer | Chennaiyin FC to Mohun Bagan SG |
Approx Fee | INR 3 Crores |
Thapa’s experience and leadership bring immense on‑field value, placing him as one of the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian footballers in ISL History.
1. Jeakson Singh – INR 3.3 Crore

Club Move: Kerala Blasters → East Bengal
Fee: ~₹3.3 Crores
Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
Player | Jeakson Singh |
Position | Midfielder |
Transfer | Kerala Blasters to East Bengal |
Approx Fee | INR 3.3 Crores |
Jeakson’s record‑breaking move makes him the highest domestic transfer earner in Indian football and tops the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian footballers in ISL History list.
1: Who are the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian Footballers in ISL History?
The Top 10 Highest Paid Indian Footballers in ISL History include Jeakson Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Apuia Ralte, Aibanbha Dohling, Asish Rai, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, and Liston Colaco, all earning record transfer fees for their clubs.
2. What is the highest transfer fee among the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian Footballers in ISL History?
The highest transfer fee among the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian Footballers in ISL History is approximately INR 3.3 crore, paid by East Bengal to sign Jeakson Singh from Kerala Blasters.
3. How has the salary of the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian Footballers in ISL History impacted Indian football?
The salaries of the Top 10 Highest Paid Indian Footballers in ISL History have boosted professionalism in Indian football, inspired young talent, and increased the market value of domestic players across the league.
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