ISL 2016: 5 players whose career were rejuvenated by the Indian Super League

#5 Stiven Mendoza

Stiven Mendoza took the ISL by storm last season

Arguably the best striker to have played in the ISL, John Stiven Mendoza had electrified the second edition of Indian Super League in unimaginative ways. The striker notched up 13 goals in 16 appearances, leading Chennaiyin FC all the way to the title. Explosive and skilful, Mendoza was one of the delights to watch last season and formed one of the most formidable partnerships ever seen in Indian football with Jeje Lalpekhlua.

Interestingly, there’s more to the story. Standing at just over 5’7’’, Stiven would not look like a striker from the world go. No real physical presence whatsoever, Mendoza started off his career at Envigado in 2010. After loan spells at America Cali and Cucuta Deportivo, Mendoza signed a two-year contract at Deportivo Cali, the club he supported on 18^th July, 2013.

The player was released by the club on 01^st July, 2014 and his career knew no next step. Chennaiyin FC came calling and after four months, Stiven Mendoza signed for the Marina Machans on 01^st Nov, 2014. Playing a fringe role in the first season, Mendoza still scored four goals in just 9 appearances.

It was the second season, though, which brought the spotlight at him. With Elano, Rafael Augusto and Jeje, Stiven Mendoza started on a journey which changed his career. 16 goals, Hero of the League and a Golden Boot later, Mendoza went back to parent club Corinthians, from where he was loaned out to New York City FC, to play alongside footballing legends Frank Lampard, David Villa and Andrea Pirlo!

Playing under former Arsenal and France superstar Patrick Vieira has done a world of good to Mendoza, whose unparalleled goal-scoring heroics in a season is yet to be matched. From playing at Deportivo Cali to plying his trade at Corinthians and New York City FC, John Stiven Mendoza must thank his stars and the Indian Super League for the brilliant turnaround his career has seen.