Indian Super League since its beginning has brought some of the biggest football stars to India to bring the glamour, flair and footballing knowledge to the country. In the past, we have seen legends like Diego Forlan, Roberto Carlos and Alessandro Del Piero playing for different ISL teams which have helped Indian youngsters a lot and made the league more popular in the country. Here are the top 10 biggest football stars who have played in ISL.

1. Diego Forlan | Mumbai City FC, 2016

The Uruguayan legend, who won the Golden Ball in the FIFA World Cup in 2010, played for the Islanders in the 2016 season. Mumbai City FC brought him to India as a marquee player. 

Forlan scored 5 goals in that season while providing 2 assists for his teammates and led Mumbai City FC to their first-ever qualification to the semifinals.  

2. Roberto Carlos, Delhi Dynamos FC, 2015

The legendary Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil. The former Real Madrid man joined Delhi Dynamos FC in 2015 as a player-cum-manager. 

Despite making 3 appearances on the pitch, he was not very impactful. As a manager, he led the Dynamos to their first qualification to the semis. 

3. Florent Malouda | Delhi Dynamos FC, 2015 and 2016

Former French international and Chelsea superstar Florent Malouda signed for Delhi Dynamos FC in 2015. He registered 5 assists in 16 appearances in his first season. 

Malouda was Dynamos' talisman in the 2016 season and played a crucial part in leading them into the semis with 3 goals and 3 assists.

4. Marco Materazzi | Chennaiyin FC, 2014

2006 FIFA World Cup winner, Italian defender Marco Materazzi played for Chennaiyin FC in 2014. He was also the manager of the team, both in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. 

Read Also | ISL Winners List since 2014 

Though he only played 7 matches in Chennaiyin colours, Materazzi led Chennaiyin to win their first Indian Super League title in 2015 as a manager. 

5. Alessandro Del Piero | Delhi Dynamos FC, 2014

The 2006 FIFA World Cup winner with Italy and a legendary figure for Juventus came to India to play one season before he hang up his boots. Alessandro Del Piero featured for Delhi Dynamos FC in the 2014 season and scored only once while providing one assist. 

This one-season stint was his last as he retired in 2015. 

6. Luis Garcia | Atletico De Kolkata, 2014

Luis Garcia was a starter for Liverpool FC against AC Milan in the 2004-05 UEFA Champions League final, famously known as the "Miracle of Istanbul". He joined Atletico De Kolkata in 2014 season as the marquee player.

Garcia captained his team in their campaign to win the inaugural Indian Super League championship in 2014. He managed to register 2 goals and 2 assists. 

7. Robert Pires | FC Goa, 2014

Robert Pires was a part of Arsene Wenger's legendary Arsenal squad that earned the tag 'Invincibles' for their unbeaten Premier League run in 2003-'04 season. Robert Pires also won 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000 representing France. 

Read Also | The Invincibles: 8 times a football team won their league undefeated

Robert Pires had 8 appearences for The Gaurs, and scored only one goal. Pires could not make a big impact for FC Goa. 

8. Dimitar Berbatov | Kerala Blasters FC, 2017-'18

The former Bulgarian International is mostly remembered as a Manchester United legend. Dimitar Berbatov played four years donning Manchester United colours and won 2 Premier League titles. 

Kerala Blasters welcomed Berbatov in 2017 and he played only 9 matches. Berbatov could not make a big difference for the tuskers as he only scoreed 1 goal. This was his short but last stint before retiring in 2018. 

9. Asamoah Gyan | NorthEast United FC, 2019-'20

Considered as one of the greatest Ghanaian footballer, Asamoah Gyan has 6 goals and 3 assists in 11 appearences for Ghana across 3 World Cup tournaments. One can certainly remember his penalty miss against Uruguay in 2010 FIFA World Cup, which led Ghana to be disqualified from Quarter-finals. 

Asamoah Gyan joined NorthEast United FC in 2019 and registered 4 goals and 1 assist in 8 appearences for the Highlanders.  

10. David Trezeguet | FC Pune City, 2014

The former French striker David Trezeguet is appreciated as one of the finest forwards Juventus have ever had. Trezeguet won 1998 FIFA World Cup with France. His extra-time winner in 2000 UEFA European Championship final helped France to beat Italy and lift the trophy. 

