The Indian Super League has rapidly risen to become a cornerstone of Indian football. It captured the hearts and minds of fans nationwide. Its immense popularity stems from several factors. Here, you can explore the ISL Cup winners list, uncovering the winning secrets behind their success.
The ISL boasts fast-paced action, attacking football, and close matches. You can also say that it creates a thrilling spectacle for viewers.
From renowned international players like Diego Forlán and Robert Pires to Indian icons like Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The league attracts big names that generate excitement.
The ISL has skyrocketed the viewership of football in India. So, it inspires many to take up the sport.
The league has also put Indian football on the international map. It attracts foreign investment and partnerships.
List of ISL Winners by Season
Here’s a detailed table mentioning the ISL winners:
| Season | Winner | Score in Final | Key Players | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Atletico de Kolkata | 1-0 | Mohammed Rafique | Antonio Habas |
| 2015 | Chennaiyin FC | 3-2 | Stiven Mendoza, Elano Blumer | Marco Materazzi |
| 2016 | Atletico de Kolkata | 1-1 (4-3 pens) | Iain Hume, Sameehg Doutie | José Molina |
| 2017-18 | Chennaiyin FC | 3-2 | Jeje Lalpekhlua, Raphael Augusto | John Gregory |
| 2018-19 | Bengaluru FC | 1-0 | Sunil Chhetri, Miku | Carles Cuadrat |
| 2019-20 | ATK | 3-1 | Roy Krishna, David Williams | Antonio Habas |
| 2020-21 | Mumbai City FC | 2-1 | Adam Le Fondre, Hugo Boumous | Sergio Lobera |
| 2021-22 | Hyderabad FC | 3-1 | Bartholomew Ogbeche, Aridane Santana | Manolo Marquez |
| 2022-23 | ATK Mohun Bagan | 2-1 | Liston Colaco, Hugo Boumous | Juan Ferrando |
Hero ISL Winners: A Look at the Winners over the years
2022-23: ATK Mohun Bagan’s Grand Entry to the Winner’s Circle
Who could forget the electrifying ISL winners list 2022, where ATK Mohun Bagan defied expectations and stormed into the winners’ circle? People know them as the underdogs. The product of a daring merger between two footballing giants? Well, they silenced the doubters. They displayed unwavering resilience and tactical brilliance all season long.
Spearheaded by the masterful Juan Ferrando. Their coach became the architect of their success. His strategic manoeuvres were like intricate chess plays. It leaves opponents scrambling and gasping for air.
Imagine a team where every player became a force to be reckoned with. Tearing through defences like unstoppable juggernauts. Names like Liston Colaco and Hugo Boumous became synonymous with lightning-fast attacks.
But it wasn’t just individual brilliance that propelled them to glory. Ferrando instilled a sense of unity and collective responsibility. Transforming them into a well-oiled machine.
Those nail-biting encounters where they dug deep. Is their determination shining brighter than ever? Or those moments of magic where they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat? It’s these defining moments that etched their journey into the tapestry of ISL history.
2021-22: Hyderabad FC’s Rise to Glory
Don’t forget the fairytale run of Hyderabad FC in the 2021-22 season. Who would have thought this relatively young team would rise from the ranks to become champions?
Their journey was nothing short of remarkable. Captivating hearts with their attacking flair and tactical nous. Led by the astute Manolo Marquez, they weren’t just playing football. They were weaving magic on the pitch.
But it wasn’t a smooth ride. The challenges they faced during the league stage. Injuries, suspensions, and tough opponents threatened to derail their dream. Yet, they displayed unwavering resilience.
Grinding out results and fighting for every point. And then there was Bartholomew Ogbeche, the Nigerian goal machine. His clinical finishing and leadership became symbols of their attacking prowess, leaving defences in tatters with every strike.
Their tactical approach was a breath of fresh air. Marquez deployed a fluid system that prioritised attacking freedom. While maintaining defensive solidity. Remember the breathtaking counter-attacks. Spearheaded by players like Joel Chianese and Sahil Tavora? They kept opponents on their toes, creating scoring opportunities with dazzling moves.
