New Delhi: East Bengal were crowned the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) champions on Thursday, overcoming four other clubs in a thrilling final matchday of the truncated season. The last time East Bengal lifted the league title was in 2004, when the top division was called the National Football League. Since then, Indian football has seen multiple avatars: the I-League, Indian Super League, and I-League before the current ISL rendition. In the 22 years since that glory, East Bengal had not added to their three national league titles, finishing second six times in the NFL/I-League era, with their best ISL finish being ninth.
A Title Race for the Ages
The current season, with 13 games each, produced a memorable title race. East Bengal, city rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Punjab FC, Mumbai City FC, and Jamshedpur FC were all in contention as games kicked off simultaneously. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) placed the ISL trophy in their Kolkata office, with the Kishore Bharati Krirangan and Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan as potential destinations. Had results differed, the trophy would have flown to Mumbai, Jamshedpur, or Punjab.
Decisive Final Day
East Bengal held their fate in their own hands, coming from behind to beat Inter Kashi 2-1 with goals from Youssef Ezzejjari and Rashid. Mohun Bagan also came from behind to defeat SC Delhi 2-1, topping the table for 51 minutes after Alfred put Inter Kashi ahead. However, with their title hopes not in their control, Mohun Bagan finished level on points with their city rivals but with an inferior goal difference. In other matches, Mumbai City FC beat Punjab FC 2-0 to take third place, while Jamshedpur FC and Odisha FC played out a goalless draw.
Manager's Perspective
East Bengal manager Oscar Bruzon captured the emotions perfectly on the eve of the game: “We cannot hide from the fact that now it is one game for one title. If we want to take one game at a time, now is the moment to take one title at a time.” On the pitch, the Red and Gold Brigade played with intensity befitting a title decider.
Statistical Dominance
With only one loss all season, East Bengal were the best side. They scored the most goals (30), had the strongest goal difference (+19), Youssef Ezzejjari won the Golden Boot (11 goals), and Miguel Figueira provided the most assists (6). Ezzejjari was particularly effective at home, scoring 10 of his 11 goals at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, and was influential off the bench with three goals in four substitute appearances. Together, Ezzejjari and Edmund Lalrindika formed the most lethal attacking duo of the season with 15 goals.
Significance of the Title
Beyond statistics, East Bengal and their fans will cherish this glory for many reasons: edging city rivals Mohun Bagan, reviving the Maidan rivalry, and ending a 22-year league title drought. They deserve every bit of this triumph.
