Unstoppable Mohun Bagan Super Giant: Conquering the Indian Super League and Beyond in 2024-25

On April 12, 2025, history was made at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata as Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) clinched the Indian Super League (ISL) title for the 2024-25 season. In a thrilling final against Bengaluru FC, attended by 59,000 passionate spectators, Mariners not only celebrated a significant victory but also achieved the remarkable feat of winning the ISL double this season after securing the ISL Shield earlier. With the Kalinga Super Cup opportunity looming just around the corner, the squad's ambition for a possible third trophy this season is exhilarating.

ISL Champions 2024-25 - Mohun Bagan SG

Dominance on the Field

Mohun Bagan excelled throughout the season with an outstanding performance, achieving a notable goal difference of +31 during the league phase, showcasing their precise finishing and strategic advantage over their competitors. To illustrate, Mohun Bagan achieved 16 clean sheets and secured 19 victories out of 27 matches in the ISL, including playoff games, while remaining unbeaten at home in the last 14 games. The team's strength and the strategic plan devised by their Head Coach, Jose Molina, were crucial to their success in this ISL season. Although their leading goal scorer Jamie Maclaren scored only 12 goals, placing him as the third-highest scorer in the ISL season, other foreign players like Jason Steven Cummings added 7 goals and Martin contributed 5 goals. Additional scorers included national team players such as Subhasish with 6, Manvir with 5, and Liston with 3. The team relied not on a single goal scorer but rather on collective play and a robust defense that made it difficult for opponents to score.

Sanjiv Goenka’s Vision for Success

The key to MBSG's success is Sanjiv Goenka, the team's owner, renowned for his relentless pursuit of excellence. With four ISL titles to his name—two with Atletico de Kolkata and two with MBSG—Goenka's recruitment strategy has been crucial in building a consistently successful team. His significant investment in the club, exceeding ₹500 crore since taking over the Mariners, highlights his dedication not only to achieving national success but also to his ambition of competing internationally.

Mariners Captain, Subhasish with Sanjiv Goenka

A Thrilling Season for ISL

The 2024-25 ISL season has been marked by exceptional gameplay quality, record match attendances, and a plethora of goals. While exact attendance records are unavailable, rough estimates suggest that the league experienced an average attendance increase of 10-12% compared to previous seasons, reflecting growing interest. Furthermore, thrilling encounters, such as high-scoring matches, an increased number of goals from set-pieces, and a record number of assists from U23 domestic players, highlighted the league's exciting nature and increasing competitive spirit.

The Kolkata Derby

No discussion of the ISL can be complete without mentioning the iconic Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. This fierce rivalry draws massive crowds and generates some of the biggest talking points both on and off the pitch. Although East Bengal struggled for consistency, their matches against MBSG remained electrifying, filled with heart-stopping moments. The derby showcased the league's passion, with fans creating an electric atmosphere that is hard to match in sports.

YBK Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata

Rising Stars and Unsung Heroes

Alaaeddine Ajaraie from North East United FC emerged as one of the season's standout players, showcasing remarkable talent and scoring a record-breaking 23 goals. His exceptional performance secured him the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards, underscoring his status as an emerging star. Ajaraie's contributions not only elevated North East United FC but also demonstrated how players like him enhanced the league's value through their high-quality displays.

Teams like FC Goa, under coach Manolo Marquez, bounced back from a difficult start, showcasing resilience and a competitive spirit. Clubs such as Jamshedpur and North East United FC also made strong bids for the title, with Khalid Jamil enhancing his reputation through impressive performances with Jamshedpur FC. Bengaluru FC came close, and during the playoffs, BFC was among the most exciting teams for neutral fans, displaying high-tempo games. Their legend, Sunil Chhetri, once again delivered for the club with 14 goals. In the ISL final match, for the first 60 minutes, Chhetri and his team troubled the Mariners but were unable to maintain the pressure beyond that. These performances and developments highlighted the increasing competitiveness in the ISL. For instance, FC Goa's turnaround featured a series of four consecutive mid-season wins, significantly boosting their standing.

Female Fans

This season experienced a notable rise in support from female fans for Bengaluru FC, Mumbai FC, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and others. The increasing number of female supporters at matches represents a positive change in Indian football culture. While precise statistics are unavailable, there is likely an increase of over 10% in female attendance compared to previous seasons, suggesting a promising trend toward inclusivity. This expanding fan base is crucial for the growth and sustainability of football in India.

The Road Ahead

As Mariners stands on the brink of potentially adding a third trophy with the upcoming Kalinga Super Cup 2025 scheduled in Odisha, anticipation among fans is palpable. With Sanjeev Goenka’s unwavering commitment to excellence and reported plans for international tournaments, the dream of expansion into continental competitions could soon become a reality.

The 2024-25 season has set high benchmarks for future competitions, with Mohun Bagan’s performance showcasing the evolving landscape of Indian football.

Celebrating a New Era of Football

The triumph of Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the 2024-25 Indian Super League season captures the essence of teamwork, community, and passion. Their achievements highlight the upward trajectory of football in India and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As the Kalinga Super Cup approaches, hopes rest on this unstoppable team. With a strong foundation and bold ambitions, who knows what new heights they will scale in the future?