And who can forget the nail-biting final? Facing Mumbai City FC. The tension was palpable. But Hyderabad held their nerve. Their grit and determination shine through. The final whistle blew, and they were champions! Scenes of jubilation erupted, tears flowed, and a new chapter was written in ISL history.
2020-21: Mumbai City FC’s Dominance Under City Football Group
Forget fairytales, Mumbai City FC’s 2020-21 season was a footballing masterclass. When the City Football Group took over the reins. Well, they didn’t disappoint. Under the sharp gaze of manager Sergio Lobera. They weren’t just playing; they were composing symphonies on the pitch.
Imagine a team where every move was a stroke of tactical genius. Lobera instilled a possession-based approach. Weaving intricate passing patterns that left opponents dizzy. Think tiki-taka on steroids! And the players? They were like perfectly placed brushstrokes on the canvas.
Adam Le Fondre is a poacher with an eye for goal. He finished chances with deadly precision. Hugo Boumous is the midfield maestro. He controlled the tempo with his silky touches and defence-splitting passes.
But it wasn’t just individual brilliance. It was the strategic signings they made. Players like Mandar Rao and Bipin Singh added grit and determination to the mix, solidifying the team’s core. These weren’t just mercenaries; they were Mumbai City through and through.
Their dominance wasn’t just reflected in trophies. It was in their record-breaking points tally. They shattered expectations, becoming an unstoppable juggernaut. From their clinical counter-attacks to their resolute defending, they were a force to be reckoned with.
The impact of their win transcended the season. They set a new standard for Indian football, showcasing the power of strategic investment, tactical innovation, and a winning mentality.
2019-20: ATK’s Return to Victory
The 2019-20 ISL all season winners wasn’t just about another trophy for ATK, it was a roar of “we’re back!” echoing through Kolkata. The passionate fans yearning for a repeat of their inaugural ISL glory. Well, they got it, thanks to the tactical mastermind, Antonio Lopez Habas, returning to the helm. This wasn’t just a coach; it was a homecoming for a legend.
Habas instilled a brand of football that combined grit with flair. Their resolute defence was marshalled by John Johnson and Pritam Kotal. They were like an unyielding wall, frustrating opponents’ attacks. And then there was the attack, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of David Williams and Roy Krishna. Their telepathic understanding tore through defences with clinical precision, leaving bewildered goalkeepers in their wake.
The journey wasn’t easy. Remember the narrow wins, the last-gasp equalisers, and the nerve-wracking penalties? Each victory was a testament to their fighting spirit, a collective will that refused to be broken. Matches like the thrilling comeback against Bengaluru FC became etched in fans’ memories, solidifying their belief in the team’s resilience.
And then came the final, a clash against Chennaiyin FC. The tension was electric, the stakes impossibly high. But ATK rose to the occasion, dominating the game and securing a convincing victory. The celebrations were euphoric, a release of emotions pent up for years. The Kolkata giants were back on top, proving that sometimes, the most rewarding victories are the ones that come after facing adversity.
2018-19: Bengaluru FC’s Determined Quest for Redemption
Remember the heartbreak of narrowly missing the ISL title in their debut season? That burning desire for redemption fueled Bengaluru FC’s remarkable run in the 2018-19 season. It was a story of resilience, tactical brilliance, and the unwavering leadership of Sunil Chhetri, a true Indian football legend.
Under the astute guidance of Carles Cuadrat, Bengaluru FC wasn’t just playing. They were solving tactical puzzles on the pitch. Their possession-based approach, inspired by the tiki-taka philosophy, mesmerised fans with its intricate passing patterns and precise movements.
Think surgical strikes instead of brute force! It was like the telepathic connection between Chhetri and Udanta Singh. Tearing through defences with their lightning-fast attacks? They were a nightmare for every opponent.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Injuries, suspensions, and tough encounters threatened to derail their dream. Remember the dramatic comeback against Kerala Blasters, snatching victory in the dying minutes? Or the nail-biting penalty shootout against FC Goa, where nerves of steel held their ground? These defining moments showcased their unwavering resolve and their refusal to give up despite the odds.
