Hero Indian Super League (ISL) side Mumbai City FC bid farewell to midfielder Ahmed Jahouh as his contract runs down on May 31, 2023. The club announced the departure through their social media handles on Tuesday.

Jahouh joined Mumbai City FC in October 2020 already having established himself as a leading midfielder in the division with technical and tactical superiority. Even though he faced the ignominy of getting sent off on his Mumbai City debut, the Moroccan made up the engine room of a formidable 2020-21 Mumbai City FC side that created history by becoming the first team to win both, the Hero ISL League Winners’ Shield and the Trophy in the same season.

Extremely proficient from set pieces and dead ball situations, Jahouh took on a more advanced role in the 2021-22 campaign. The 34-year old notched up seven assists, adding to his tally of 5 from the previous season and scored 3 times as well. The most notable of his goal contributions came in Riyadh, delivering a pin-point corner for Rahul Bheke to score the winner against Iraq’s Air Force Club at the 2022 AFC Champions League. The win was the first of two for Jahouh and the Islanders as Mumbai City FC finshed an unprecedented second in Group B.

Known for his ability to control and dictate the game, Jahouh was a vital asset once again as Mumbai City FC went on to create further history. Mumbai City FC broke as many as 15 all-time league records, including an 18-match unbeaten run, leading Jahouh and the Islanders to a second League Winners’ Shield in three years. As he so often did, Jahouh came clutch in his 70th and final appearance for the club, scoring from the penalty spot in a 3-1 win against Jamshedpur FC to secure a place in the Group Stage of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League.

One of the most gifted to wear the Islanders’ colours, Ahmed Jahouh leaves a legacy behind at Mumbai City FC as a master with the ball at his feet, a true warrior, and a born winner.

FC Goa confirm departure of seven first-team players

FC Goa have announced the departure of seven first-team players Anwar Ali, Redeem Tlang, Makan Chothe, Hernan Santana, Marc Valiente, Lenny Rodrigues and Nongdamba Naorem – following the end of their contracts with the Club on May 31, 2023.

Ali returns to Delhi FC following the completion of his 18-month loan deal that saw him joining the Gaurs’ ranks in January 2022. The center-back featured in all 30 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) games that the Men in Orange played since then, across two seasons.

Chothe and Tlang both registered nearly 40 appearances each for FC Goa, across the Hero ISL, Durand Cup and the Hero Super Cup. The duo were also a part of the team that played in the AFC Champions League in 2021, which was also the first instance of an Indian club at the apex of club football in Asia.

Valiente joined FC Goa last summer, but saw his playing time come to a premature end due to an injury midway through the 2022-23 season. Santana, who was roped in by the Gaurs as his replacement, featured for them in seven games since.

Rodrigues bids adieu to the Gaurs for the second time, having first played for them between 2018 and 2021 before rejoining the team in January this year. He has made 60 appearances overall for the Goan outfit, winning the Hero Super Cup and the Hero ISL League Winners’ Shield with them in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Another former World Cupper, Naorem signed for the Gaurs in August 2021 following stints with Indian Arrows, Kerala Blasters FC and ATK Mohun Bagan. He made 12 appearances for the Men in Orange, in the 2021-22 season of the ISL.

Jessel Carneiro departs Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC captain Jessel Carneiro will leave the club after his contract runs out on May 31, 2023. The left-back’s journey with the Blasters comes to an end after four incredible years.

Jessel, who joined the Club prior to the 2019-20 Hero ISL season, made an instant impact for Kerala Blasters FC in his debut season. During his first season, he exhibited exceptional defensive skills, neutralising opponent attacks while actively contributing to the team’s offensive plays.

A string of consistent performances led to Jessel’s multi-year extension and promotion as vice-captain of the Club in the subsequent season. Jessel would then step up to fill in admirably as Club Captain for the remainder of the season after a mid-season injury to the then captain, Sergio Cidoncha.

In the ensuing 2021-22 season, Jessel was appointed as the Club’s permanent captain. His leadership and determination is exemplified by the fact that despite a mid-season shoulder injury that kept him on the sidelines, Jessel continued to lead the team with one of the youngest squads in the league at hand. With various players in only their debut season for the Club, under Jessel’s captaincy, the Club finished in the top four and as runners-up in the Championship final.

In his four seasons with the club, Jessel amassed over 65 appearances, providing 6 assists. He leaves the club as a Club icon and fan favourite.