Indian Super League 2024-25: -The Indian Super League (ISL), India’s premier football competition, has solidified its status as the country’s top-tier league, captivating fans with its blend of domestic talent, international stars, and intense rivalries. The 2024-25 season, the 11th edition of the ISL and the 29th season of top-tier Indian football, has been a landmark campaign, marked by historic achievements, new rules, and a growing global footprint. As of May 1, 2025, the season has concluded with Mohun Bagan Super Giant dominating both the League Shield and ISL Cup, while fan queries on Google and YouTube reflect the excitement surrounding the standings, key players, and playoff drama. This article provides an in-depth, engaging, and informative exploration of the ISL 2024-25 standings, team performances, rule changes, and the topics trending online, drawing on the latest available data.
Current Standings in the Indian Super League 2024-25
Final Regular Season Standings
The 2024-25 ISL regular season concluded on April 9, 2025, with 13 teams competing in a double round-robin format, each playing 24 matches (12 home, 12 away). The final standings, as reported by Sportstar and the official ISL website, are as follows:
Mohun Bagan Super Giant – 56 points (24 matches, 17 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses, +28 goal difference, 52 goals scored, 24 conceded)
FC Goa – 46 points (24 matches, 13 wins, 7 draws, 4 losses, +17 goal difference, 41 goals scored, 24 conceded)
Bengaluru FC – 44 points (24 matches, 12 wins, 8 draws, 4 losses, +12 goal difference, 36 goals scored, 24 conceded)
NorthEast United FC – 42 points (24 matches, 12 wins, 6 draws, 6 losses, +10 goal difference, 45 goals scored, 35 conceded)
Jamshedpur FC – 40 points (24 matches, 11 wins, 7 draws, 6 losses, +8 goal difference, 39 goals scored, 31 conceded)
Mumbai City FC – 38 points (24 matches, 10 wins, 8 draws, 6 losses, +7 goal difference, 37 goals scored, 30 conceded)
Odisha FC – 35 points (24 matches, 9 wins, 8 draws, 7 losses, +5 goal difference, 38 goals scored, 33 conceded)
Kerala Blasters FC – 33 points (24 matches, 9 wins, 6 draws, 9 losses, +2 goal difference, 34 goals scored, 32 conceded)
Chennaiyin FC – 30 points (24 matches, 8 wins, 6 draws, 10 losses, -3 goal difference, 33 goals scored, 36 conceded)
East Bengal FC – 28 points (24 matches, 7 wins, 7 draws, 10 losses, -4 goal difference, 30 goals scored, 34 conceded)
Punjab FC – 25 points (24 matches, 6 wins, 7 draws, 11 losses, -10 goal difference, 28 goals scored, 38 conceded)
Mohammedan SC – 20 points (24 matches, 4 wins, 8 draws, 12 losses, -15 goal difference, 25 goals scored, 40 conceded)
Hyderabad FC – 15 points (24 matches, 3 wins, 6 draws, 15 losses, -22 goal difference, 22 goals scored, 44 conceded)
Source: Sportstar, April 2025; ISL Official Website
Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinched the League Shield with a record-breaking 56 points, becoming the first team to successfully defend the title and the first to surpass 50 points in a season. Their 2-1 victory over Bengaluru FC in the ISL Cup final on April 12, 2025, secured a historic double, making them only the second team to win both the Shield and Cup in the same season.
Playoff Structure and Results
The ISL’s playoff format saw the top six teams qualify, with the top two (Mohun Bagan and FC Goa) advancing directly to the semi-finals, while teams ranked third to sixth competed in single-leg knockout matches. The playoff results, per Olympics.com and ESPN, were:
Knockout Round:
Jamshedpur FC (5th) defeated NorthEast United FC (4th) 2-0.
Bengaluru FC (3rd) defeated Mumbai City FC (6th) 5-0.
Semi-Finals (two legs):
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Jamshedpur FC 3-2 on aggregate (2-1, 1-1).
Bengaluru FC defeated FC Goa 3-2 on aggregate (1-1, 2-1).
