Top five players with most assists in a single ISL game

Over the years, quite a few playmakers have played for different clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL). Since you can only win if you put the ball in the opposing team's net, goals are a crucial component of any football game. Most of the time, the people who provide assistance are forgotten while the goal scorers are praised.

In this article, let’s delve into the top five players in ISL history who have recorded the most assists in a single match.

5. Joni Kauko (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) vs Northeast United – ISL 2023-24 (3 assists)

At the VYBK Stadium, Mohun Bagan Super Giants faced Northeast United at a pivotal point in the 2023–24 ISL season. With three assists, Finnish midfielder Joni Kauko put on a memorable display that evening. 

Kauko assisted Jason Cummings, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Liston Colaco in scoring as Mohun Bagan defeated the Highlanders 4-2 on the night. This win turned out to be crucial for the Mariners as they ended up winning the Indian Super League Shield at the end of the season.

4. Naorem Mahesh Singh (East Bengal) vs Jamshedpur FC – ISL 2022-23 (3 assists)

Naorem Mahesh Singh, the sole Indian on this list, created history during the Indian Super League season of 2022–2023. Mahesh, who plays for East Bengal, helped his teammates score all three goals as the Red & Gold Brigade defeated Jamshedpur FC 3-1 at the JRD Tata Stadium that evening. 

Mahesh helped his team by setting up both of Cleiton Silva's goals and assisted Suhair's goal in the second minute. Overall, the winger ended his 2022-23 season with two goals and seven assists in 19 Indian Super League games. 

3. Matias Defederico (Mumbai City) vs Kerala Blasters – ISL 2016 (3 assists)

The Argentine played in the 2016 Indian Super League while wearing the colors of Mumbai City FC. With three goals and three assists for his teammates, Matias Defederico had a strong season overall, helping Mumbai City FC finish first in the league standings. 

Defederico may have had his best performance in Mumbai against the Kerala Blasters, where he contributed three assists. Diego Forlan shared the headlines from the game as his hattrick ensured that the Islanders beat the Kerala Blasters 5-0 on the night. 

2. Leo Moura (FC Goa) vs Mumbai City – ISL 2015 (3 assists)

Leo Moura ignited the 2015 Indian Super League season by dishing out eight assists to his FC Goa teammates during their heartbreaking final campaign. The Brazilian gave three assists in his best performance against Goa's West Coast rivals Mumbai City FC. 

While Moura delivered three assists, the match is also known for the hat-trick of Thongkhosiem Haokip and Dudu Omagbemi as the Gaurs beat the Islanders 7-0 at the Fatorda Stadium that night. 

1. Nicky Shorey (Pune City) vs Kerala Blasters – ISL 2015 (3 assists)

During the 2015 Indian Super League season, the former England international put on his boots for FC Pune City. Despite playing in all 14 of the Stallions' Indian Super League games that season, Nicky Shorey's standout performance came against the Kerala Blasters, where the Englishman provided three assists. 

The Stallions defeated the Blasters 3-2 at home thanks to crucial passes from Shorey to Kalu Uche and Tuncay Sanli. However, Pune City had a forgettable season, finishing seventh with 15 points from 14 games.

Cover Credits - ISL Official