The Indian Super League is India’s top-most football championship, containing a growing number of 13 clubs from across the country. But clubs like Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC stand out more than any.
As the top football championship in the country, the best from leagues like the I-League look to enter the ISL, to ultimately get the chance to play the sport on an international level.
With the 12th season scheduled to start soon in December 2025, let’s have a look back at the past winners, their journeys, and what it takes to be called an ISL winner from this post!
When Is The Indian Super League Season 12 Starting?
The Indian Super League is the best football league of India, but it faced some confusion this year as the 15-year commercial rights deal between the AIFF and FSDL, signed in 2010, was set to expire in December 2025.
Source: Hub News
This created disputes, delayed salaries, and even raised doubts about whether ISL would happen at all. Some clubs almost switched focus to the Indian Super Cup.
However, the Supreme Court cleared the way, and with KPMG now handling the new tender, the ISL Season 12 is set to kick off in December 2025.
ISL Winners List: Past Seasons
Winning the ISL trophy is more than just standing at the top of Indian football. Both champions and runners-up often qualify for continental football, with a chance to represent India in the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup.
Here is a list of all the champions throughout ISL history
| Season | Winner | Runner-up | Final Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Mohun Bagan SG | Bengaluru FC | 2-1 | Vivekananda Stadium, Kolkata |
| 2023-24 | Mumbai City FC | Mohun Bagan SG | 3-1 | Salt Lake Stadium |
| 2022-23 | ATK Mohun Bagan | Bengaluru FC | 2-2 (4-3 pens) | Fatorda Stadium |
| 2021-22 | Hyderabad FC | Kerala Blasters | 1-1 (3-1 pens) | Fatorda Stadium |
| 2020-21 | Mumbai City FC | Mohun Bagan SG | 2-1 | Fatorda Stadium |
| 2019-20 | ATK | Chennaiyin FC | 3-1 | Fatorda Stadium |
| 2018-19 | Bengaluru FC | FC Goa | 1-0 | Mumbai Football Arena |
| 2017-18 | Chennaiyin FC | Bengaluru FC | 3-2 | Sree Kanteerava Stadium |
| 2016 | ATK | Kerala Blasters | 1-1 (4-3 pens) | Kochi |
| 2015 | Chennaiyin FC | FC Goa | 3-2 | Fatorda Stadium |
| 2014 | ATK | Kerala Blasters | 1-0 | DY Patil Stadium |
Clearly, clubs from Kolkata heavily reflect Kolkata’s centuries-old football legacy. As ATK in the early years and then the merger group of Mohun Bagan SG dominated the charts. Mumbai FC and Chennaiyin FC also show vigour.
ISL Winning Seasons Breakdown
Here’s a peek behind each champion season with the moments, the players, and what made each win special beyond just lifting the trophy.
2024-25 – Mohun Bagan SG
Mohun Bagan SG continued their dominance under Juan Ferrando, blending foreign firepower with Indian talent. Alaaeddine Ajaraie emerged as a surprise star, while Vishal Kaith’s Golden Glove form kept them steady.
Kolkata’s packed Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Stadium, the largest football stadium in India, once again proved to be its fortress.
2023-24 – Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City came back from behind in the final, with Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Bipin Singh doing the business.
They showed depth, as even subs turned matches, joining a squad already heavy with expectations. Their League Shield campaign proved their consistency across the season.
2022-23 – Mohun Bagan SG
This season belonged to grit. Dimitri Petratos’ goals and Vishal Kaith’s record 12 clean sheets carried ATK Mohun Bagan (before they dropped “ATK” officially).
The final against Bengaluru showed their nerves, as they held on through penalties to mark a new era for the Kolkata giants.
2021-22 – Hyderabad FC
This was Hyderabad’s first-ever ISL title. Their hero was goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani, who saved three penalties in the shootout against Kerala Blasters.
The late equaliser from Sahil Tavora showed their ability to come back from the dead. Their defence held firm all season, giving them belief in tight moments.
