The Indian Super League 2024-25 season is set to kick off on September 13, marking the 11th edition of the league.

Over the decade, the league has developed several young Indian players, giving them a platform to prepare themselves to represent the national team. High-profile foreign players like Roberto Carlos, Robert Pires, Diego Forlan, Alessandro Del Piero, Luis Garcia, Marco Materazzi, Alessandro Nesta, and David James plied their trade in the ISL, enriching the league's value around the globe.

The 2024-25 season promises to feature exhilarating fixtures filled with engaging and entertaining end-to-end 90-minute duels. A mouthwatering clash between Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC will take place on the season's opener, setting the tone of the 13 teams' league.

With the season opener just a couple of hours away and the excitement buzzing among the fans, we've selected the top ten moments that could catch eyes in the upcoming eight months.

Mohammedan SC: The Kolkata giants enter the fray

 

Mohammedan SC become the only second team to earn promotion to the ISL. The Black and Whites were crowned with the I League title last year to find themselves back in the top tier after a hiatus of ten long years.

Mohammedan SC's inclusion means the Kolkata derbies are going to be more spicy and cracking, given the three Kolkata giants will face each other for the first time in the ISL. Under the guidance of Andrey Chernyshov, the newcomer will try to present significant challenges to the opponent teams, making the playoff race edge closer.

Can Odisha FC make the Kalinga Stadium their fortress again?

 

Odisha FC achieved a remarkable feat in the 2023-24 season as they finished unbeaten while playing on their home turf at the Kalinga Stadium. Under the stewardship of Sergio Lobera, the Kalinga Warriors qualified for the playoffs as the fourth team for the first time in the club's history.

As the Spanish head coach set to embark on his second season with Odisha FC, he will be determined to maintain their defensive stability and cohesion, especially while playing at home, to enjoy a successful season.

FC Goa to face challenges with key departures

 

FC Goa will start their second season under Manolo Marquez, who is recently appointed as the head coach of the Blue Tigers. The Gaurs have suffered key departures in the summer transfer window as club legend Brandon Fernandes and dynamic forward duo Noah Sadaoui and Carlos Martinez left the club.

It will be interesting to see how FC Goa will cope with the absence of these players who played a crucial role in helping the Gaurs reach the playoffs after a two-season gap. However, with the arrivals of Armando Sadiku, Dejan Drazic, and Iker Guarrotxena Marquez, they will be eyeing to form a formidable offensive trio to fill the void left by their key players.

Kolkata Derby to reach new heights

 

The ever-energetic, ever-attractive Kolkata Derby does not need any description. The iconic century-old football duels have been growing with time and enriching the football history with its glorious majesty.

The Kolkata derbies will be more catchy this season, with Mohammedan SC participating in the ISL, making these fixtures more engaging. With the three Kolkata giants lighting up the stage with their eternal rivalries, the competition will be sky high, which the fans can anticipate.

NorthEast United FC aim to build on Durand Cup success

 

NorthEast United FC have recently won the iconic Durand Cup title just a couple of days ago. The Highlanders displayed commanding performances throughout the tournament to record their first piece of silverware.

Under the tutelage of Juan Pedro Benali, NorthEast United FC showcased energetic performances based on their possession-based attacking football. With their recent success in the Durand Cup, the Highlanders will be aiming to build on the momentum in the ISL to register a breakthrough season this year.

Can Stahre lead Kerala Blasters FC to their elusive silverware?

 

Over the past decade, Kerala Blasters FC have been chasing their elusive maiden silverware with their heart and soul. Despite reaching the ISL Cup final three times, the Blasters could not cross the line.

Swedish head coach Mikael Stahre has taken charge of the Yellow Army replacing the Ashan, Ivan Vukomanovic. The Blasters were knocked out of the Durand Cup quarterfinals with a narrow defeat against Bengaluru FC. However, the Yellow Army will be eyeing starting afresh under Stahre to record the first title with the club.

Mumbai City FC look to maintain their defensive heroics

 

Mumbai City FC have demonstrated their sturdy defensive attributes with nine shutouts last season, resulting in Phurba Lachenpa winning the prestigious Golden Gloves accolade. The Islanders finished second in the league table, missing the League Shield by inches, but they emerged victorious in the ISL Cup final to record their second Cup title.

This time, Petr Kratky will be eyeing to maintain their defensive shape with Tiri and Thaer Krouma, who were integral parts of Mumbai City FC's defense line. However, the Islanders will have to deal with the absence of captain Rahul Bheke, who left the club during the summer transfer window.

New look East Bengal FC promise to do wonders

 

East Bengal FC have boasted a formidable squad under their ranks, which gives a ray of hope for the supporters. Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, Jeakson Singh, and several big names have joined the Kolkata giants ahead of the ISL 2024-25 season.

With a more balanced and competitive team this year, the Red and Gold Brigade will bank on Carles Cuadrat to lead them achieve glorious feats.

Zaragoza enters first fulll season

 

Gerard Zaragoza took charge of Bengaluru FC during the mid-2023-24 season. Notably, the Spanish head coach is set to start his first full season with the Blues, aiming to bring the glorious days.

Despite reaching the ISL Cup final in the 2022–23 season, Bengaluru FC failed to cross the playoff berth last season. The Blues also knocked out of the Durand Cup semis with a penalty shootout defeat against the Mariners.

However, with the signing of key players like Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Alberto Noguera, and Rahul Bheke, Zaragoza will be aiming to achieve new heights with the Blues this season.

Jamil, the Indian coach. Can he work wonders?

 

Khalid Jamil has been a very pragmatic coach and is the only Indian coach to lead several ISL teams in the past couple of years.

With Jamil set to lead Jamshedpur FC in the upcoming season, the Men of Steel will definitely be a tough opponent to play against considering the head coach's sharp match instincts. Having players like Jordan Murray, Rei Tachikawa, Mohammed Sanan K, and Albino Gomes in their squad, Jamil will aim to qualify for the playoffs, which they missed last season.

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2024-2025