From the start, FC Goa set themselves apart in the Indian Super League (ISL) by making local players central to their identity. The club did not just look to compete with big signings. They made sure that Goans would have a stage on which to perform and grow. Over the season that has become one of the defining features of the team.

Goa has always been a state where football comes naturally. Village tournaments and historic clubs from the state have produced a steady stream of players. FC Goa entered that ecosystem and offered the opportunity for local boys to shine on a national platform. For fans, the connection became deeper because the players wearing the orange jersey were familiar faces who carried with them the pride of the state.

Mandar and Romeo set the tone

In the opening years of the league, the club introduced two players who set the tone. Mandar Rao Dessai quickly became a dependable figure on the wing with his tireless running and ability to contribute in attack. Romeo Fernandes brought flair and unpredictability, offering moments that captured the imagination of the supporters. Both of them became symbols of what FC Goa wanted to represent. They were decisive, match-changing players who proved that Goans could thrive on the biggest stage available in Indian football.

Brandon and Seriton lead the charge

Sergio Lobera’s arrival as head coach in 2017 pushed the team into a new era. His footballing philosophy, built on possession and attacking play, gave players like Brandon Fernandes the freedom to flourish. Brandon, who had always been spoken of as one of the brightest prospects in Indian football, found his footing and became the creative heartbeat of the side. Seriton Fernandes, steady and consistent, locked down the right full-back position and has remained part of the setup to this day. Together with Dessai, they formed the spine of the side that lifted the Shield in 2019-20, the club’s proudest achievement so far.

When Lobera left and Juan Ferrando took over, questions were raised about whether the focus on local players would continue. Those doubts were quickly put to rest. New names began to make their mark. Saviour Gama emerged as an energetic full-back who could influence games at both ends of the pitch. Devendra Murgaonkar, a young striker with an instinct for goal, showed promise whenever opportunities came his way.

Princeton Rebello, long regarded as one of Goa’s most talented youngsters was integrated into the squad and brought stability in midfield. Veteran defender Adil Khan also joined, adding leadership and experience along with Glan Martins, who put in tireless performances at the heart of the pitch. It was a period of transition but it confirmed that the club’s philosophy of trusting Goan players was still intact.

In recent years, a fresh wave of local talent has come through. Midfielder Sahil Tavora, who had earlier played for the club, returned during the 2023-24 season and has brought with him calmness and maturity in the middle of the park. More importantly, the youth setup began producing players who are ready to step into the first team. The most impressive among them has been Brison Fernandes. He has not only broken into the senior side but went on to win the Emerging Player of the Season award in 2024-25. His rise is the perfect example of how the pathway from the youth ranks to the ISL stage can work. Following a similar route is Prachit Gaonkar, another product of the academy who has started to feature for the senior team.

Read: Brison Fernandes needs to play more minutes, says Manolo Marquez

FC Goa have also kept an eye on Goan talent outside their own system. During the summer they brought in midfielder Harsh Patre from Bengaluru FC, ensuring that promising Goans who leave the state still have the chance to return and play in front of their home crowd. Moves like these show that the club is not only investing in its academy but also building a broader system to keep Goan players connected to the team.

A long-term vision

FC Goa have given local players the confidence to perform while still challenging for silverware. For supporters it creates a bond with the team that cannot be bought. Winning matches is important but winning with players who share the culture and spirit of Goa gives it extra meaning.

Sustaining this tradition will always be a challenge but FC Goa have shown that they are willing to be patient and to give opportunities when the time is right. Their greatest achievement may not be a trophy but the way they have kept Goan football at the heart of their project.

From the early brilliance of Mandar and Romeo to the consistency of Brandon and Seriton and now to the promise of Brison, the line of succession continues. The message is clear that for the Gaurs, local identity is inseparable. It is a tradition that has defined them since the start and one that looks set to continue for years to come.