2020-21 – Mumbai City FC
This was Mumbai City’s breakout season, as Sergio Lobera’s side did the double – winning both the ISL Shield and the Championship.
Hugo Boumous and Adam le Fondre orchestrated the attack, while Amrinder Singh’s leadership from the back made them India’s benchmark for modern football.
2019-20 – ATK
ATK’s 2019-20 campaign was part farewell, part statement. Under Antonio Habas, they blended experience (Roy Krishna leading upfront) with disciplined defence.
This was the season before the merger with Mohun Bagan, so it carried extra weight in Kolkata. They showed nerves in big matches.
2018-19 – Bengaluru FC
Bengaluru FC finally got its ISL breakthrough in the 5th season as Rahul Bheke’s extra-time header sealed a maiden title over FC Goa.
The team looked steady in knockout games, kept composure, and made use of set-plays. Their run marked them as serious challengers for the seasons to come.
2017-18 – Chennaiyin FC
Source: The Indian Express
Chennaiyin FC pulled off a classic upset in 2017-18, beating Bengaluru FC 3-2 at the final. Twice, Mailson Alves headed from corners to swing momentum. Raphael Augusto also chipped in with a lovely piece of finesse.
Bengaluru had looked like the favourites, but Chennaiyin’s ability to respond under pressure made the difference.
2016 – ATK
Diego Forlán’s leadership and Borja Fernández’s midfield control defined ATK’s second title run. Their penalty shootout win against Kerala was dramatic, but beyond the final, it was their resilience in tight matches that showed ATK’s hunger for silverware.
2015 – Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin’s 2015 tour de force came with flair. John Stiven Mendoza lifting the Golden Boot, late goals, and a fighting spirit.
Their win showed that ISL has more than big foreign stars, and is about carrying courage, teamwork, and Indian talent stepping up when it mattered.
2014 – ATK
The inaugural champions set the tone for ISL football. Luis García’s leadership and Fikru’s memorable goals powered ATK’s campaign. Their gritty play and last-minute winner in the final gave India its first taste of the ISL dream.
Which Club Has Won Most ISL Titles?
In all of its history, ISL has only seen less than half of its club base claim trophies. And among them, clubs from Kolkata have dominated the charts. ATK won thrice in the early years, and the legacy carried by then merged with Mohun Bagan.
| Club | Number of ISL Titles | Seasons Won |
|---|---|---|
| ATK | 3 | 2014, 2016, 2019‑20 |
| Mohun Bagan SG | 2 | 2022‑23, 2024‑25 |
| Mumbai City FC | 2 | 2020‑21, 2023‑24 |
| Chennaiyin FC | 2 | 2015, 2017‑18 |
| Bengaluru FC | 1 | 2018‑19 |
| Hyderabad FC | 1 | 2021‑22 |
Keeping Kolkata clubs aside, Mumbai and Chennai have also shown that newer culture with passion and well-run bodies can give equal competition to legacy, with two titles each.
While Bengaluru and Hyderabad have one trophy each, their wins show the league to be much more competitive than pure history.
More surprising is the absence of Goa FC, given it has its very own dedicated and enthusiastic Goa Football Association, the spirit of which should mirror ATK’s success path, but maybe in the upcoming seasons.
ISL Golden Boot Winners (2024-25 to 2014)
Like the name suggests, the Golden Boot, one of the most popular single-player awards in all of football, is awarded to the individual player with the most goals in the given season.
These players proved their individual abilities, and while doing so, carried their team forward.
