The 2026-27 edition of Indian Super League (ISL) offers another exciting season for the young footballers to showcase their talent and gain exposure. After the tournament was held in single leg last season due to administrative delays, the ISL 2026-27 brings back its traditional home and away format, with 163 matches to be played.
Every ISL season brings a new crop of young players, who goes on to make transition from being promising prospects to establish their name as first-team footballers. As enters a new era, several young names enter the season on the back of valuable experience.
While some have changed their bases, some chose to stay where they played in the last season. With several clubs reshaping their combinations, the could be a breakthrough season for a number of emerging talents. Here are the five young prospects to look out for:
A product of Bengaluru FC academy, Vinith Venkatesh has already impressed with in his breakthrough 2024–25 campaign, where he scored a goal and provided two assists in 19 matches he played. The midfielder’s ability to operate between the lines and carry the ball forward and contribute defensively, makes him one of the youngsters to watch out for.
At just 19 years, Venkatesh has shown tremendous maturity beyond his age, and the 2026-27 season of ISL could add valuable experience towards another step in his career.
Chennaiyin FC were clever to sign Brison Fernandes. Born in 2001 in Goa, Brison was among the few young Indians to have made a statement in the last couple of seasons. Having started his ISL career with , Brison breakthrough season came in 2024–25, scoring seven goals and providing two assists, which earned him the Emerging Player of the Season award.
With an ability to play in advanced areas, create opportunities and contribute goals, Chennaiyin will be banking on the 25-year-old for goals upfront. He also made his India senior team debut in 2025.
Another young prospect to look out for in ISL 2026-27 is Rohit Danu of . Having scouted by Bibiano Fernandes in 2015 at the AIFF Elite Academy, Danu represented India at various age-group levels, alongside getting adequate exposure in the ISL.
Before joining East Bengal, Danu plied his trade with Indian Arrows (AIFF’s developmental side), Hyderabad FC, and Inter Kashi (all in ISL). Having experienced the demands of senior football, Danu’s ability to operate in advanced positions makes him an interesting attacking option for the defending champions.
Among the current crop of youngsters, Inter Kashi defender Aritra Das is one to watch out for. Having impressed the management with his performances in the previous season, Aritra was an automatic choice for Inter Kashi’s long-term plans.
While it is difficult to gauge on his gametime in ISL 2026-27, Aritra should focus on consistency and adaptability towards his development. The ISL 2026-27 provides Aritra an opportunity to gain valuable exposure and establish him as a dependable young defender.
Another Indian attacker, who will be under watchful eyes is Leon Augustine of Punjab FC. Having graduated from Bengaluru FC academy, Augustine gained experience with the Bengaluru FC senior team before joining Punjab FC. His pace and ability to play in wide attacking areas give Punjab an option capable of stretching defences and changing the tempo.
The has announced YouTube as its digital streaming partner for the 2026-27 season, with every match set to be available live and free on the platform. ISL has also partnered with Sony Sports Network to bring the League to television exclusively in India. As part of the deal, Sony LIV will offer live streaming of all 163 matches of the season.