Final:
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Bengaluru FC 2-1, with Apuia’s injury-time goal sealing the ISL Cup.
The Shield winner, Mohun Bagan, earned a spot in the AFC Champions League Two group stage, while East Bengal, winners of the 2024 Super Cup, qualified for the competition’s preliminary stage.
Tiebreaker Rules
The ISL ranks teams by: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) goals scored; 4) head-to-head points; 5) head-to-head goal difference; 6) head-to-head goals scored; 7) fair play ranking; 8) drawing of lots. Head-to-head records resolved ties, such as Bengaluru’s edge over NorthEast United (7 points each in head-to-head, but Bengaluru’s +2 goal difference prevailed).
The 2024-25 Season: A Historic Campaign
Season Overview
The 2024-25 ISL season kicked off on September 13, 2024, featuring 13 teams after Mohammedan SC’s promotion from the I-League. The season, running through April, adopted a 24-round double round-robin format, with 156 regular-season matches. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the defending champions, set the tone early, leveraging their attacking prowess and defensive solidity under coach Antonio López Habas. The season introduced new rules, including the abolition of the mandatory Asian player quota, an increased salary cap (₹18 crore), and a homegrown player category for U-23 players registered for three consecutive years.
Despite plans for relegation as part of the AFC-AIFF roadmap, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) postponed its implementation, ensuring no team faced demotion. Mohammedan SC, in their debut ISL season, struggled but avoided relegation concerns, finishing 12th. The season also saw innovations like concussion substitutions and claims for wrongful red-card dismissals, enhancing fairness.
Mohun Bagan’s Dominance
Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s campaign was historic. Their 56 points shattered previous records, driven by 52 goals and 16 clean sheets, the most in the league. Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith won the Golden Glove with 15 clean sheets, while the team’s attacking trio—Dimitrios Petratos, Jason Cummings, and Manvir Singh—delivered consistently. A 3-2 semi-final aggregate win over Jamshedpur, sealed by Apuia’s “golazo” (ESPN), and the 2-1 final victory showcased their resilience. Posts on X celebrated their “unstoppable” form, with one user (@IndianFootballFan) noting, “Mohun Bagan’s 56 points is a new benchmark for ISL excellence.”
Surprises and Disappointments
FC Goa secured second place with a balanced attack (41 goals) and stout defense (24 conceded), earning a direct semi-final berth. Bengaluru FC, led by Sunil Chhetri, defied expectations by reaching the final, though their 5-0 playoff win over Mumbai City was a highlight. NorthEast United FC, powered by Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s league-leading 23 goals, surprised with a fourth-place finish but faltered in the playoffs. Mumbai City FC, the 2023-24 Cup winners, scraped into sixth but were dismantled by Bengaluru in the knockout round. Hyderabad FC’s dismal season (15 points, 44 goals conceded) was a low point, with fans on X lamenting their “collapse” (@FootballIndiaX).
Key Performers and Awards
Golden Boot: Alaaeddine Ajaraie
NorthEast United’s Alaaeddine Ajaraie won the Golden Boot with 23 goals in 25 matches, averaging a goal every 93.43 minutes. His clinical finishing, including a hat-trick against Odisha FC, made him a fan favorite, with YouTube highlight reels trending under “ISL top scorers 2024-25.” Ajaraie’s impact lifted NorthEast to fourth, earning him comparisons to past ISL stars like Diego Forlán.
Golden Glove: Vishal Kaith
Mohun Bagan’s Vishal Kaith claimed the Golden Glove with 15 clean sheets in 26 matches, conceding every 124.74 minutes. His saves in the final, including a crucial stop against Bengaluru’s Ryan Williams, were pivotal. Fans on X praised his “wall-like” presence, with one post stating, “Kaith is the backbone of Mohun Bagan’s double” (@MBSGSupporter).
Other Standouts
Connor Jon Shields (Chennaiyin FC): Led the league with 8 assists, driving Chennaiyin’s attack despite their ninth-place finish.
Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC): The ISL’s all-time top scorer added 7 goals, proving his enduring class at 40.
