The final match of the Indian Super League (ISL) has been the most anticipated finale of the league season since its inception in 2014. Even though the ISL League Winner’s Shield became the priority from the 2019-20 season with a direct continental spot for the table-toppers and no reward for winning the ISL Cup with the remaining Asian slot given to the Super Cup victors, the ISL final did not lose its shine. It remains a game to fight for with finalists hoping to end the season with a trophy in hand while Shield winners get the opportunity to complete a memorable double. So far, 11 ISL finals have been played with half of the 13 participating clubs finding success in the competition's history.
Here are some of the FAQs often asked about ISL final:
When was the first ISL final played?
The first ISL final was played on 20 December 2014 between Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters at the Salt Lake Stadium. The Kolkata team became the inaugural champions by defeating Blasters 1-0 thanks to a goal by Mohammed Rafique in the 95th minute of extra time.
Which team has won the most ISL finals?
The team with the most Indian Super League (ISL) final wins is ATK (now defunct), which has three titles to its name. ATK lifted the ISL Cup in the 2014, 2016 and 2019-20 seasons.
How many teams have won the ISL final?
Six teams have won the ISL final since its inception in 2014. ATK (2014, 2016, 2019-20), Chennaiyin FC (2015, 2017-18), Bengaluru FC (2018-19), Mumbai City FC (2020-21, 2023-24), Hyderabad FC (2021-22) and Mohun Bagan (2022-23, 2024-25).
Which city has the most successful clubs in the ISL final?
Kolkata is the most successful city in the ISL finals, with a total of five titles. ATK won in 2014 (1-0 vs. Kerala Blasters), 2016 (4-3 on penalties vs. Kerala Blasters after 1-1 in extra-time) and 2019-20 (3-1 vs. Chennaiyin FC) while Mohun Bagan) won in 2022-23 (4-3 on penalties vs. Bengaluru FC after 2-2 in extra-time) and 2024-25 (2-1 vs Bengaluru FC after extra-time).
Which player has won the most ISL finals?
Indian defender Pritam Kotal has won the most ISL finals with three, all titles came while playing for a club from Kolkata. His first two titles came with ATK in 2016 and 2020 with the third in 2023 while playing for Mohun Bagan.
Which coach has won the most ISL finals?
Antonio Lopez Habas (2014 and 2019-20) and Jose Molina (2016 and 2024-25) have won the ISL finals with two titles. Both successes for Habas came with ATK while Molina won the ISL Cup each with ATK and Mohun Bagan.
Which coach has made the most appearances in the ISL final?
Habas is also the coach to have made the most appearances in the ISL final with four. He led ATK to finals in 2014 and 2016 and Mohun Bagan Super Giant to the final in 2020-21 and 2023-24.
Which team(s) has the most appearances in the ISL final?
Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC have appeared in most ISL finals with four. They have also faced each other twice in the showpiece with the Mariners triumphing each time.
Which team(s) has the most appearances in the ISL final without winning the trophy?
The team that has played the most ISL finals without winning the trophy is Kerala Blasters. The side reached three finals in 2014, 2016 and 2021-22 seasons but has never won the title.
Which player has the most appearances in the ISL final?
Manvir Singh has made the most appearances in the ISL final with five. His first appearance came with FC Goa in 2018-19 and the rest with Mohun Bagan (2020-21, 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25)
Which player has the most appearances in the ISL final without winning the trophy?
Sandesh Jhingan has the most appearances in the ISL final without winning the trophy with four (2014, 2016, 2020-21 and 2022-23).
Who scored the fastest goal in the ISL final?
The fastest goal in an ISL final was scored by Sunil Chhetri in the 2017-18 season, playing for Bengaluru FC against Chennaiyin FC. The goal came in the 9th minute of the match (8 minutes and 5 seconds approx)
Who scored the latest goal in an ISL final?
Rahul Bheke scored the latest recorded goal in the 2018-19 final (117th minute for Bengaluru FC against FC Goa).
What is the highest-scoring ISL final?
The highest-scoring ISL finals involve Chennaiyin FC who beat FC Goa (2015) and Bengaluru FC (2017-18) by 3-2.
Which ISL finals were decided by penalty shootouts?
Two ISL finals were decided by penalty shootouts: ATK defeated Kerala Blasters in 2016, winning 4-3 on penalties, while Mohun Bagan triumphed over Bengaluru FC in the 2022-23 season in the same manner.
Which venue has hosted the most ISL finals?
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium or the Fatorda Stadium in Goa has hosted the most ISL finals with four (2015, 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23).
