Indian football has come a long way by the Indian Super League (ISL). This transformation is all attributed to the league. The league hasn't changed wink for Indian football since it opened shop in 2014, but it's now the centre of the sport in every corner of India. ISL has bestowed Indian sports with some of their most scintillating historical moments- Jam-packed stadiums, raucous crowds, and nail-biting penalty shootouts.
ISL's odyssey from a glittering debut to youth-led FINAL glory mesh, thrashing the world, is a monument to ambition Muslin, ambition and a country rediscover FC's footballing soul Let's pause for a moment. Did you by any chance keep tabs on who made it to the finals which year? Who proved victorious under the maximum pressure? Or, which teams were there that kept rotating over the years like a set period of waves or something?
If you're nodding, then you surely are. So let's break down the ISL champions list by final match appearance records, a nice little angle that's functional as well as informative.
Complete ISL Winners List (2014 - 2025)
Below is the definitive table showcasing all ISL champions since the league's inception. This isn't just data; it's a decade-long story of rivalries, redemption, heartbreaks, and homecomings.
Season | Champion | Runner-Up | Final Score | Venue |
2014 | ATK | Kerala Blasters | 1-0 | DY Patil Stadium |
2015 | Chennaiyin FC | FC Goa | 3-2 | Fatorda Stadium |
2016 | ATK | Kerala Blasters | 1-1 (4-3 p) | Jawaharlal Nehru, Kochi |
2017-18 | Chennaiyin FC | Bengaluru FC | 3-2 | Sree Kanteerava Stadium |
2018-19 | Bengaluru FC | FC Goa | 1-0 | Mumbai Football Arena |
2019-20 | ATK | Chennaiyin FC | 3-1 | Fatorda Stadium |
2020-21 | Mumbai City FC | ATK Mohun Bagan | 2-1 | Fatorda Stadium |
2021-22 | Hyderabad FC | Kerala Blasters | 1-1 (3-1 p) | Fatorda Stadium |
2022-23 | ATK Mohun Bagan | Bengaluru FC | 2-2 (4-3 p) | Jawaharlal Nehru, Goa |
2023-24 | Mumbai City FC | Mohun Bagan SG | 3-2 | Salt Lake Stadium |
2024-25 | Mohun Bagan SG | Mumbai City FC | 2-1 | Kalinga Stadium |
"Every final isn't just a match. It's a tale of belief, sweat, heartbreak, and glory."
ISL Final Highlights: Season-by-Season Breakdown
Let's unpack the drama of each final. These are not just scores and results - these are moments that defined careers and captured the imagination of millions.
2014: The Start of a Legacy
In the first final, ATK made its mark on Indian football history. A late goal by Mohammed Rafique broke Kerala's hearts and set the stage for a league with a lot on the line.
The Great Comeback of 2015
FC Goa was ahead 2-1 with only a few minutes left. But Chennaiyin FC won in the most unlikely way: with two spectacular goals in stoppage time. There was a lot of confusion. It was like a movie. People still talk about it like it occurred yesterday.
Kochi: Redemption in 2016
It was Kerala's home field. This was their time. But ATK had other ideas. The game proceeded to penalties after a 1-1 stalemate. What happened next was a thrilling game that kept everyone on the tip of their seats, with ATK winning again.
2017 - 18: South Indian Supremacy Chennaiyin FC won their second title by beating Bengaluru FC 3 - 2 in a thrilling match. Jeje Lalpekhlua's great play and Mailson Alves' two goals changed the game.
Bengaluru's Moment: 2018 - 19
Bengaluru FC came back stronger after being turned down the year before. Rahul Bheke scored a late goal that won them their first ISL title and made up for everything.
The Third Crown: 2019 - 20 ATK beat Chennaiyin FC 3 - 1 with a mix of experience and firepower. It was a demonstration of being calm under pressure.
2020 - 21: Battle of the Giants
Mumbai City FC beat ATK Mohun Bagan in a match that changed the course of Indian football in the current era. It wasn't just a victory. It was time to handover the torch.
2021-22: Hyderabad's Fairytale
Hyderabad FC wrote an emotive story of how they went from being the underdogs to the champions. The match proceeded into penalties after a 1-1 draw, and Hyderabad emerged victorious with an incredible shootout.
2022-23: Drama in Goa
In a thriller packed with goals and tension, ATK Mohun Bagan overcame Bengaluru FC on penalties. Roy Krishna excelled once again, displaying his affinity for large occasions.
City Strikes Again in 2023-24
Mumbai City FC edged past Mohun Bagan SG 3-2. Mumbai's offensive style made the difference in the end, even though it was a seesaw.
2024-25: Redemption for Mariners Mohun Bagan SG , after repeated heartbreaks, claimed its first ISL title under the new banner. The 2-1 win over Mumbai City was a great example of tactical discipline and local skill.
ISL Titles by Club
Let's stack the trophies and see who has truly dominated the Indian Super League era:
Club | ISL Titles | Years Won |
ATK / ATKMB | 4 | 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022-23 |
Chennaiyin FC | 2 | 2015, 2017-18 |
Bengaluru FC | 1 | 2018-19 |
Mumbai City FC | 2 | 2020-21, 2023-24 |
Hyderabad FC | 1 | 2021-22 |
Mohun Bagan SG | 1 | 2024-25 |
Interesting Fact: The ATK and Mohun Bagan merger in 2020 redefined legacy. The Mariners inherited a new avatar while retaining their traditional might.
Most Goals in ISL Finals
Big players show up when it matters. These stars lit up the biggest night of Indian football:
Player | Goals in Finals | Team | Notable Final |
Ferran Corominas | 2 | FC Goa | 2018-19 |
Roy Krishna | 2 | ATKMB | 2020 & 2022-23 |
Bartholomew Ogbeche | 1 | Hyderabad FC | 2021-22 |
Bipin Singh | 1 | Mumbai City FC | 2020-21 |
Did You Know? Roy Krishna is the only player to score in two ISL finals for the same team post-merger.
ISL Final Stats & Records
- Most Finals Without a Win: Kerala Blasters (3 appearances)
- Most Final Appearances: ATK/ATKMB with 5
- First Ever Champion: ATK (2014)
- Most Goals in a Final: 5 goals (2015 Final)
- Most Penalty Shootouts: 3 (2016, 2021-22, 2022-23)
Broadcast & Attendance
ISL has smashed viewership records. The 2019-20 final drew more than 50 million viewers . Fans tuned in across Star Sports, JioTV, and Disney+ Hotstar. The energy in stadiums like Kochi, Goa, and Kolkata often left players breathless.
Stadium Attendance Highlights:
- 2016 Final in Kochi: 55,000+ fans
- 2023 Final in Salt Lake: 60,000+ fans under floodlights
"It's more than football. It's emotion packed into 90 minutes."
What Lies Ahead: ISL 2025-26 Season
The season has got all the potential narratives for a hit. Defending champions Mohun Bagan SG, Mumbai City FC wanting revenge, and building new teams in Kerala Blasters and Odisha FC.
Indian stars on the rise: Gurkirat Singh and Apuia. Foreign signings grow in number and sharply coached tactical ideas. Anything can be handled as the crown is never at rest in the ISL.
Let tell to about ISL when someone next talk claims regarding not exciting football in India Telle them hthe stories The good guys The people who like it. Then ask, "Which team do you play for?"