Here is a list of all the Golden Boot award winners in ISL history.
| Season | Player | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Alaaeddine Ajaraie | NorthEast United FC | 23 |
| 2023-24 | Dimitri Diamantakos | Kerala Blasters FC | 13 |
| 2022-23 | Diego Mauricio | Odisha FC | 12 |
| 2021-22 | Bartholomew Ogbeche | Hyderabad FC | 18 |
| 2020-21 | Igor Angulo | FC Goa | 14 |
| 2019-20 | Nerijus Valskis | Chennaiyin FC | 15 |
| 2018-19 | Ferran Corominas | FC Goa | 16 |
| 2017-18 | Ferran Corominas | FC Goa | 18 |
| 2016 | Marcelinho | Delhi Dynamos | 10 |
| 2015 | John Stiven Mendoza | Chennaiyin FC | 13 |
| 2014 | Elano | Chennaiyin FC | 8 |
In 2024, Ajaraie lit up NorthEast United with 23 goals in 25 games, winning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball in a season that felt untouchable. The year before Diamantakos carried Kerala Blasters with 13 goals, a campaign of steady firepower.
Diego Maurício shaped Odisha’s attack in 2023 with 12, while Ogbeche made Hyderabad roar in 2022 with 18. Earlier, Angulo’s 14 for Goa and Valskis’ 15 for Chennaiyin left their mark on seasons that swung with every strike.
Corominas twice owned the league in 2017 and 2018 with 18 and 16, while Marcelinho Mendoza and Elano each had their turn at the crown. The record now stretches a decade, tracing the sharp boots that have defined the ISL’s rise.
ISL Golden Glove Winners (2024-25 to 2014)
The Golden Glove has marked each ISL season with standout performances in goalkeeping. From Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s dominance at Bengaluru to Vishal Kaith’s rise at Mohun Bagan, clean sheets have often been as decisive as goals in shaping campaigns.
| Season | Goalkeeper | Club | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Vishal Kaith | Mohun Bagan Super Giant | 15 |
| 2023-24 | Phurba Lachenpa | Mumbai City FC | 9 |
| 2022-23 | Vishal Kaith | ATK Mohun Bagan | 12 |
| 2021-22 | Prabhsukhan Gill | Kerala Blasters | 7 |
| 2020-21 | Arindam Bhattacharya | ATK Mohun Bagan | 10 |
| 2019-20 | Gurpreet Singh Sandhu | Bengaluru FC | 11 |
| 2018-19 | Gurpreet Singh Sandhu | Bengaluru FC | 7 |
| 2017-18 | Subrata Paul | Jamshedpur FC | 7 |
| 2016 | Amrinder Singh | Mumbai City FC | 5 |
| 2015 | Apoula Edel | Chennaiyin FC | 6 |
| 2014 | Iker Guarrotxena | ATK | 6 |
In 2025, Vishal Kaith anchored Mohun Bagan’s defense, adding a second Golden Glove to the one he seized in 2023 with 12 clean sheets.
The previous season, Phurba Lachenpa won the Glove of the League award for Mumbai City, based on the ratio of clean sheets in games played.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu owned back-to-back years with Bengaluru in 2019 and 2018, tallying 11 and 7 to cement his authority. Arindam Bhattacharya’s 10 for ATK Mohun Bagan in 2021 and Prabhsukhan Gill’s 7 for Kerala in 2022 showed the new generation.
Earlier, Subrata Paul Edel and Guarrotxena set the standards with single-season triumphs that still carry weight. The timeline is now a decade long, a record of goalkeepers who turned shot-stopping into silverware.
ISL Hero Of The League / Golden Ball Winners (2024-25 to 2014)
The Golden Ball has tracked the playmakers and leaders who shaped entire seasons. From Chhetri’s command at Bengaluru to Ajaraie’s unstoppable debut at NorthEast United, these names defined how the league was remembered each year.
| Season | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Alaaeddine Ajaraie | NorthEast United FC |
| 2023-24 | Dimitri Petratos | Mohun Bagan SG |
| 2022-23 | Lallianzuala Chhangte | Mumbai City FC |
| 2021-22 | Greg Stewart | Jamshedpur FC |
| 2020-21 | Roy Krishna | Mohun Bagan SG |
| 2019-20 | Hugo Boumous | FC Goa |
| 2018-19 | Ferran Corominas | FC Goa |
| 2017-18 | Sunil Chhetri | Bengaluru FC |
| 2016 | Florent Malouda | Delhi Dynamos |
| 2015 | Stiven Mendoza | Chennaiyin FC |
| 2014 | Iain Hume | Kerala Blasters FC |
In 2025, Alaaeddine Ajaraie ruled the season for NorthEast United, pairing goals with flair to sweep both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball.
