Football has always been a popular sport in India. However, it was not until 2014 that India got its own professional football league – the Indian Super League (ISL). Since then, the league has grown in popularity and has established itself as the premier football league in India.The Indian Super League (ISL) has captured the hearts of football fans across India. The league has seen some of the best players in the world take part in the tournament, including stars like Robert Pires, Alessandro Del Piero, and Nicolas Anelka. Today, the ISL has become a platform for both Indian and international players to showcase their talents and has contributed significantly to the growth of football in the country.
One of the most coveted awards in the ISL is the Golden Ball, which is presented to the best player of the tournament. Since the inception of the league, the ISL Golden Ball has been won by some of the biggest names in Indian football history. The likes of Elano Blumer, Iain Hume, Ferran Corominas, and Roy Krishna have all won the award in the past and have gone on to achieve great success both domestically and internationally. In this article, we will take a look at all the winners of the ISL Golden Ball over the years.The ISL Golden Ball has been a symbol of excellence and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players. Players who have won the award have proven their worth as the best player of the tournament. The Golden Ball has also helped to raise the profile of the league and has attracted many top players from around the world to play in the tournament. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the winners of the Golden Ball over the years and explore their contributions to the tournament.The ISL Golden Ball has always been an award that is highly sought after by players. Not only does it recognize the best player of the tournament, but it is also a symbol of excellence and recognition of the hard work put in by the player. Over the years, there have been many players who have won the Golden Ball, including some of the biggest names in Indian and international football. In this article, we will explore the backgrounds of all the ISL Golden Ball winners, their playing styles, their most memorable moments in the tournament, and what made them stand out among their peers. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the ISL or just getting started, this guide will give you all the information you need about the best players in the history of the tournament.
ISL Golden Ball Winners: 2014-2016
The first three seasons of the ISL were dominated by some of the biggest names in international football. The inaugural season saw Brazilian midfielder Elano Blumer win the Golden Ball as he scored a crucial goal in the final to help Chennaiyin FC lift the trophy. In the following year, Atletico de Kolkata’s Canadian striker Iain Hume took home the award as he led his team to their second title. Finally, in the third season, Helder Postiga, another Atletico de Kolkata player, won the Golden Ball as his performances in the league propelled his team to the top of the table.
Elano arrived in the ISL with a reputation as a midfield magician thanks to his impressive career at clubs such as Manchester City, Santos, and Shakhtar Donetsk. Despite his experience, he quickly adapted to the unique challenges of Indian football and became one of the standout players of the inaugural season. His ball control, passing range, and set-piece ability made him a constant threat for Chennaiyin FC, and he played a key role in their title-winning campaign. Overall, Elano scored eight goals and provided six assists in 14 matches, making him a deserving recipient of the Golden Ball.Elano’s performances in his inaugural season were simply outstanding. His ability to create chances and control the midfield was unparalleled in the tournament. The Brazilian’s set-piece deliveries were also a constant source of danger for the opposition defences. Furthermore, he was instrumental in Chennaiyin FC’s successful campaign which ultimately led to their triumphant moment. His Golden Ball was a testament to his exceptional displays throughout the season.Iain Hume’s performances in the second season of the ISL were yet another example of the striker’s skills. The then 32-year-old Canadian played a crucial role in Atletico de Kolkata’s campaign, scoring 11 goals that season. His pace, agility, and goalscoring ability were a constant threat for opposition defenders, making him a deserving winner of the Golden Ball. Hume’s Golden Ball was the recognition of his immense contribution in securing Atletico de Kolkata their second ISL trophy.
ISL Golden Ball Winners: 2017-2019
The middle years of the ISL saw a mix of experienced international players and up-and-coming Indian talent emerge as winners of the Golden Ball. The likes of Ferran Corominas and Sergej Milicic became household names in India due to their exploits in the tournament.Ferran Corominas and Sergej Milicic weren’t just great players in the tournament but they had an immense contribution to their teams’ success as well. They were instrumental in taking their teams to the playoffs and leading them to the finals with their stellar performances. They were also fan favourites and inspired a whole generation of young Indian footballers to take up the sport.
In terms of playing style, Ferran Corominas was known for his incredible finishing ability, scoring goals from seemingly impossible angles. Sergej Milicic, on the other hand, was known for his hard-working attitude and ability to create chances for his team. Both players were able to make an instant impact on the league with their skills and have left a lasting legacy. In this section, we will delve deeper into their backgrounds and their journey to winning the ISL Golden Ball.Ferran Corominas and Sergej Milicic were not just the winners of the Golden Ball award but their presence in the league was felt far beyond just winning the award. Their dominance in the tournament was so profound that they were instrumental in lifting their respective teams’ performances. They were not only able to inspire their teammates but also managed to garner the love of the fans of their respective clubs. Also, their hard work and dedication to the sport made them role models for many upcoming footballers. In the next paragraph, we will explore more about their personal lives and journey to becoming two of the best foreign players in the league.Ferran Corominas was born on January 5, 1983, in Vilassar de Mar, Spain. Before joining FC Goa in the 2017-2018 ISL season, he had a playing career in La Liga and other European leagues. He had previously played for the likes of Espanyol, Girona, and Osasuna in Spain, as well as for Greek side PAOK. Corominas impressed everyone with his striking abilities, scoring a staggering 48 goals in his time at FC Goa. His career at Goa also included two Golden Boots, given to the league’s top scorer, and two Player of the Tournament awards in the 2017-18 season.
