ISL 2024-25: Which top 6 teams have the most playoff experience?
From Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant to Mumbai City FC, how have this season's top six fared previously in the knockouts?

The Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs are back and the stakes couldn’t be higher!
Six teams have battled their way through the season, but only one will lift the coveted ISL Cup. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC are the last ones standing. The action kicks off on Saturday with high-stakes knockout clashes - Bengaluru FC take on Mumbai City FC, while NorthEast United FC face Jamshedpur FC. The winners move on to the semis, where Mohun Bagan and FC Goa lie in wait.
Over the years, the playoffs have seen moments of brilliance, heartbreak, and last-minute drama. Some clubs have made it a habit of getting this far, while others are still trying to establish themselves among the league’s elite.
So which teams have consistently risen to the occasion in the knockouts?
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 21, 2025
Mohun Bagan Super Giant - 5 PlayOff Entries
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has had a phenomenal season, clinching the top position in the league with a record high of 56 points from their 24 matches, boasting an impressive tally of 17 wins and 5 draws. This season adds to their storied playoff history, having qualified for the playoffs five times in a row.
Notably, MBSG became the ISL champions in the 2022-23 season and finished as runners-up in both the 2020-21 and 2023-24 campaigns, showcasing their ability to perform consistently at the highest level.
Season | Performance |
2023-2024 | RUNNERS-UP |
2022-2023 | WINNER |
2021-2022 | SEMI-FINALIST |
2020-2021 | RUNNERS-UP |
FC Goa - 8 PlayOff Entries
FC Goa continues to be one of the most consistent teams in ISL, securing a spot in the playoffs for an incredible eighth time — a record in ISL history. Finishing second in the league with 48 points accrued from 14 wins and six draws, FC Goa’s playoff appearances reflect their solid position in the league. Their playoff journeys have seen them reach the finals twice, finishing as runners-up on two occasions: in the 2015 season and the 2018-19 season.
FC Goa continues to be a formidable force in the league, consistently showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience in critical matches. With their attacking play style and a wealth of experience, they remain a formidable contender this season.
Season | Performance |
2023-2024 | SEMI-FINALIST |
2020-2021 | SEMI-FINALIST |
2019-2020 | SEMI-FINALIST |
2018-2019 | RUNNERS-UP |
2017-2018 | SEMI-FINALIST |
2015 | RUNNERS-UP |
2014 | SEMI-FINALIST |
Bengaluru FC - 5 PlayOff Entries
Bengaluru FC’s campaign this season has been commendable as they finished the league stage with 38 points, courtesy of 11 wins and five draws, securing another playoff berth. The Blues have a rich playoff history, having qualified for the knockout stages in four previous seasons, specifically during the 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2022-23 seasons.
The ISL Cup triumph during the 2018-19 season and runner-up finishes in both the 2017-18 and 2022-23 campaigns underline their competitive edge. With this playoff experience, they will be looking to make a deeper impact this time around.
Season | Performance |
2022-2023 | RUNNERS-UP |
2019-2020 | SEMI-FINALIST |
2018-2019 | WINNER |
2017-2018 | RUNNERS-UP |
NorthEast United FC - 3 PlayOff Entries
NorthEast United FC come in at fourth place with 38 points, achieved through 10 wins and eight draws. Their playoff history might not be as extensive as some of their counterparts, having reached the playoffs only twice previously in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons.
However, they possess a resilient squad and are keen to make a mark in this year's playoffs, hoping to capitalize on their historical chances, although they have yet to secure a ISL Cup. Nevertheless, NEUFC's ability to reach the playoffs indicates their capacity to compete with more established teams.
Season | Performance |
2020-2021 | SEMI-FINALIST |
2018-2019 | SEMI-FINALIST |
Jamshedpur FC - 2 PlayOff Entries
Jamshedpur FC finished the season in fifth with 38 points from 12 wins and two draws, after an impressive campaign. This season marks their second playoff appearance, with their initial foray being during the 2021-22 campaign.
While their playoff history remains limited, the team will be eager to establish itself as a perennial contender in the ISL. JFC's competitive spirit remains evident in their gameplay, setting a solid foundation for potential future seasons.
Season | Performance |
2021-2022 | SEMI-FINALIST |
Mumbai City FC - 6 PlayOff Entries
Mumbai City FC has been a powerhouse in recent seasons, concluding this campaign in sixth place with 36 points garnered from nine wins and as many draws. They have consistently made playoff appearances, with this season marking their sixth qualification, including notable years in 2016, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2022-23, and 2023-24.
The Islanders won the Shield in the 2020-21 season and won their first ISL Cup last season, solidifying their status as a competitive force in the ISL.
Season | Performance |
2023-2024 | WINNER |
2022-2023 | SEMI-FINALIST |
2020-2021 | WINNER |
2018-2019 | SEMI-FINALIST |
2016 | SEMI-FINALIST |