The I-League 2024-25 season will witness the assembly of some of the most prolific domestic and international footballers in India. Thirteen teams will participate in the competition this season, with Mohammedan SC moving up to the Indian Super League (ISL), whereas Sporting Bengaluru and Dempo are promoted from the I-League 2.
Meanwhile, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has brought the India U-20 national team into the I-League to provide them competitive playing exposure, though they will have amnesty from the promotion-relegation battle. On that note, here’s a brief look at the five key players to look out for in the I-League 2024-25.
[Stat Source: Transfermarkt & ESPN]
- Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia (Aizawl FC)
The Aizawl FC striker was the third-highest goal-scorer and the topmost Indian overall in the I-League last season. He scored 15 goals in 20 appearances, though the team finished at a lowly 10th spot in the competition. Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia has a golden opportunity to follow up on his performances from the previous year and fill the gaping hole in the frontline of the national team, especially in the post-Sunil Chhetri era.
- Gnohere Krizo (Real Kashmir FC)
Gnohere Krizo, 27, is an Ivorian striker who represents Real Kashmir FC. Nearly six feet and as many inches tall, he carries a dominating presence in the opposition’s backline, and scored 12 goals in 20 games last season. Krizo primarily plays through the centre, whilst he can operate through the left flank too. Real Kashmir FC secured a comfortable fifth-place finish in 2023-24 and if they were to better that this year, Krizo will hold the key cards for the same.
- Mario Barco Vilar (Inter Kashi FC)
Mario Barco Vilar is the creator-in-chief for Inter Kashi FC, donning the role of a centre forward, but also managing to unleash his creative acumen in a timely manner. He assisted an impressive 12 goals in 20 appearances last season, and he could very well be running riot in the opposition’s backline in the forthcoming year too. In addition to that, he also found the back of the net 10 times, thus emerging as one of the most efficient players in the league. Can he sustain or better those outputs this time around?
- Devnash Dabas (Gokulam Kerala FC)
Devnash Dabas is the goalkeeper for Gokulam Kerala FC, and though he made limited appearances (10) last year, he managed to keep three clean sheets. The custodian from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, is only 23 years old and will have many more chances coming his way this season. Dabas rose through the ranks of Punjab FC, and has since then gone on to play for Lonestar Kashmir FC and Chennaiyin FC, before his current stint with Gokulam. He has the apt opportunity to capitalise upon that and further reiterate his calibre in the next term.
- Faysal Shayesteh (Sreenidi Deccan)
Faysal Shayesteh joined Sreenidi Deccan in 2022 and has been crucial to them finishing second in the table in successive seasons. The Afghan attacking midfielder has also played for their national team. He made seven assists in 20 appearances in the I-League last year, being one of the key figures in the team behind the likes of Juan Castaneda and William banging in 11 and nine goals respectively. Shayesteh will now face the pressure of uplifting his performance levels for the third consecutive campaign, but at 33, he must be raring to go to finally help his team bag the coveted promotion to the ISL.
