The Indian Super League 2025-26 season culminated on May 21, 2026, with East Bengal FC emerging victorious, claiming their maiden ISL title after a nail-biting 2-1 win against Inter Kashi FC. This triumph marks the end of a 22-year wait for a major national trophy for the Kolkata-based club, often referred to as the "Red and Gold Brigade." The final match, held at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, saw East Bengal overcome an early deficit to secure the coveted silverware, igniting jubilant scenes among players and supporters alike.
A Dramatic Comeback Seals Historic Victory
The thrilling encounter began with Inter Kashi taking an early lead in the 15th minute through a spectacular volley from Alfred Planas. The goal momentarily silenced the home crowd, but East Bengal responded with resilience in the second half. Star striker Youssef Ezzejjari, who finished the season as the league's top scorer with 11 goals and also won the Golden Boot, equalized for East Bengal in the 50th minute. The momentum shifted decisively in the 72nd minute when crowd-favourite Mohammed Rashid scored the winning goal, turning home a cross to secure the 2-1 victory and the championship. This dramatic comeback cemented East Bengal's place in Indian football history.
Title Decided on Goal Difference Amidst Fierce Competition
In a dramatic final day of the season, East Bengal finished level on points with defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who also secured a 2-1 victory over Sporting Club Delhi. However, East Bengal clinched the title by virtue of a superior goal difference, ending their long and arduous wait for silverware. The 2025-26 ISL season was characterized by a close-fought title race, with multiple teams having a realistic chance of lifting the trophy until the final matches. The league concluded with 91 matches played, featuring a total of 221 goals, averaging 2.43 goals per match.
AIFF Club Licensing Decisions Loom Over Club Futures
While East Bengal celebrates their historic title, several prominent Indian clubs, including rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant, are facing uncertainty following the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) recent decisions regarding club licensing for the 2026-27 season. The AIFF's Club Licensing Committee rejected the Premier 1 license applications for seven clubs, including Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters FC, and Inter Kashi. These clubs are now temporarily ineligible for national and AFC competitions unless they successfully appeal the decision or secure an exemption. In contrast, East Bengal FC, along with six other ISL clubs, were granted the Premier 1 license, albeit with sanctions, indicating that some compliance criteria still need to be addressed. These licensing decisions add a layer of administrative complexity to the future landscape of Indian football, even as the on-field drama of the ISL season concludes with a historic triumph for East Bengal.
The upcoming season will see these clubs navigating the challenges posed by the licensing regulations, while East Bengal will aim to build on their championship success. The focus will now shift to how the rejected clubs address their licensing issues and whether they can secure participation in future competitions.