The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 is all set to launch on February 14, marking another thrilling chapter in India’s top-tier football competition. 14 teams from across the country will battle it out over the course of the season, aiming for supremacy, glory, and a chance to lift the coveted ISL trophy.
Fans can look forward to a season filled with tactical battles, emerging young talents, and international stars showcasing their skills on Indian soil. With fixtures scheduled across major cities, the league promises high-energy football, fan engagement, and electrifying stadium atmospheres.
Teams are preparing meticulously, with transfers, pre-season camps, and strategy sessions shaping up ahead of the kickoff. Clubs like Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, and Odisha FC are expected to be major contenders, while new signings and promising youngsters could change the dynamics of the league.
The ISL continues to grow in stature, nurturing Indian football talent, attracting international attention, and inspiring fans across the country. With the season opener set for February 14, football enthusiasts can expect a fiery start to what promises to be a landmark season.
Stay tuned as the chase for the ISL summit begins!
In a landmark development for Indian football, former Australian winger Ryan Williams has officially received Indian citizenship — a move that signals the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) intent to include Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) in the country’s football ecosystem.
The special moment unfolded in Bengaluru, where Williams’ Bengaluru FC teammate and Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri handed him his newly issued Indian passport. The heartwarming handover, filled with smiles and camaraderie, was captured on camera and quickly went viral across social media.
Ryan Williams, who has previously played in the English Championship and the A-League, joined Bengaluru FC earlier this year. His decision to take up Indian citizenship has been widely lauded by fans and sports experts as a potential game-changer for Indian football, both in terms of global exposure and skill development.
Speaking about the milestone, Williams expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m proud to call India my home. This country has given me so much, and I’m excited to give back on the field wearing the Indian colours.”
With this step, the AIFF is moving closer to integrating talented players of Indian origin and OCI holders into the national setup — a long-discussed reform that could elevate India’s footballing standards on the global stage.
The handover by Sunil Chhetri, India’s most celebrated footballer, symbolized the passing of both pride and responsibility. As fans celebrated online, it became clear that this moment was not just about citizenship — but about belonging, unity, and a bold vision for India’s sporting future.
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Goa, October 30th 2025 — The 4th Vedanta Youth Cup, hosted by Sesa Football Academy, came to a thrilling conclusion with Bengaluru FC edging out AIFF FIFA Talent Academy by a solitary goal to be crowned Champions. The grand finale offered an exhilarating display of young football talent, with both teams exhibiting remarkable skill, determination, and tactical discipline despite challenging wet conditions caused by heavy rains.
The encounter turned out to be a mid-field battle characterized by possession play and swift counterattacks. Both teams demonstrated resilience and technical prowess throughout the match, but the deadlock was finally broken in the 89th minute. Bengaluru FC’s Hrishikesh Charan Nanarathi converted a set-piece corner with a stunning half-volley, delivering the decisive goal that crowned his side champions.
The victorious Bengaluru FC team received the winner’s trophy along with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, presented by Dronacharya Awardee and veteran coach Mr. Armando Colaco. The runner-up, AIFF FIFA Talent Academy, was awarded ₹70,000, presented by Mr. Laxman Hadfadkar, Executive Member of the Goa Football Association.
The final witnessed the presence of distinguished guests from the football fraternity including Mr. Mohd Faizal Md. So’od, AFC Beach Soccer Instructor and India Beach Soccer Head Coach, Mrs. Daliwza Deena Binti Salihin, Executive Member of the Women’s Football Association in Malaysia, and Mr. Vivek Nagul, Head of Coach Development at the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Individual brilliance was also recognized, with Hrishikesh Charan Manarathi from Bengaluru FC named both ‘Player of the Tournament’ and ‘Player of the Match’. Leivon Thangalur Kom from Muthoot FA earned the ‘Most Promising Player’ award, while Dhannya Harshit Desai of Bengaluru FC was adjudged ‘Best Goalkeeper’. Prathyush Dev from Muthoot FA received the ‘Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament’ title, and Jinesh Thoudam from the AIFF FIFA Talent Academy was named ‘Best Defender’. The ‘Fair Play’ award went to Cortalim Villagers.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Armando Colaco commended the initiative, stating that the Vedanta Youth Cup serves as a vital platform for identifying and nurturing young football talent in India. He emphasized that the competition’s professionalism and quality reflect the growing depth of football in the country and play a key role in shaping future stars.
Mr. Vivek Nagul of AIFF echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of structured tournaments in developing grassroots and youth football. He praised Vedanta Sesa Goa and Sesa Football Academy for their continued efforts to foster football development and provide competitive opportunities for young players.
The Vedanta Youth Cup continues to be an elite-level platform that showcases the depth of India’s footballing potential, while underscoring Sesa Football Academy’s growing reputation for organizing top-tier tournaments and creating opportunities for emerging football talent across the nation.
Panaji, July 2025 — FC Goa have announced the signing of 22-year-old Goan midfielder Harsh Patre, bringing back one of the state’s finest young talents ahead of the 2025-26 Indian Super League season.
Patre, who began his football journey at the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) academy, first caught the attention of FC Goa’s scouting team back in the 2018-19 AIFF Junior League, while ironically playing against the Gaurs’ U15 team. His composure, technique, and footballing intelligence at such a young age made a lasting impression.
Over the years, Patre honed his skills with the Indian Arrows, a developmental side run by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), giving him crucial exposure in the I-League. His performances there earned him a move to Bengaluru FC in the 2022-23 season, where he made rapid progress from the reserves to the ISL senior team.
“We’ve tracked Harsh for years,” said Lokesh Bherwani, FC Goa’s Director of Football. “From his time at GFDC to his I-League stint, we always believed he’d return home. We are confident he will be a vital player for us this season and beyond.”
The signing aligns with FC Goa’s philosophy of nurturing homegrown talent and solidifying its Goan core. Patre’s ability to control midfield tempo and make intelligent decisions fits seamlessly into FC Goa’s possession-based style.
Speaking about the move, Harsh said:
“Coming back to play for FC Goa is a dream come true. As a Goan, this club has always had a special place in my heart. I’m grateful for this opportunity and will give everything for the badge.”
The 2025-26 season looks promising for the Gaurs, with exciting new additions like Patre complementing an already competitive squad. Fans can expect to see him make a mark in midfield, inspired by both home pride and professional ambition.
