Goals are the heartbeat of football and every fan knows that. But if you ask any true supporter what makes a goal extra special, they’ll probably say it’s the first one their club ever scored. It’s the moment everything changes. The moment a team announces, “We’re here!”

The Indian Super League (ISL) has given fans across India thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. Yet behind all the glitz and glamour are these humble beginnings, the first goals that kickstarted the journey for each club. Some were world-class finishes, others were scrappy efforts but every single one made fans jump out of their seats.

So, let’s take a fun trip down memory lane and look back at the first goalscorers for every ISL club.

Kerala Blasters FC - Iain Hume

Iain Hume is nothing short of a cult hero for Kerala Blasters FC. The Canadian’s goal in their second game of the 2014 season, against Chennaiyin FC was the first for the Blasters in the ISL. Even though they lost the match 2-1, Hume’s contribution was immense throughout the season, with five goals and three assists helping the Blasters reach the final in the inaugural ISL season. His name is still revered by Blasters fans.

Chennaiyin FC - Balwant Singh

Before Chennaiyin FC became two-time Cup winners and built their reputation as one of the most successful ISL teams, they kicked off their journey with a solid win. Their debut game in the ISL was an away fixture against FC Goa and it was Balwant Singh who etched his name in the club’s history books by scoring their very first goal. The striker gave Chennaiyin FC the lead before Elano doubled their tally. They eventually won the match 2-1, setting the tone for what would be a strong campaign. The Marina Machans topped the table that season, but were knocked out in the semis by Kerala Blasters FC.

FC Goa - Gregory Arnolin

FC Goa’s debut season in 2014 was full of promise and Arnolin made sure to announce the club’s arrival by scoring their first-ever ISL goal. Even though the game ended in a 2-1 loss at home against Chennaiyin FC, Arnolin’s goal was special. A defender by trade, Arnolin became a legend for the Gaurs, helping them finish second in the league and reach the semi-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by the eventual Cup winners ATK FC. His goal marked the beginning of FC Goa’s rise as one of ISL’s most exciting teams.

Mumbai City FC - Andre Moritz

Mumbai City FC’s first-ever goal came in a spectacular fashion in the inaugural ISL season. Moritz not only scored the club’s first goal but went on to net a hat-trick in a dominant 5-0 win over FC Pune City. His first goal was a thing of beauty, cutting in from the right and curling the ball into the bottom corner. Though the Islanders finished seventh that season, that game remains one of their most memorable early moments in the league.

NorthEast United FC - Koke

NorthEast United FC’s first ISL goal was netted by the Spanish forward Koke during their debut match against Kerala Blasters FC. His strike secured the Highlanders’ first-ever win in the league, a moment fans still cherish. Although they finished at the bottom that season, Koke’s goal and that win was one of the best memories of their debut campaign.

ATK FC - Fikru Teferra

The first goal in ISL history? That belongs to Fikru Teferra. The Ethiopian striker made it count in style, latching onto a through ball and cheekily dinking it over the Mumbai City FC keeper in front of a packed Salt Lake Stadium. ATK FC went on to win 3-0 in that historic opener and Teferra instantly wrote his name into the ISL history books. He didn’t stop there either, bagging five goals and three assists that season, playing a key role in ATK FC’s ISL Cup-winning run. From backflips to bulldozing runs, he brought flair and fire to league.

Delhi Dynamos FC - Pavel Elias

Delhi Dynamos FC didn’t start their campaign with fireworks, playing a goalless draw against FC Pune City in their first-ever ISL game. But when they did get off the mark, it was Czech midfielder Pavel Elias who stepped up. He smashed home the equaliser against ATK FC, cancelling out Jofre’s penalty and giving Dynamos fans a reason to cheer. That goal gave the Delhi-based side some much-needed momentum in their early days. They narrowly missed the playoffs that season, finishing just one point off the top four but Elias’ strike will always be one for the history books.

FC Pune City - Konstantinos Katsouranis

After a winless start that included a 5-0 drubbing by Mumbai City FC in their second game, FC Pune City needed a turnaround. And it was Greek midfielder Konstantinos Katsouranis who opened their goal account in their third game of the season against FC Goa.