Trezeguet joined FC Pune City in 2014 as their marquee player, but scored only 2 goals in 9 matches. He retired in 2015 after his spell in India. 

Honourable Mentions

Football is the most popular sport in the world, as nearly every country participates in the sport. As a global sport, it can be extremely challenging to make it big in football, largely due to intense competition. And, if you are talking about winning the three biggest trophies in world football, it is a rare incident.

However, with some geniuses on the field, we have seen some remarkable football facts happening over the years. So, it gives us a chance to take a look at those players with great achievements and football facts. Today, we will take a look at those players who won the Champions League, FIFA World Cup and Ballon d'Or.

UFA Champions League

The Champions League is the biggest club tournament in Europe. Also, it is considered the best club football tournament in the world. The top clubs from the top-tier national leagues participate in this tournament.

The competition started in 1955, and since then, Real Madrid has been the most successful club in the tournament. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is the most successful player in the Champions League with 134 goals in the tournament.

Read Also: Most Champions League Goals In History

FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest international tournament in the world. 32 qualified countries compete with each other for the biggest prize in international football. Brazil is the most successful team in the World Cup with 5 titles.

Meanwhile, Miroslav Klose is the top scorer in the Football World Cup with 16 goals to his name.

Ballon d'Or

Ballon d'Or is the biggest individual prize in football. The award is given to the best player in the world for a single season. The award has been given to the players since 1956 and is the most prestigious individual award in football history.

However, from 2011-2015, the award was merged with the FIFA World Player of the Year. Lionel Messi has won the most Ballon d'Or awards (8) than any other player in football history.

Football Facts: Players with Champions League, FIFA World Cup and Ballon d'Or

As you already got the idea of how big these three trophies are in the football world, you can imagine how tough it can be to win all of them in a career.

There are only 9 players who have won Champions League, FIFA World Cup and Ballon d'Or in their career. Let's find them out in this special football facts segment.

#1 Sir Bobby Charlton

The England legend was the first player to achieve the feat of winning all the big trophies in football.

Booby Charlton spent 17 years at Manchester United when the club became one of the biggest football clubs in England. Charlton scored 115 goals in his club career before retiring in 1979.

Sir Bobby Charlton won the FIFA World Cup in 1966 and was adjudged the best player in the world, too.

He won the 1966 Ballon d'Or award. Charlton had scored 3 goals in that World Cup and had some major contributions to the team. He went on to win the European Cup/Champions League with Manchester United in 1968.

Read Also: Every Manchester United record that may never be broken

#2 Franz Beckenbauer

Nicknamed as the "Der Kiser (The Emperor)", Beckenbauer is the second player on our list of these special football facts.

The German was a defender known for his leadership skills and elegant football. The Bayern Munich legend won the Ballon d'Or award twice in 1972 and 1976.

Read Also: Defenders who won Ballon d'Or award

Beckenbauer also managed to win three Champions League titles, which was called the European Champions' Cup. He won it with Bayern Munich in 1974, 1975 and 1976.

But the major success in his career came in 1974 when he won the FIFA World Cup. That was West Germany's second FIFA World Cup title.

Read Also: Most Champions League titles won by Football Clubs

#3 Gerd Müller

Gerd Müller is regarded as one of the greatest football players in the history of the game. He has the most goals per match ratio (0.95) in the Champions League history.

The centre forward from Germany won 1 Ballon d'Or, 3 Champions League and 1 FIFA World Cup. Actually, it was his 15 years at Bayern Munich that made him the legend that he is.

Müller was a teammate of Beckenbauer, who won the 1974 FIFA World Cup. In fact, along with Beckenbauer, he played a major role in Bayern Munich winning the Champions League in three consecutive years in 1974, 1975 and 1976.

However, Müller won the Ballon d'Or only once in the year 1970.

#4 Paolo Rossi

The centre forward from Italy won it all when it comes to football. With 133 goals in his club career, he was one of the best of his time. The 1980s were a successful decade for him.

Rossi won the FIFA World Cup in 1982, and that made him earn the Ballon d'Or award as well. He was the top scorer of the 1982 FIFA World Cup with 6 goals.

Then the Italian legend went on to win the 1984/85 Champions League with Juventus FC. However, Rossi had nearly 11 transfers in his club career, which is quite astonishing as well.

Read Also: 21 goals? Who has scored the most goals in an official football match?

