Indian Super League (ISL)—The Journey
Hero Indian Super League was launched in 2014, and soon it had taken over as the most-watched football league in India. It has a loyal fan base. The best young Indian talents, along with experienced overseas players, make this a highly competitive tournament. Year after year, all the Hero ISL winners have provided some unmatched moments, and they are increasing the new standards in Indian football every year.
Teams That Ruled the League
The trophy has been won several times by some clubs. They are ATK, Chennaiyin FC, and Mumbai City FC. Other teams, such as Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan SG, joined later and made a massive impact too. These Hero ISL winners have not only delivered exciting performances on the field but have also shown strong leadership both on and off the field. These contributions build a rich history for the league.
The Final Battle
From last-minute goals to penalty shootouts, the ISL finals are always filled with intense suspense and drama. Competing in the thrilling and nail-biting matches throughout the season, the best two teams manage to make places for the final showdown. After that final showdown, the deserving club is crowned as Hero ISL Winners of that season. Every final added enthusiasm to the tournament and showed that ISL also has a large and loyal fan base like all the big tournaments across the world.
Football Development in India
The Hero ISL Winners gave a platform to many young and extraordinary Indian talents year after year, and this also made a positive impact on regional football growth. The successful clubs are usually found in the football-crazy states like Goa, Kerala, and West Bengal. The fans feel proud, and the young stars get inspiration when they witness their clubs being crowned as the Hero ISL Winners. They feel that they are also a part of this glorious journey.
Current Champions and Fans Following
The last three years champions of the tournament are Mohun Bagan SG, Mumbai City FC, and Hyderabad FC. When the team wins, there are huge celebrations, fans march, and social media hype. The Hero ISL winners also enjoy a surge of loyalty that does not only end at the finals, but it goes to the very next season too.
Here is the complete list of all the winners of Hero ISL (season by season).
Season | Champions | Runners-Up |
2014 | Atletico de Kolkata | Kerala Blasters |
2015 | Chennaiyin FC | FC Goa |
2016 | ATK | Kerala Blasters |
2017-18 | Chennaiyin FC | Bengaluru FC |
2018-19 | Bengaluru FC | FC Goa |
2019-20 | ATK | Chennaiyin FC |
2020-21 | Mumbai City FC | ATK Mohun Bagan |
2021-22 | Hyderabad FC | Kerala Blasters |
2022-23 | ATK Mohun Bagan | Bengaluru FC |
2023-24 | Mumbai City FC | Mohun Bagan Super Giants |
2024-25 | Mohun Bagan Super Giants | Bengaluru FC |
FAQs
Q1. Who has the most Hero ISL titles up to this point?
Ans: The most successful club is ATK, which acquired three trophies as an early winner in 2014, 2016, and 2020.
Q2. What is the process of deciding the final winner of the ISL?
Ans: The best teams in the playoffs meet in a knockout game, and the winner of the last game carries the trophy.
Q3. Are champions of ISL allowed in international tournaments?
Ans: Yes, Hero ISL champions can potentially enter the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions such as the AFC Cup or the AFC Champions League in case of rules in the league.
Q4. Which team took the 2024-25 ISL?
Ans: In another great finale, Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the champion of the 2024-25 season by beating Bengaluru FC.