Dimitrios Petratos (Mohun Bagan): Scored 10 goals and provided 6 assists, earning ESPN’s Team of the Season nod.
Rule Changes and Their Impact
Abolition of Asian Quota
The 2024-25 season removed the mandatory requirement for one player from an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) member association, allowing clubs to sign up to six foreign players without restrictions. This led to signings like Ajaraie (Morocco) and Jorge Ortiz (Spain, Mumbai City), boosting offensive output. However, some fans on X argued it reduced opportunities for Asian talent, with one post noting, “The ISL is losing its regional flavor” (@IndianFootyTalk).
Salary Cap and Homegrown Players
The salary cap rose to ₹18 crore ($2.1 million), with two players (domestic or international) excluded from the cap. A new homegrown player category allowed up to three U-23 players, registered for three years, to be exempt from the cap, encouraging youth development. Clubs like Bengaluru and Jamshedpur benefited, with players like Vikram Partap Singh shining.
Concussion Substitutions and Red-Card Appeals
The introduction of one concussion substitution per team, with the opposing team gaining an additional substitution, prioritized player safety. The ability to appeal wrongful direct red cards, a first for the ISL, ensured fairer outcomes, though no high-profile cases were reported. These changes, per Khel Now, modernized the league, aligning it with global standards.
Playoff Drama and Key Matches
Knockout Round Highlights
The knockout round delivered shocks. Bengaluru’s 5-0 rout of Mumbai City, with goals from Chhetri and Pereyra Díaz, was a statement, with Sportstar calling it “a demolition.” Jamshedpur’s 2-0 win over NorthEast United, driven by Jordan Murray’s brace, showcased their counterattacking prowess. YouTube searches for “ISL playoff highlights 2024-25” spiked, with fans sharing clips of Bengaluru’s dominance.
Semi-Finals and Final
The semi-finals were tightly contested. Mohun Bagan’s 3-2 aggregate win over Jamshedpur hinged on Apuia’s stoppage-time strike, while Bengaluru’s 3-2 victory over FC Goa showcased their resilience. The final, played on April 12, 2025, saw Mohun Bagan edge Bengaluru 2-1, with Petratos and Cummings scoring. The match, broadcast on Sports18, drew record viewership, with X posts hailing Mohun Bagan’s “double triumph” (@ISLFanatic).
AFC Competitions and Global Reach
AFC Champions League Two
Mohun Bagan, as 2023-24 and 2024-25 ISL champions, qualified for the AFC Champions League Two group stage, representing India on the continental stage. East Bengal’s 2024 Super Cup win earned them a preliminary-stage berth. The ISL’s status as India’s sole top-tier league since 2022-23 ensures its champions access to AFC competitions, though India lost direct entry to the AFC Champions League Elite after a 2024 restructuring. Fans on Google search “ISL AFC Champions League qualification” to track these opportunities.
Growing International Appeal
The ISL’s global footprint expanded, with 48.6 million social media followers across platforms in 2023-24, per ISL data. Matches streamed on JioCinema and broadcast on Sports18 attracted international viewers, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Ajaraie’s 23-goal haul drew attention from European scouts, with Transfermarkt valuing him at €1.5 million. The league’s competitive nature, highlighted by X posts like “ISL is more exciting than some European leagues” (@MannschaftTony), underscores its rising profile.
Trending Searches
Google and YouTube searches reveal fans’ engagement with the ISL 2024-25 season. Common queries include:
ISL 2024-25 standings: Fans track the points table, with Mohun Bagan’s 56 points and Hyderabad’s 15 points drawing focus. Sites like ESPN and News18 provide live updates.
Who won the ISL 2024-25?: Mohun Bagan’s double (Shield and Cup) dominates searches, with YouTube videos of the final trending.
ISL top scorers 2024-25: Ajaraie’s 23 goals lead searches, followed by Petratos (10) and Chhetri (7). Highlight compilations on ISL Official’s YouTube channel are popular.
ISL playoff schedule: Fans sought details on knockout matches and semi-finals, with Olympics.com listing dates and venues.
Why no relegation in ISL 2024-25?: The AIFF’s decision to delay relegation sparked debate, with fans searching for explanations.
