Elite company: ISL head coaches who’ve conquered both Shield and Cup
Only a select few tacticians have tasted success in both league and knockout formats. Here’s who they are.
“Cometh the hour, cometh the man” — this phrase is often used for game-changers who deliver clutch goals in decisive moments. But what about the men behind the scenes who guide them to glory? The head coaches. Their influence often deserves just as much, if not more applause, as they serve as the driving force behind a team’s success.
From unwavering support on the sidelines to constant vocal motivation and sharp tactical instincts, a head coach’s presence can dictate the tempo and shape the outcome of a match. The Indian Super League (ISL) has seen its fair share of such leaders and head coaches who have inspired their teams to silverware over the years.
But only three Spaniards have achieved the coveted ISL double, winning both the League Winners Shield and the ISL Cup and have etched their names into the league’s history books.
Here's a look at those elite few:
ISL Shield ✅
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) May 12, 2025
ISL Cup ✅
Only 3️⃣ head coaches with both in the bag! 🛡️🏆#ISL #LetsFootball #JoseMolina #AntonioHabas #SergioLobera pic.twitter.com/ZL7jwG16LF
Sergio Lobera
Sergio Lobera became the first head coach to complete the ISL double with Mumbai City FC in the 2020-21 season. The Islanders endured a neck-to-neck fight with Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their quest to clinch the Shield and the Cup but ultimately emerged victorious, banking on Lobera's tactical expertise. The Spanish head coach turned the Mumbai City FC side into an attacking powerhouse and laid a strong foundation that propelled them to achieve success in the coming seasons.
Jose Molina
Jose Molina has tasted success with ATK FC and MBSG during his two stints in India. Molina became the second head coach after Lobera to complete the ISL double and led the Mariners to become the first team to successfully defend the League Shield accolade during the 2024-25 season. Molina has won the ISL Cup twice, once with ATK FC in 2016 and then with MBSG in their record-breaking 2024-25 campaign.
Antonio Lopez Habas
Antonio Lopez Habas, arguably one of the most successful head coaches in the league, also won the Shield and the Cup during his time with ATK FC and MBSG. Habas clinched two ISL Cups with ATK FC in the 2013-14 and 2019-20 seasons and led the Mariners to record their first League Shield in the 2023-24 season. Known for his winning mentality and tactical discipline, Habas has been the backbone of every team he’s coached and the numbers back it up.