#5 Zinedine Zidane

The France international might be the most influential player in his country's recent football history. Zidane was known for his style of play, skills and control on the ball and goal-scoring ability.

The Juventus and Real Madrid legend managed to win the 1998 FIFA World Cup and then went on to win the 1998 Ballon d'Or as well.

Zidane won the 2001/02 UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid. It was also the only Champions League he won in his career. However, the 2006 FIFA World Cup incident ended his international career infamously.

Read Also: Football Facts: Son-Father Football Pair Who Played For Same Club

#6 Rivaldo

Rivaldo, the former Brazilian captain, had everything that a captain should have. Moreover, when you are representing the rich football history of Brazilian football, either you soak the pressure or you rise above it.

The Brazilian forward has 35 international goals in his career. Also, he has scored 233 goals in his club career as well. Rivaldo won the 1999 Ballon d'Or following Zidane's success in 1998.

Rivaldo won the FIFA World Cup in 2002 as a captain in Japan. Then, he went on to win the UEFA Champions League in the 2002-03 season with AC Milan as well, and this is how Rivaldo became the 6th player on our football facts list.

Read Also: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History

#7 Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho is probably the most skilful player of this generation. If it were not for his lifestyle, he might have been the best to play the game. With his vision and dribbling skills, he was loved by everyone in the football world.

With 197 goals, Ronaldinho is one of the most successful midfielders of the last 20 years. His bonding with Kaka and his contribution to Messi's early career is still a beautiful football story.

Ronaldinho won the 2002 FIFA World Cup along with Rivaldo and Kaka. Then he went on to win the Ballon d'Or in 2005 and the UEFA Champions League in the 2005/06 season with Barcelona.

Read Also: Top 10 highest scoring midfielders in the 21st century: Football facts

#8 Kaka

It is not astonishing to see that the most recent players to win the Champions League, World Cup, and Ballon d'Or are from Brazil. This is how good the Brazil team was at that time.

Along with Rivaldo and Rolandinho, Kaka won the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Then, while playing for AC Milan, he won everything in football. In 2007, he won the UEFA Champions League with AC Milan, and then he went on to win the Ballon d'Or also in the same year.

In addition to that, Kaka became the highest-paid footballer in the world after AC Milan extended their contract for nearly $12 million.

9. Lionel Messi 

Probably the greatest player in football history and the most successful one ever, with 46 trophies, Lionel Messi was the ninth player to achieve the feat of winning the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League and Ballon d'Or.

Messi, the Argentine genius, won the Ballon d'Or award a record 8 times in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023. 

Read Also: 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

While playing for FC Barcelona, Messi won the UEFA Champions League four times in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015. And then he went on to complete the circle with the triumph in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

10. Ousmane Dembele 

France and PSG right winger Ousmane Dembele became the 10th player in the history of football to achieve the feat of winning the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League and Ballon d'Or.

28-year-old Dembele, who had already won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France, helped Paris St. Germain (PSG) win their first-ever UEFA Champions League title in 2025. 

His incredible league stats and success with PSG in the Champions League also helped him bag the 2025 Ballon d'Or award as well.

Note: The article was first written in 2021 by Koushik Biswas and then got updated by Barnali Debnath on 23 September 2025.

The participating teams' line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started taking shape, as Iran and Argentina have booked their place from the qualification round into the finals of the tournament.

In 2022, the FIFA World Cup provided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. Lionel Messi-led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy. 

Read Also: Europe's Top International Goalscorers: Cristiano Ronaldo extends his lead

Key Details on the FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams.

The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32, 

The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994 and will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2026: The groups are set for the European qualifiers

How Do Teams Qualify for the World Cup?

Qualification for the World Cup is done based on the regions of the World. Each  regional Confederation is responsible for its qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats  

• Confederations can use a League format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice – once at home and once away.
• A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing association
• A Knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs once at home and once away.
• With FIFA's permission, a tournament is held in one of the participating nations or neutral territory.
• With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.

Europe has 16 slots, Asia has 8 slots with one extra from playoffs making it 9, Africa has 9 slots with one extra coming from playoffs, South America has 6 with one extra coming from playoffs making a total of 7, North America has 6 slots with 3 already taken due to the host nations.

