From the advent of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014, India has witnessed a new revolution in the football scene. With the fourth season currently in motion, Hero ISL 2017-18 is regularly grabbing headlines nationwide due to its intense action and global stars. The league has created a niche for itself in the hearts of every football fan in the country, and is sure to mould a complete generation of footballers in the years to come.

On the occasion of Christmas, when the entire world is basking in the warmth of festivity and threading memories with family and friends, we bring to you three special moments from the last three Hero ISL seasons, that have found a permanent place in our hearts.

2014: Mohammed Rafique’s golden header decides the ‘First Champions’

Mohammed Rafique etched his name in the history books and in the hearts of Kolkata’s fans as his injury time header in the maiden Hero ISL final against a charged-up Kerala Blasters side, made ATK the ‘First Champions’. Rafique was brought in as a substitute by coach Antonio Lopez Habas to break the deadlock. He turned out to be a super-sub as he perfectly timed his jump to head Jakub Podany’s cross past the hands of a diving David James to create history with a 1-0 win.

2015: Stiven Mendoza turns the table within minutes

The final of Hero Indian Super League 2015 between FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC holds a special place in everyone’s heart because of the sheer thriller it turned out to be. The second half saw a total of five goals being scored with Chennai being crowned the Champions after a 3-2 win. Until the 88th minute the match was evenly poised at 1-1, until Joffre Gonzalez gave Goa the lead with two minutes on the clock. This was surely thought to be the winner, but Chennai’s star striker Stiven Mendoza had other plans. A Laxmikant Kattimani own-goal in injury time gave the Super Machans a life-line before Mendoza slotted in the winner to snatch the trophy from under Goa’s nose as Chennaiyin were declared Champions.

2016: ATK repeat feat by mastering the penalty shootout

The final of Hero ISL 2016 again saw arch rivals ATK and Kerala Blasters locking horns at Kerala, to what was going to be a repeat of the 2014 final. Kerala was in mood to extract revenge while ATK was vying for their second title in three years. After the scoreline remained tied at 1-1 after extra-time, a penalty shootout was supposed to dictate proceedings. When ATK’s talisman Iain Hume fluffed his chance, it seemed Kerala would take the match away. But a mistake from Didier Boris Kadio and a brilliant instinctive save from Debjit Majumder to thwart Cedric Hengbart, meant that it all rested on the young Jewel Raja of ATK to score the winner. He did not disappoint as nation erupted in joy to welcome the two-time champions.

The 2017-18 season is just half way through, with more than two months of action left on the cards. However, staying true to the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect, the season has already had its fair share of heartwarming moments. Some of them are as follows:

Bengaluru and Chennai join hands to ensure fan safety

After 17th December’s match between Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC where the former lost 1-2, both the teams came together to publish a joint statement on their official club handles. They both took an oath to assure fans - both home and travelling, that utmost safety will be given to them, to uphold the true spirit of the game.

Club statement pic.twitter.com/bDScL6z9QV

— Chennaiyin FC (@ChennaiyinFC) December 20, 2017

Sunil Chhetri shows his class against Pune

When Bengaluru FC visited FC Pune City in Hero ISL 2017-18, the visitors came back from a one goal deficit to win the match 3-1. Miku's brace gave them the lead while captain Sunil Chhetri's added time strike gave them an unassailable lead. However, what grabbed attention was Chhetri's gesture for Gurtej Singh, post scoring the goal. Gurtej had tried to stall Chhetri's dink over the goalkeeper but his sliding effort reaped no dividends. India's captain was however, quick to recognise the youngster's effort and instead of celebrating went and patted the back of Gurtej, which stood out as a mark of respect and sportsmanship.

Delhi upheld the spirit of game against Pune

When FC Pune City hosted Delhi Dynamos FC this season, the host's midfielder Jewel Raja suffered an injury just before the game started. But as per rules, because he was named in the official Starting XI prior the match, he had to take the field. Just before kick-off and after the teams broke their hurdle, Raja was seen walking back to the dugout fighting to hold back tears. However, Delhi, who coukdnhave easily taken advantage of the then 10-men Pune to wedge an attack, quickly sent the ball out of play after kick-off, so that Pune could facilitate a substitution. This gesture of the visitors won hearts all over the country and stands as an example of how beautiful the game of football is.

With a new year heralding a new dawn, we as fans can only hope that Hero ISL continues to entertain the fans and bring to the fore such instances of love, gratitude and respect.