The 2024-2025 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) was significant for FC Goa, showcasing marked improvement from last season. Under the insightful guidance of head coach Manolo Marquez, the Gaurs demonstrated a strong campaign, finishing second on the points table with an impressive tally of 48 points achieved through 14 victories and 6six draws, just three wins shy of the league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Not only did FC Goa improve on their previous season’s tally of 45 points, where they finished third, but their 48 points also matched what 2023-24 Shield winners MBSG achieved. Had MBSG faltered, one could argue the Shield was theirs for the taking.

The season’s overall success can be attributed to Marquez’s tactical genius and his team's ability to deliver results. A potent attack, solid midfield, and resilient defense played key roles in securing a direct semi-final spot.

Although their league success earned them a place in the playoffs; however, they faced disappointment in the semi-finals, where they were narrowly defeated by Bengaluru FC with an aggregate score of 3-2.

Let’s rewind and take a closer look at their campaign, where significant improvement was evident.

Record

Pl: 24; W: 14; L: 4; D: 6; Pts: 48; GF: 27; GA: 27

Positives

One of the biggest takeaways from FC Goa’s campaign was the sense of collective responsibility. 13 different players found the net this season which was a testament to the team’s depth.

The quartet of Armando Sadiku, Iker Guarrotxena, Borja Herrera, and breakout star Brison Fernandes combined for a staggering 30 goals, showcasing the variety in Goa’s offensive arsenal.

Their high point came in the form of a 12-game unbeaten streak, where they amassed 28 points, a run that announced them as serious Shield contenders and highlighted the consistency that had long eluded them in previous campaigns.

Negatives

When it mattered most, FC Goa faltered. The playoffs proved to be their Achilles’ heel, once again.

A lacklustre first-leg performance saw them fall 2-0 to Bengaluru FC, a deficit they couldn’t fully recover from despite a spirited 2-1 win in the return leg. The semi-final exit starkly contrasted their league dominance and exposed the team’s struggles in knockout games.

Best Player: Sandesh Jhingan

FC Goa’s season turned around the moment Sandesh Jhingan returned to the pitch.

The centre-back missed the early part of the campaign due to injury, and in his absence, the Gaurs managed just one win in their opening six matches. But once Jhingan slotted back into the heart of defence and took over as captain, the transformation was immediate. FC Goa embarked on a stunning 12-game unbeaten run, and Jhingan became the symbol of that revival.

Not only was he among the league’s best defenders, but his leadership, tactical awareness, and defensive solidity also made him one of the standout players of the season overall. He played 20 matches, contributed a goal and an assist, and helped the team keep seven clean sheets while picking up just one yellow card all season.

The best young player: Brison Fernandes

The Emerging Player of the Season award rightly went to Brison Fernandes, FC Goa’s brightest spark and one of Indian football’s rising stars.

The attacking midfielder delivered seven goals and two assists in 24 appearances, finishing as the second-highest Indian goalscorer in the league, behind only Sunil Chhetri. His numbers also etched his name in club history with the midfielder now holding the record for most goal contributions by an Indian player in a single season for FC Goa.

What do they need next season?

The 2024-25 season was a massive step forward but FC Goa must now take the next leap.

With Manolo Marquez set to depart end of the season, the first task is appointing a head coach who can preserve and evolve the existing philosophy of keeping the ball and playing attacking football. The new coach will have a solid platform to build on but must bring fresh ideas to elevate the team further.

Equally important is addressing their playoff mentality. While they dazzled through the league stage, the inability to deliver in crunch moments cost them once again. A reset in mindset and preparation for high-stakes games is key if they are to challenge for silverware.

With Armando Sadiku’s exit, the club must also find a clinical forward to lead the line. But the foundations are in place, the Gaurs just needs to tighten a few screws to turn potential into silverware.