Teams That Have Qualified

With qualifications still ongoing, the only nations that have qualified are the host nations, namely the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada qualification process for the World Cup will be ongoing till the end of November 2025, and till then, teams will be struggling to qualify.

1. The USA

Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.

The appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup.

Read Also: 10 Footballers Who Retired And Came Back

2. Mexico

Mexico has qualified for every World Cup in the past decade, but playing on home soil will give them the advantage of fan support. While they may be without their veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has been crucial in past tournaments, they remain a team not to be underestimated.

Read Also | 5 Craziest Football Transfers of All-time

3. Canada

Canada had a memorable 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted by their surprising win against Belgium. However, they lost their remaining group games to Morocco and Croatia, leading to their early exit from the tournament.

Known for their attacking football, Canada relies on pace in midfield and attack, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies being key to their World Cup ambitions.

Teams from the Qualifier Rounds

4. Japan

Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the qualification round. On March 20, Thursday, Hajime Moriyasu's side beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group C of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.

Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to inspire the Samurai Blue to ensure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the qualifiers standings.

🇯🇵 Japan have qualified for #FIFAWorldCup 26!#WeAre26 | @jfa_samuraiblue

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 20, 2025

Japan surprised the world with their impressive run in the 2022 World Cup, before bowing out from the Round of 16 in a narrow penalty shoot-out defeat against eventual third-place finishers Croatia. However, Japan defeated both Germany and Spain in the group stage to march onto the next round.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time with a 3-0 home win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifiers Final on Monday, March 24.

Three second-half goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah led New Zealand to a comfortable 3-0 win at Eden Park in Auckland. This win marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they registered three draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay in South Africa.

SEE YOU IN ‘26 🇳🇿🏆 pic.twitter.com/PiCofS1bVn

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) March 24, 2025

For the first time, the All Whites qualified directly for a World Cup, as Oceania received an automatic spot in next year’s 48-team tournament, rather than having to go through an intercontinental play-off as they did in the past.

6. Iran

Iran have become the second Asian side to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25 in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group A.

Mehdi Taremi's brace secured a point for Iran to stay atop the Group A table with 20 points in 8 matches, securing the guaranteed top two finish in the group stage. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is just one victory away from their inaugural World Cup appearance.

Tino pai to our fantastic national football team🙌
Mean as! Iran has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the third team to qualify after Japan and @NZ_Football
Ka mau te wehi 🇮🇷
This marks our fourth consecutive appearance after 2014,2018,and2022!#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2RjE9j2gpa

— The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@iranembassy_nz) March 25, 2025

Despite the qualification format being made easier for Asia due to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Iran has sealed the passage to their fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history.

In the AFC Qualifiers, the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups will enter an additional qualifying round.

7. Argentina 

The reigning World Champions have stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 4-1 crushing over eternal rivals Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on March 26. 

Argentina produced a bolstering performance, beating the Selecaos 4-1, powered by goals from Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone. Matheus Cunha netted the only goal for Brazil.

🇦🇷 Argentina have qualified for #FIFAWorldCup 26!#WeAre26

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 25, 2025

La Albiceleste currently top the table with 31 points in 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela, with the required seven points at this point.

8. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the 8th team to qualify till now. They have qualified in virtue of finishing in the top two in Group A of the AFC's third-round of qualifiers.

Read Also | 7 big footballing nations which can miss the FIFA World Cup 2026

This is the first time they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Not only that, they are the first Central Asia country to qualify for the grandest stage of football.

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9. South Korea

South Korea qualified for their 11th straight FIFA World Cup after finishing in the top two of the AFC third round qualifiers. Tottenham's Son Heung-min, Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in all will be ready to star for South Korea in the upcoming World Cup.

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10. Jordan

While South Korea sealed their spot at the FIFA World Cup with that 2-0 victory over Iraq, their win also ensured that Jordan will be playing at their first-ever FIFA World Cup next year. 

Ali Olwan's hat-trick has given them a big 3-0 win over Oman, and after South Korea's win, they will now create history at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In Group B of the AFC Third round qualifiers, Jordan lost only one match and finished in the top two of the group, below South Korea.

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11. Australia 

Socceroos confirmed their place at a sixth successive FIFA World Cup after beating Saudi Arabia by 2-1 in Saudi Arabia. Connor Metcalfe (42), Mitch Duke (48) scored for the Aussies to help them win after falling behind by a 19-minute goal from Abdulrahman Al-Aboud.