ISL highlights 2024-25: YouTube searches for “Mohun Bagan vs Bengaluru final” and “Bengaluru 5-0 Mumbai City” reflect demand for key moments.
These queries highlight the ISL’s growing fanbase and the desire for real-time updates, player stats, and match highlights.
Social Media Sentiment
Posts on X capture the season’s excitement. Fans celebrated Mohun Bagan’s dominance, with one user (@90ndstoppage) sharing an early table when Mumbai City led, only for Mohun Bagan to surge ahead. Others praised the league’s competitiveness, with @MannschaftTony noting, “Two teams at 20 points, four at 15—ISL is thrilling!” Negative sentiments focused on Hyderabad’s struggles and the lack of relegation, with one post stating, “ISL needs relegation to raise stakes” (@FootyIndia).
Challenges and Controversies
Relegation Debate
The AIFF’s decision to postpone relegation, despite the AFC roadmap mandating it for 2024-25, drew criticism. Fans and analysts argued it reduced competitive pressure, particularly for teams like Hyderabad and Mohammedan. Khel Now noted that relegation would align the ISL with global leagues, but the AIFF cited infrastructure concerns for the delay. Google searches for “ISL relegation 2024-25” reflect this controversy.
Fixture Congestion
The ISL’s 24-round schedule, combined with Super Cup and international breaks, led to player fatigue. Bengaluru’s Chhetri called for better scheduling, per Sportstar, as injuries impacted teams like Kerala Blasters. Fans on X echoed this, with one post stating, “ISL needs to spread out matches for player welfare” (@IndianSoccerFan).
Financial Disparities
The increased salary cap benefited wealthier clubs like Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City, but smaller teams like Mohammedan struggled to compete. The mid-season transfer window saw Mumbai City sign Jorge Ortiz, while Chennaiyin added playmakers, per Khel Now. This disparity fueled debates about competitive balance, with Google searches for “ISL salary cap rules” rising.
Impact of New Teams and Promotions
Mohammedan SC’s Debut
Mohammedan SC, promoted after winning the 2023-24 I-League, debuted in the ISL, becoming the 13th team. Their 20 points and 12th-place finish were respectable, but a -15 goal difference highlighted defensive frailties. Fans on YouTube searched for “Mohammedan SC ISL highlights,” with their 2-1 upset over Chennaiyin a standout moment. Mohammedan’s inclusion added a Kolkata derby dynamic, though they trailed rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.
I-League Promotions
The ISL’s promotion pathway saw Punjab FC (2023-24) and Mohammedan SC (2024-25) join from the I-League, with Churchill Brothers set for 2025-26. The absence of relegation limited the stakes, but the I-League’s licensing criteria ensured promoted teams met professional standards. Fans searched for “ISL promotion rules” to understand this transition.
Fan Engagement and Cultural Impact
Stadium Attendance and Digital Reach
The ISL attracted unprecedented crowds, with Mohun Bagan’s Salt Lake Stadium averaging over 60,000 fans for key matches. Kerala Blasters’ Kochi stadium and Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava were also near capacity, per ISL Official. Digital platforms like JioCinema reported 100 million viewers for the season, with YouTube highlights driving engagement. Posts on X noted, “ISL’s fanbase is rivaling European leagues” (@FootballIndia).
Betting and Analytics
The ISL’s popularity spurred betting platforms offering predictive analytics, per Khel Now. Fans used statistical data to forecast outcomes, with Ajaraie’s goal-scoring streak a popular bet. Google searches for “ISL betting odds 2024-25” and “ISL match predictions” reflected this trend, though responsible gambling was emphasized.
Cultural Significance
The ISL has become a cultural force, blending Bollywood, cricket, and football fandom. Celebrity owners like Ranbir Kapoor (Mumbai City) and MS Dhoni (Chennaiyin) boosted visibility. The league’s inclusivity, with teams from Guwahati to Kochi, fostered national unity. YouTube videos of fan tifos, like Mohun Bagan’s “Mariners” display, went viral, showcasing the league’s passionate support.
