The 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season was a rollercoaster for Odisha FC, who finished seventh in the standings. Just three points shy of a playoff spot, their campaign was filled with attacking flair but undercut by defensive lapses and inconsistency. Despite the preseason optimism, driven by key signings and coaching continuity, the team failed to string together a solid run of results. Eight wins from 24 matches wasn't enough to break into the top six, leaving fans and the club's management wondering how another season of promise slipped away.

Odisha FC entered the season with bold ambitions and a squad brimming with talent. With the attacking unit looking strong on paper, hopes were high that the team would not just make the playoffs but challenge for top honours. However, the rhythm never quite settled. Sergio Lobera’s men played some scintillating football in bursts but failed to maintain momentum.

Odisha FC remained in the playoff hunt right until the final matchday of the season. However, their fate was no longer in their own hands. After doing just enough to keep their hopes alive, they needed Mumbai City FC to lose their final league fixture against Bengaluru FC. But the Islanders held their nerve and secured a win, dashing Odisha FC’s hopes. The result meant the Bhubaneswar-based side missed out on a top-six finish, a disappointing end to the campaign, especially after reaching the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.

Their eight wins were often followed by frustrating draws or narrow defeats. A string of late-game collapses and defensive errors cost them valuable points in matches they should have seen out. In a season where the margins were razor thin, these slip ups proved costly.

Here’s a breakdown of their 2024-25 season — the highs, lows, key players, and what they need to address going forward.

Record

Pl: 24; W: 8; L: 7; D: 9; Pts: 33; GF: 44; GA: 37

Positives

One thing Odisha FC got right this season was goals — and plenty of them. With 44 goals scored, they finished with the third-best attacking record in the league behind only Mohun Bagan Super Giant and NorthEast United FC. This was achieved despite losing Roy Krishna, one of their most dependable forwards, to injury.

Diego Mauricio led the line with nine goals, three of which came from the spot. He was consistent, composed, and stepped up in big moments. Hugo Boumous and Jerry Mawihmingthanga followed with five goals each, while veteran center-back Mourtada Fall also chipped in with five — a remarkable stat for a defender.

Odisha's strength lay in their ability to spread the goals across the squad with 11 different goalscorers involved. The depth in attack made them dangerous throughout games, even when missing key players. Their movement in the final third, supported by creative players like Boumous, was often their biggest asset.

Negatives

For all their attacking firepower, Odisha FC's defence couldn’t keep up. With just four clean sheets in 24 games, their backline was shaky and unconvincing for large parts of the season. Injuries to key personnel didn’t help, and makeshift partnerships, including playing midfielder Thoiba Singh as a center-back, never really clicked

This season saw them concede 37 goals, the fifth worst tally in the league. Many of these were preventable. The experienced Carlos Delgado didn’t feature as much, while new signings like Saviour Gama and Rahim Ali didn’t consistently deliver in defence.

The home form also dipped. After going unbeaten at Kalinga Stadium last season with eight wins, they managed just four home victories this time. The fortress vibe was gone, and with it, some of the momentum that made them a threat last season.

Best player: Hugo Boumous

The French-Moroccan midfielder was at the heart of everything Odisha did well in attack. Boumous scored five goals, provided seven assists, and created a total of 46 chances. His passing accuracy stood at 83% from 733 completed passes. He was effective, linking play and dictating tempo.

Beyond numbers, Boumous brought leadership and composure. In tight games, he often looked like the only one capable of unlocking defences. He tracked back, won duels, and showed he’s more than just a playmaker.

Best young player: Isak Vanlalruatfela

Isak was one of the shining lights of the season. The 22-year-old winger contributed three goals and four assists, but it was his all-round game that caught attention. He won 66 duels, made 79 recoveries, and had a 76% passing accuracy alongside registering 18 tackles.

The Mizoram native battled injury this season, but he returned stronger, showed resilience, and played key roles in big moments, including a dramatic winner against Northeast United FC at home. His energy, pressing, and attacking intent made him one of Odisha FC’s most valuable assets.

What do they need next season?

If Odisha FC wants to push for a playoff spot or higher next season, they need to rebuild the backline. A proper centre-back pairing is non-negotiable and relying on makeshift solutions won't cut it in a league where one goal can decide seasons.

They also need better squad depth to handle injuries. The drop in quality when first-team players were sidelined was noticeable. Recruitment has to be sharper and players that must come in ready to compete, not just fill gaps.

Finally, their mentality in crunch moments needs work. Lobera’s side played good football but now they need to turn those performances into points. One or two experienced heads in the middle of the park or defence could make a big difference.

The foundation is there but they just need to tighten the screws.