Australia have now confirmed the top spot in Group C in the AFC Third round qualifiers. Japan are leading Group C, which have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

🇦🇺🦘 Australia at the #FIFAWorldCup. pic.twitter.com/OIg3mrVxTc

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 10, 2025

12. Brazil 

Brazil continued their run at the FIFA World Cup after ensuring qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are the only team to qualify for every FIFA World Cup. 

The Selecao defeated Paraguay by 1-0 as Vinicius Jr. handed a special gift to new Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti for his 66th birthday. 

VINIIII JR.!!!!

TINHAA QUE SER ELE!! BELO PRESENTÃO DE ANIVERSÁRIO PARA O MISTER 🇧🇷🇧🇷

🎥TV GLOBO pic.twitter.com/1JmKVR5d3z

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) June 11, 2025

13. Ecuador 

Despite Alan Franco's red card, Ecuador managed a brave, strong 0-0 draw against Peru to ensure their qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

With 25 points, they are currently second in the South American qualification, with 25 points, behind Argentina.

¡ESTAMOS EN NUESTRO QUINTO MUNDIAL!

🇺🇸, 🇲🇽 y 🇨🇦; allá vamos pic.twitter.com/9DdkLLG8VX

— La Tri 🇪🇨 (@LaTri) June 11, 2025

14. Paraguay

Paraguay became the 14th team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after their 0-0 draw against Ecuador on 4 September. This will be their first FIFA World Cup qualification since 2010.

PARAGUAY 🇵🇾 ARE GOING TO THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 🏆

They will be playing the FIFA World Cup first time since 2010!

Congratulations, Paraguay! #fifaworldcup #fifaworldcup2026 pic.twitter.com/O8JFE2p9gk— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) September 5, 2025

15. Uruguay 

With their 3-0 win over Peru on September 4, Uruguay reached a fifth successive World Cup. Rodrigo Aguirre, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, and Federico Vinas scored the goals for the South American nation.

16. Colombia

With their 3-0 victory over Bolivia on September 4, Colombia qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after missing out on the previous edition. James Rodriguez became the first Colombian player to score 30 international goals after Falcao (36).

Aquí vamos de nuevo a un mundial.
¡Te amo Colombia 🇨🇴! pic.twitter.com/UnBGhyAerh

— James Rodríguez (@jamesdrodriguez) September 5, 2025

17. Morocco

Morocco became the first African nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after their thumping 5-0 victory over Niger. 

With 21 points from seven games, they have earned a place in the showpiece.

18. Tunisia

The Carthage Eagles qualified for their seventh FIFA World Cup as they sealed a narrow 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea.  A stoppage-time winner from Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane helped the North African nation to top Group H of the African Qualifiers with 22 points after 8 matches.

The Durand Cup was first held in Shimla which was a popular retreat for the British back in the day. Sir Henry Durand was recovering from an illness in the hill station and realised the importance of physical health for soldiers in the Army.

There were several army regiments and military units that were originally involved in the tournament and it became an inter-regiment tournament essentially.

They were initially only inclined towards playing Hockey given the popularity of the sport in India at that time but football gradually picked up.

FT| #NEUFC 6-1 #DHFC

A dominating performance by #NEUFC from start to finish as the defending champions successfully retain the title.

A statement win! History Created!#NEUFCDHFC #FINAL #134thEditionofIndianOilDurandCup #PoweredBySBIandCoalIndia #DurandCup2025… pic.twitter.com/IQbAnW5tdq

— Durand Cup (@thedurandcup) August 23, 2025

The event itself was a major deal and people came from all across the country to watch the final which was a highly publicised event. It was also a great platform for Indian football clubs to defeat the British regiments which of course, rarely happened at that time.

However, events post World War II that also involved the cancellation and relocation of the tournament ushered a new era for Indian football.

The Durand Cup was later shifted to Delhi post 1940 and opened for civilian clubs and teams. This brought in the likes of Mohammedan, Salgaocar, East Bengal and all the other legendary I-League teams that have since dominated the proceedings.

It is now held under the Durand Football Tournament Society and has been the continuously held every year to attract top Indian teams and players from leagues such as the ISL, I-league and even Armed forces football teams.

The inclusion of ISL and Armed forces teams has helped expand the reach of the tournament.