Katsouranis scored with a composed finish before David Trezeguet added the icing on the cake, leading to a 2-0 win and their first in the league. Katsouranis’ goal gave FC Pune City fans something to finally celebrate and while the team eventually finished sixth, his strike symbolised a fresh start for the Maharashtra side.

Bengaluru FC - Edu Garcia

When Bengaluru FC joined the ISL in the 2017-18 season, expectations were sky-high. The club’s first goal in the league was a perfect statement of intent with Edu Garcia opening the scoring in their debut ISL game against Mumbai City FC at home. His strike paved the way for a confident 2-0 win with Sunil Chhetri sealing the deal in injury time. Under Albert Roca, Bengaluru FC dominated that season, finishing top of the table and reaching the ISL Cup final. And Garcia’s goal was the spark that ignited Bengaluru FC’s ISL journey.

Jamshedpur FC - Izu Azuka

Jamshedpur FC were the other newbies alongside Bengaluru FC in 2017-18 and like any new team, their first few games were a mix of adaptation and learning. After three goalless draws, it was Izu Azuka who broke the deadlock for the Men of Steel, scoring the lone goal in a hard-fought win away at Delhi Dynamos FC. That goal not only gave Jamshedpur FC their first ISL victory but also showed that the team was ready to compete. They ended that season just shy of the playoffs but Azuka’s strike will always be remembered as a milestone for the club.

Odisha FC - Aridane Santana

Odisha FC entered the ISL during the 2019-20 season and Aridane Santana scored the club’s first goal during their opening game against Jamshedpur FC. Despite their 2-1 loss at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Santana’s powerful strike from inside the box that flew into the top corner was a highlight. He went on to become a key player, scoring nine goals that season as Odisha FC finished a respectable sixth.

Hyderabad FC - Marcelinho

Hyderabad FC entered the ISL stage in 2019-20 and Marcelinho was the man who scored their inaugural goal. In a tough away game against Jamshedpur FC, Marcelinho’s brilliance shone as he weaved past two defenders before slotting the ball home from a tight angle. Although Hyderabad FC lost 3-1, that goal was a statement of intent from the new team. Hyderabad FC, however, endured a disappointing campaign, finishing at the bottom that season.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant - Roy Krishna

When Mohun Bagan Super Giant stepped into the ISL spotlight in 2020-21, Roy Krishna wasted no time making his mark. His goal in the opener against Kerala Blasters FC secured a 1-0 victory for the Mariners. Krishna’s instinctive finish, pouncing on a loose ball to slot past the keeper, was typical of his lethal nature. MBSG had a fantastic debut season, finishing second and reaching the final with Krishna’s goal being the spark that set the tone for their ISL journey.

East Bengal FC - Jacques Maghoma

East Bengal FC’s ISL journey started a bit rocky with three straight losses and no goals in their debut season. Fans were desperate to see their team find the net. That moment came against Hyderabad FC in a thrilling five-goal match. Jacques Maghoma scored East Bengal FC’s first-ever ISL goal, a well-executed strike that gave hope to the Red & Gold faithful. Though the game ended in a loss, Maghoma’s goal was a glimpse of what the club could offer. Despite finishing ninth that season, Maghoma’s goal will forever be remembered by the club faithful.

Punjab FC - Luka Majcen

Punjab FC earned promotion to the ISL after winning the I-League in 2022-23, making their debut in the 2023-24 season. Luka Majcen was the man to score their first-ever ISL goal in a tough opener against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Despite losing 3-1, Majcen’s opportunistic finish following a defensive error was a silver lining for the Shers. Punjab FC had a solid debut campaign, narrowly missing out on the playoffs and showing they were here to stay.

Mohammedan SC - Alexis Gomez

A fresh face in the ISL, Mohammedan SC made their debut in the 2024-25 season after winning the I-League. Their first goal came through Alexis Gomez, who calmly converted a penalty against FC Goa at home. Although the game ended in a draw thanks to a late equalizer from Armando Sadiku, Gomez’s goal was a bright spot in an otherwise tough campaign for the club, which finished at the bottom.

Related tags:

2024-2025 Fikru Teferra LemessaMarcelo PereiraIain HumeEdu GarciaAndré Francisco MoritzLuka MajcenGrégory ArnolinJacques MaghomaIzu AzukaBalwant SinghRoy KrishnaAridane Jesus Santana CabreraKonstantinos Katsouranis