And then came the final, a clash against FC Goa. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, the weight of expectation heavy on their shoulders. Bengaluru FC rose to the occasion, their tactical discipline and collective spirit shining through.
The final whistle blew, and they were champions! The city erupted in celebration, tears of joy flowing freely. Redemption was complete, etching their journey into the ISL’s hall of fame.
2017-18: Chennaiyin FC’s Strategic Brilliance
The 2017-18 season belonged to Chennaiyin FC, and it wasn’t just about individual flair. The strategic masterclass was orchestrated by coach John Gregory. His meticulous game plans were like intricate chess moves, leaving opponents confused and gasping for air.
Imagine a defence marshalled by Henrique Sereno, a rock-solid wall that frustrated even the most potent attacks. And the attack? Think surgical strikes led by the likes of Jair Matos and Carlos Salom, exploiting every weakness with clinical precision.
But Chennaiyin FC wasn’t just about tactics. Remember their fighting spirit, their collective will to win? Matches like the dramatic comeback against FC Pune City, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, became testaments to their resilience. They weren’t just playing but outsmarting, outmanoeuvring, and outclassing their opponents.
2016: Atletico de Kolkata’s Nail-Biting Triumph
Remember the electric atmosphere, the passionate fans, and the sheer drama of the 2016 ISL final? That’s where Atletico de Kolkata etched their name in history with a nail-biting victory. Led by iconic players like Diego Forlán, they weren’t just talented; they were warriors on the pitch.
Imagine Forlán weaving his magic, his pinpoint passes and thunderous strikes sending chills down opponents’ spines. Remember Fikru Tefera, the tireless workhorse in midfield and the resolute defence marshalled by Henrique Sereno? They were a wall, defying every attacking wave.
But their journey wasn’t smooth sailing. Injuries, suspensions, and close encounters tested their mettle. The dramatic comeback against Kerala Blasters, snatching victory in the dying minutes? Or the nerve-wracking penalty shootout against FC Goa, where luck finally smiled upon them? These moments solidified their unwavering spirit, their ability to dig deep and find that extra something when it mattered most.
The final was a spectacle. The tension was palpable, the stakes impossibly high. Atletico de Kolkata rose to the occasion, their fighting spirit and tactical nous shining through. The final whistle blew, and they were champions! The celebrations were a kaleidoscope of emotions, a release of joy that resonated with every fan.
2015: Chennaiyin FC’s Spectacular Comeback
In the 2015 season, Chennaiyin FC etched their name in the ISL final winners list history with a spectacular comeback, epitomising resilience and fortitude. Guided by the astute leadership of Marco Materazzi, the team showcased remarkable resilience in overcoming adversities to clinch victory against formidable opponents.
Their journey to championship glory was marked by tactical adjustments that optimised their strengths and exploited weaknesses in their opponent’s game plans. Memorable performances from key players underscored their determination, with each match serving as a testament to their unwavering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Chennaiyin FC’s triumph was not merely a display of skill but a demonstration of character, illustrating the power of perseverance and teamwork in achieving extraordinary success in football.
2014: Atletico de Kolkata’s Inaugural Glory
Atletico de Kolkata’s inaugural triumph in the 2014 season heralded a new era in Indian football. Led by legendary players such as Luis García, the team showcased a perfect blend of attacking flair and defensive resilience, captivating fans nationwide.
Their historic victory not only secured the championship but also left an indelible mark on the sport. Revisiting their journey unveils a series of memorable victories that underscored their dominance on the field.
The enduring legacy of their championship campaign continues to inspire future generations, symbolising the pinnacle of success in Indian football.
Conclusion
The journey of the Hero ISL winners list offers valuable insights into the ingredients of success in professional football. From tactical innovation to resilient performances, each team’s triumph is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and teamwork.