Take a look at some of the winners and runner-ups of Durand Cup, one of the most popular football tournaments in India. Durand Cup has been a success for many years with all the details about the show since 2000.

Read More: https://sportzpoint.com/football/premier-league-stats-man-city-players-leading-all-charts-in-goals-assists-passes-and-clean-sheets/

Most Durand Cup Wins:

Kolkata giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are the most successful teams in the history of the tournament winning it a record 17 and 16 times respectively.

Royal Scouts Fusiliers were the first-ever winners and Mohammedan Sporting were the first Indian to win the competition. Bengaluru Fc are the reigning champions.

For more Durand Cup news and articles, follow Sportz Point.

East Bengal is one of Asia's biggest and most supported football clubs. In October 2020, the club was voted as the most popular football club in India on an AFC poll by its supporters.

The East Bengal Club was established on 1st August 1920 by Suresh Chandra Chaudhury along with some other dignitaries, and the club's first captain was Ramesh Chandra Sen.

The Kolkata-based club has created a lot of records and won so many trophies. The Football club was going through a tough phase as they hadn't won a major trophy since the 2013-14 season.

But, under the new Manager and coaching staff, the Red & Gold Brigade are playing good football. So, let's look at the trophies East Bengal has won in its footballing history.

East Bengal FC Trophies List

East Bengal played their first match in the 1920 Hercules Cup, which was a 7-a-side tournament that they won. They won their first-ever full tournament in 1921 and lifted the Khogendra Shield.

The Red and Gold brigade qualified for the Calcutta Football League 1st division in 1925. They won their first 1st title in 1942. Then the Kolkata-based club lifted their first IFA Shield in 1943. In 1945, East Bengal won their first double, claiming both the Calcutta Football League and the IFA Shield.

From 1949-51, East Bengal became the first team to make a hat-trick of wins in the IFA Shield. In 1972, East Bengal won the Calcutta Football League, IFA Shield, Durand Cup, and Rovers Cup in a single season, becoming the first team to do so.

In 1972, East Bengal also made a record of being the first and till date, only Indian team to win the Calcutta Football League without conceding a single goal, which they again repeated in 1991.

East Bengal won its first First Division league title in 1942 and has since won it a record 39 times. They have also won eight Federation Cups, three Super Cups, a record 29 IFA Shields, the Kuladakanta Shield, and MLA CUP, alongside 16 Durand Cup titles, making the club one of the most decorated in Indian football.

Khalid Jamil has been named as the new head coach of the Indian Men's Senior Football team, as AIFF chose him over Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic from the final list. With Jamil becoming the new boss of the Blue Tigers, we present you with the stats and history of his career as a football manager so far.

Read Also: Football facts: Five managers who have coached Club and country at the same time

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐁𝐎𝐒𝐒 🇮🇳

Khalid Jamil has been named the new head coach of the Indian Men's Senior Football team.

Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic were the other finalised names, but AIFF have gone for the Jamshedpur FC coach.#AIFF #IndianFootball #KhalidJamil pic.twitter.com/KrnxkQUB6F

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) August 1, 2025

Khalid Jamil stats as manager

Since retiring as a professional footballer, Jamil started his managerial career with Mumbai FC in 2009. Jamil went on to coach them for 7 years until he joined Aizawl FC in December 2016. It was with Aizawl FC where his career took a turn after leading them to a miraculous I-League title in the 2016/17 season.

After the I-League success, Khalid coached two Kolkata giants, first East Bengal in the 2017-18 season and then ATK Mohun Bagan (which is now Mohun Bagan Super Giant) in the next season.

Read Also: Every Indian Team Football Coach Since 1948

However, Khalid did not get that much success with those two Kolkata clubs, and he joined Northeast United FC as the academy head in 2019. From 2019-22, Jamil served as Assistant manager, caretaker manager and then head coach of NEUFC. After that, he spent one season with Bengaluru United.

Finally, in 2023, he arrived at Jamshedpur FC, where he showed his class as the head coach and uplifted a few young Indian talents as well. Last season under him, Jamshedpur FC reached the semi-finals of the Indian Super League as well, and Khalid became the first Indian coach to achieve that feat.

His experince and understanding of Indian football is supposed to be a ground-breaking factor for the upcoming few months of Indian football.

Data by transfermarkt.