A year earlier, Petratos carried Mohun Bagan with match-winning influence, while in 2023, Chhangte confirmed Mumbai City’s rise with a title run built on creativity and precision.
Greg Stewart’s impact in 2022 made Jamshedpur contenders, and Roy Krishna was at his peak in 2021 when he drove Mohun Bagan’s attack. Earlier, Boumous and Corominas stamped FC Goa’s dominance, while Chhetri’s leadership in 2018 gave Bengaluru their heartbeat.
Mendoza was electric for Chennaiyin in 2015, and Hume became Kerala’s first icon a year earlier. Malouda, too, left his mark at Delhi, bringing pedigree to the ISL. Each season’s Golden Ball remains a mirror of its defining personality.
Emerging Player of the Season (2024-25 to 2014)
The Emerging Player award has mapped the league’s future stars. From Jhingan’s breakthrough in 2014 to Fernandes’ rise in 2025, it has consistently signaled the next generation ready to shape Indian football.
| Season | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Brison Fernandes | FC Goa |
| 2023-24 | Akash Mishra | Mumbai City FC |
| 2022-23 | Naorem Mahesh | East Bengal |
| 2021-22 | Lallianzuala Chhangte | Chennaiyin FC |
| 2020-21 | Liston Colaco | Hyderabad FC |
| 2019-20 | Anirudh Thapa | Chennaiyin FC |
| 2018-19 | Sahal Abdul Samad | Kerala Blasters |
| 2017-18 | Lalruatthara | Kerala Blasters |
| 2016 | Jerry Lalrinzuala | Chennaiyin FC |
| 2015 | Jeje Lalpekhlua | Chennaiyin FC |
| 2014 | Sandesh Jhingan | Kerala Blasters |
In 2025, Brison Fernandes took charge at Goa, earning the award with commanding midfield displays. A year earlier, Akash Mishra stood tall in Mumbai’s defense while Naorem Mahesh gave East Bengal fresh attacking energy in 2023.
Chhangte had already shown his promise with Chennaiyin in 2022 before blossoming into a league star. Colaco’s speed powered Hyderabad in 2021, and Thapa set standards in Chennai the year before.
Kerala fans remember Sahal’s artistry in 2019 and Lalruatthara’s composure in 2018, while Jerry and Jeje added back-to-back Chennaiyin winners in 2016 and 2015.
The very first honour went to Jhingan in 2014, whose rise from Kerala marked the beginning of a generation. Together, these winners capture how the ISL has steadily built its backbone through emerging talent.
ISL Prize Money Breakdown (2024-25 to 2014)
Prize money in the ISL has steadily changed, showing the league’s shift from rewarding champions alone to valuing league-stage performance.
What began with big winner cheques now balances Shield bonuses and semifinalist grants, which reshapes how clubs approach a season.
| Season | Winner Prize | Runner-up Prize | League Winners Shield | Semifinalists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | ₹6 cr | ₹2.5 cr | ₹3.5 cr | ₹1.5 cr each |
| 2023-24 | ₹6 cr | ₹3 cr | ₹50L | ₹1.5 cr each |
| 2022-23 | ₹6 cr | ₹3 cr | ₹50L | ₹1.5 cr each |
| 2021-22 | ₹6 cr | ₹3 cr | ₹50L | ₹1.5 cr each |
| 2020-21 | ₹8 cr | ₹4 cr | ₹50L | ₹1.5 cr each |
| 2019-20 | ₹8 cr | ₹4 cr | ₹50L | ₹1.5 cr each |
| 2018-19 | ₹8 cr | ₹4 cr | — | ₹1.5 cr each |
| 2017-18 | ₹8 cr | ₹4 cr | — | ₹1.5 cr each |
| 2016 | ₹8 cr | ₹4 cr | — | ₹1.5 cr each |
| 2015 | ₹8 cr | ₹4 cr | — | ₹1.5 cr each |
| 2014 | ₹8 cr | ₹4 cr | — | ₹1.5 cr each |
Prize money in the ISL has shifted from blunt winner-takes-most payouts to a more measured spread that rewards league performance and deep runs.