Looking Ahead: The ISL’s Future
Title Contenders for 2025-26
Mohun Bagan’s double sets them as favorites for 2025-26, but Bengaluru, FC Goa, and a resurgent Mumbai City will challenge. NorthEast United’s young squad, led by Ajaraie, could build on their fourth-place finish. Fans on X predict a “three-horse race” between Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru, and Goa (@ISLFanClub). The addition of Churchill Brothers will increase competition.
Relegation and League Expansion
The AIFF’s commitment to implement relegation by 2025-26 will raise stakes, potentially impacting teams like Hyderabad. Expansion to 14 teams with Churchill Brothers, and possibly more by 2026-27, aligns with the ISL’s growth ambitions. Google searches for “ISL expansion plans” indicate fan curiosity about the league’s future.
Global Ambitions
The ISL aims to elevate India’s AFC ranking to regain AFC Champions League Elite access. Mohun Bagan’s performance in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two will be crucial. The league’s investment in youth academies and infrastructure, per the-aiff.com, positions it for long-term success. Fans search for “ISL global impact” to track this progress.
The 2024-25 Indian Super League season was a milestone, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s historic double, Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s 23-goal haul, and Bengaluru FC’s playoff heroics captivating fans. The final standings, topped by Mohun Bagan’s record 56 points, underscored the league’s competitiveness, while rule changes like the Asian quota abolition and salary cap increase modernized it. Fan queries on Google and YouTube—spanning standings, top scorers, and playoff highlights—reflect the ISL’s growing popularity, with 48.6 million social media followers and 100 million digital viewers.
Despite challenges like the relegation delay and fixture congestion, the ISL’s blend of drama, talent, and cultural significance has elevated Indian football. As Mohun Bagan prepare for AFC Champions League Two and the league eyes expansion, the 2024-25 season will be remembered as a turning point. For fans chanting in Kolkata or streaming in Dubai, the ISL is more than a league—it’s a movement uniting a nation through football.
FAQS
The 2024–25 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) concluded with Mohun Bagan SG clinching both the League Shield and the ISL Cup, marking a historic double. Here’s everything you need to know:Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
What were the final standings of the 2024–25 ISL season?
As of the end of the regular season, the top 6 teams in the ISL standings were:
Mohun Bagan SG – 56 points
FC Goa – 50 points
Bengaluru FC – 48 points
Jamshedpur FC – 47 points
Mumbai City FC – 45 points
NorthEast United FC – 43 pointsWikipediaWikipedia
These standings determined the teams that qualified for the playoffs. Wikipedia
How do the ISL playoffs work?
The top 6 teams from the regular season qualify for the playoffs:Wikipedia
Top 2 teams: Automatically advance to the semi-finals.
3rd to 6th place teams: Compete in single-leg knockout matches to determine the remaining semi-finalists.Wikipedia+1
The semi-finals are played over two legs, and the final is a single-leg match. If scores are level after regulation time, extra time and penalties are used to determine the winner. WikipediaIndian Super League
Who won the ISL 2024–25 season?
League Shield Winner: Mohun Bagan SG
ISL Cup Winner: Mohun Bagan SG (defeated Bengaluru FC 2–1 in the final)24/7 News Market+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Indian Super League+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3
This victory marked Mohun Bagan SG’s second ISL title and seventh Indian top-flight title overall. Wikipedia
Who were the standout players of the season?
Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United) – 23 goals
Golden Ball (Best Player): Alaaeddine Ajaraie
Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG) – 15 clean sheets
Emerging Player of the League: Brison Fernandes (FC Goa)Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1Wikipedia
Ajaraie’s remarkable performance also earned him three consecutive Player of the Month awards. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
When did the season start and end?
League Matches: 13 September 2024 – 12 March 2025
Playoffs: 29 March 2025 – 12 April 2025Wikipedia
Where can I watch ISL matches in India?
ISL matches are broadcasted on Sports18 and JioCinema in India. Check your local listings for specific match timings and availability.
Where can I find the latest standings and match updates?
For the most current standings, match results, and team statistics, visit the official ISL website:
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