On the other hand, Sergej Milicic was born on January 10, 1993, in Yugoslavia. Before joining Chennaiyin FC for the 2018-2019 ISL season, Milicic played in various European leagues, such as Serbian SuperLiga, Belarusian Premier League, and Polish Ekstraklasa, to name a few. During his stint with Chennaiyin FC, Milicic became a fan favourite due to his hardworking nature and his ability to create scoring opportunities. His energy and creativity helped Chennaiyin win the title during his time in the league. In the next paragraphs, we will explore their playing styles and what made them stand out among their peers.
ISL Golden Ball Winners: 2020-2021
The most recent winners of the Golden Ball – Roy Krishna and Igor Angulo – are two players who have been monumental in their teams’ success. Roy Krishna, the Fijian striker, won the award in the 2020-21 season, playing for ATK Mohun Bagan. He scored 14 goals and provided 8 assists in the season, which helped his team finish in second place.Roy Krishna’s journey to the top in the ISL has been nothing short of extraordinary. He started his career in New Zealand and played for several clubs before signing for Wellington Phoenix in 2014. He was the club’s top scorer for three consecutive seasons and won the A-League Player of the Year award in the 2018-19 season.
Krishna’s move to the ISL was eagerly anticipated, and he did not disappoint. He quickly became one of the most exciting players in the league, using his pace, dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability to mesmerize defenders. He formed a deadly partnership with David Williams, and the duo terrorized opposition defences throughout the season.
On the other hand, Igor Angulo, the Spanish striker, won the Golden Ball in the 2019-2020 season, playing for FC Goa. He scored 14 goals and provided 3 assists in the season, which helped his team finish top of the league table.
Before arriving in India, Angulo had a long and successful career in Spain. He played for several clubs in the second and third tiers of Spanish football and scored over 100 goals before signing for Gornik Zabrze, a first division club in Poland. During his time at Gornik Zabrze, he was the top scorer in the league and helped his team qualify for the Europa League.
Angulo’s move to FC Goa was seen as a gamble by many, but he quickly proved his worth with his superb performances. He was a constant threat in front of goal and his clinical finishing was instrumental in FC Goa’s success. He formed a great understanding with fellow Spaniard Ferran Corominas, and the duo scored a combined total of 27 goals in the season.Continuing on the topic of Angulo, his playing style is also worth mentioning. He is a classic poacher, always lurking in and around the opposition box, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce. His ability to find space and his sharp movements in the box make him a tough nut to crack for even the most experienced defenders. His finishing is accurate, and he has a penchant for scoring spectacular goals from difficult angles.
In conclusion, Roy Krishna and Igor Angulo are two players who have left an indelible mark on the ISL with their outstanding performances. Their journey to the top in the league has been remarkable, and their contribution to their teams’ success cannot be overstated. With the ISL set to continue for many years to come, it will be interesting to see who the next superstar to win the Golden Ball will be.
Conclusion
The emergence of Indian talent in the ISL has been one of the most exciting developments in the league in recent years. Players like Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh, and Sahal Abdul Samad have become household names in India due to their performances in the tournament. However, it is a testament to the quality of the foreign players in the league that they have won the Golden Ball in every season so far.
The Golden Ball represents a recognition of a player’s individual brilliance and their contribution to their team’s success. It is an award that every player in the ISL dreams of winning, and one that signifies that they are among the best players in the league. Looking back at the winners of the Golden Ball over the years, it is clear that the award has been won by players of different nationalities, playing styles, and backgrounds.
However, they all share one thing in common – the ability to rise to the occasion and perform when it matters the most. Whether it is scoring a crucial goal, creating a decisive assist, or putting in a tireless shift in midfield, the Golden Ball winners have all contributed in their own way to their team’s success. Their achievements in the ISL are a testament to their hard work and dedication, and a source of inspiration to players all around the world.
The ISL has not only produced some of the best football players in India but has also helped to raise the stature of the sport in the country. It has provided a platform for young Indian players to rub shoulders with some of the best in the world and learn from their experiences. The league has also attracted top-quality coaches from around the world, who have brought with them their knowledge and expertise.
Over the years, the quality of football in the ISL has improved significantly, and it has become a much more competitive league. The emergence of new teams and the expansion of existing ones have made the league more diverse and inclusive. The introduction of a promotion-relegation system in the near future can only make the league more exciting and competitive, and provide an avenue for talented players to prove their mettle.
In conclusion, the ISL Golden Ball is more than just an award. It represents excellence, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. The players who have won the award over the years have left an indelible mark on the league and are a source of inspiration to players all around the world. As the league continues to grow and evolve, it is certain that we will see many more outstanding players emerge and etch their names in the annals of football history in India.Sure, I’ll continue writing about the impact of the ISL on Indian football.
The ISL has played a crucial role in the development of football in India and has helped to generate interest in the sport. It has provided a platform for young players to showcase their talent and has also helped to raise the standard of domestic football. The league has also attracted top-quality foreign players and coaches, who have helped to improve the quality of play.
The ISL has also had a positive impact on the economy, with the league generating employment opportunities and contributing to the growth of related industries such as tourism and hospitality. The success of the league has also helped to increase interest in the sport from investors and sponsors, which has led to increased investment in football infrastructure and development programs.
Overall, the ISL has helped to change the perception of football in India and has provided a pathway for talented players to achieve their dreams. The league continues to grow and evolve, and it is certain that it will have a positive impact on the development of football in India for years to come.