Early seasons offered eight crore rupees to champions and four crore to runners up, but from the 2021 to 22 season, those top prizes were trimmed to around six crore and three crore as the league reallocated funds toward a League Winners Shield and wider club support.
The Shield first appeared in the 2019-20 season with roughly fifty lakh for the table leader and was later raised, while semifinalist grants have tended to sit near one and a half crore each.
The reshuffle gives clubs more reason to prioritise consistent league form, squad depth, and smarter transfer choices across a full campaign and improves commercial stability.
Who Will Likely Win the Indian Super League Season 12 2025-26?
Mohun Bagan Super Giant are still my pick to lift the title again. Their defence, with Alberto Rodríguez playing hero last campaign, and their attacking rhythm under Molina, give them a best-in-league spine.
They may be quiet in the market right now, but continuity often beats chaos. Mumbai City FC could be the biggest threat. They’ve brought in promising Malagasy-Indian youth and extended contracts for anchors like Tiri.
If their attack clicks early and their backline stays solid, they’ll push the champions hard. Bengaluru FC seems poised to crash the top party. Even though they lost key personnel, their squad still has depth and tactical flexibility.
Expect them to challenge but drop points in tight clashes. NorthEast United look dangerous because of Ajaraie, but they’ll need better midfield balance to sustain over 20+ games.
Chennaiyin, Kerala, and others might surprise, but a lack of consistency makes them more likely to fall short.
So my final prediction is that Mohun Bagan will win again, which is predictable, but cannot beat consistency and legacy. Otherwise, Mumbai FC and Bengaluru FC can fight to the top.
Conclusion: 3 Clubs Dominate The Indian Super League Champions Titles
The ISL’s trophy has mostly lived in a narrow circle. Kolkata giants (then ATK, now Mohun Bagan) remain the heartbeat of the league, blending history with consistency.
Mumbai City have matched them in the modern era, setting standards for attack and depth. Chennaiyin sit just behind with two titles, while Bengaluru and Hyderabad have one each.
But the Indian Super League’s award ceremony does not just end with crowning the champion team. Thankfully, for the players who put in their all, the individual prizes and shield prizes with big cheques award personal growth and sportsmanship, even if it is not the champion’s tag.
It will be interesting to see which names end up on this list again after the upcoming ISL Season 12.
FAQs
ATK leads the charts with three titles in the early years of ISL, and the legacy continues through Mohun Bagan after the merger, making Kolkata the city of champions.
ATK claimed the inaugural ISL title in 2014, with Luis García guiding the side and Fikru scoring decisive goals, setting the tone for competitive football across India’s new league.
Ferran Corominas stands out with back-to-back Golden Boots in 2017-18 and 2018-19, though Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s 2024-25 season was historic for combining Golden Boot and Golden Ball dominance.
Introduced in 2019-20, the League Winners Shield rewards the club finishing top of the regular-season table, giving extra cash incentives and recognizing consistent performance across the campaign.
Prize money varies, with 2024-25 champions receiving six crore rupees, supplemented by League Shield bonuses and other grants, reflecting the league’s shift toward rewarding both performance and consistency.
ATK (Atlético de Kolkata) was different from Mohun Bagan when the ISL first started. But due to financial issues faced by Mohun Bagan FC, both the clubs merged into ATK Mohun Bagan. This newly merged team then changed their name to Mohun Bagan after protests from fans over the ATK name.
