The All India Football Federation (AIFF) celebrated the best of Indian football at the AIFF Awards 2025, held today in Bhubaneswar, honouring outstanding players, coaches, referees, and member associations for their contributions during the 2024-25 season.

The ceremony highlighted the growing competitiveness of Indian football, with Mohun Bagan SG’s Subhasish Bose and East Bengal FC’s Soumya Guguloth crowned Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year, respectively. 

AIFF Awards 2025 Winners

Individual Awards

• Men's Player of the Year: Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG, Defender)
  • Recognised for his leadership as captain and stellar performances for Mohun Bagan SG as the mariners became the first team to defend the ISL Shield, along with reclaiming the ISL Cup. Bose kept 13 clean sheets as a defender and scored 6 goals as well. 
• Women's Player of the Year: Soumya Guguloth (East Bengal FC, Forward)
  • Honoured as the top Indian scorer in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and a key player for the Blue Tigresses. She helped East Bengal FC win the IWL 2024-25 title.
• Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG)
  • Awarded for holding the record for the most clean sheets in Indian Super League (ISL) history. Kaith had a record 15 clean sheets in ISL 2024-25 and conceded only 19 goals across 26 appearances
• Most Promising Men's Player of the Year: Brison Fernandes (Midfielder)
  • Noted for his midfield mastery and potential as a rising star.
• Most Promising Women's Player of the Year: Neha (Haryana, Winger)
  • Recognised for her performances, including 2 goals in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship and 3 goals in the Senior Women’s National Championship.
• Men's Coach of the Year: Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC)
  • Won for the second consecutive year for leading Jamshedpur FC to the Kalinga Super Cup semifinals.
• Women's Coach of the Year: Sujata Kar (Sreebhumi FC)
  • Awarded for guiding newly-promoted Sreebhumi FC to a third-place finish in the IWL.
• Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
  • Acknowledged for consistent officiating on the pitch.
• Female Referee of the Year: Tekcham Ranjita Devi
  • Recognised for her officiating excellence.
• Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
• Male Assistant Referee of the Year: Vairamuthu P

Member Association (MA) Awards

• Most Successful MA (Club Competitions): Indian Football Association (West Bengal)
  • For dominance in men’s competitions, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal winning major titles.
• Most Successful MA (NFC Competitions): All Manipur Football Association
  • Recognised for success in the National Football Championships.
• Best MA for Supporting Women’s Football: Punjab Football Association
  • Honoured for contributions to women’s football development.
• Best MA for Hosting Most AIFF Competitions: Football Association of Odisha and Goa Football Association
  • For hosting numerous AIFF events.
• MA with Most Player Registrations (Men’s): Kerala Football Association
  • For the highest number of male player registrations.
• MA with Most Player Registrations (Women’s): Western India Football Association (Maharashtra)
  • For leading in female player registrations.
• Special Award for MA Launching New Projects: Gujarat State Football Association
  • For innovative football initiatives.
• MA with Most Grassroots Activities: Gujarat State Football Association
  • For extensive grassroots programs.
• MA with Most Youth Tournaments Conducted: Karnataka State Football Association
  • For organising numerous youth tournaments.
• MA with Most Coaching Courses: Punjab Football Association
  • For conducting the most coaching courses.
• MA with Most Refereeing Courses: Gujarat State Football Association
  • For leading in referee training programs.

On a vibrant Saturday evening, April 26, 2025, Mohun Bagan SG’s youthful squad clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 quarter-finals, securing their spot in the semi-finals.

The Mariners, boasting an all-Indian lineup save for Portuguese defender Nuno Reis, showcased their attacking flair with goals from Sahal Abdul Samad in the 22nd minute and Suhail Ahmad Bhat in the 51st. Despite a late strike from Kerala Blasters’ Sreekuttan MS in the 94th minute, Mohun Bagan SG held firm, thanks to a stellar performance by goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem. Bastab Roy’s team now awaits the winner of the FC Goa vs. Punjab FC clash in the semi-final on April 30.

The match kicked off cautiously, with both sides probing without overcommitting. For the first 20 minutes, neither team managed to create clear chances. Then, Mohun Bagan SG sparked the game to life with a moment of brilliance.

Salahudheen Adnan dazzled down the right, weaving past Naocha Singh before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box. Sahal Abdul Samad, with a deft shoulder drop, shook off Ruivah Hormipam and delicately lifted the ball over goalkeeper Sachin Suresh to break the deadlock.

The goal jolted Kerala Blasters into action, and they pushed hard for an equaliser. Noah Sadaoui, fresh off a spectacular long-range goal against East Bengal, tried his luck from distance but sent the ball straight to Dheeraj Singh.

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The Blasters grew threatening from set pieces, particularly short corners. In the 30th minute, Sadaoui’s low cross after a quick one-two with Vibin Mohanan was cleared by Dippendu Biswas. Moments later, Hormipam’s looping cross nearly sneaked into the top corner, only for Dheeraj to tip it over.

Just before halftime, Mohammed Aimen cut in from the left and unleashed a curling shot that sailed narrowly over the bar, leaving the Blasters frustrated.

The second half began with Mohun Bagan SG striking early. In the 47th minute, Sachin Suresh pulled off a stunning save to deny Salahudheen in a one-on-one, but the warning went unheeded. Four minutes later, Ashique Kuruniyan tore down the left, breezed past Hormipam, and rolled a precise pass to Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who calmly slotted it home to double the lead.

From there, the game became the Dheeraj Singh show. Kerala Blasters threw everything forward, but the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper stood tall. Jesús Jiménez squandered two golden opportunities, blasting over the bar in the 65th minute and dragging a shot wide two minutes later. In the 70th minute, Dheeraj denied substitute Kwame Peprah’s angled effort, and with five minutes left, Peprah’s low cross found Jiménez, who couldn’t connect cleanly.

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Dheeraj’s heroics continued as he thwarted Peprah from point-blank range, with Amandeep clearing Ebindas Y’s follow-up off the line. The Blasters finally broke through in stoppage time when Jiménez set up Sreekuttan, who rifled a shot past Dheeraj. But the goal came too late to spark a comeback.

Salahudheen Adnan earned the Kalinga Player of the Match award for his electrifying performance.

Despite valiant efforts from Bengal Ranji captain Anustup Majumdar, Bhowanipur defeated Kalighat by a huge margin of 258 runs in the semi-final of the C.A.B. First Division League Championship on Saturday at J.U. Second Campus Ground in Kolkata. On the other hand, East Bengal won the Kolkata derby at the Videocon Ground by defeating Mohun Bagan by 77 runs to reach the final of the tournament. 

Bhawanipore win despite Anustup's 154

Chasing down Bhowanipur's mammoth 618-run target looked impossible from the start of the second inning for Kalighat. But when you have someone like Anustup Majumdar in your dressing room, you can hope for a miracle. But, that was not to be for Kalighat Club as despite a valiant 154 from 190 balls from the Bengal captain, Bhowanipur managed a huge 258-run win to enter the final. 

At the end of Day 2, Kalighat were at 188/2 and needed 430 runs in 552 balls to complete a historical chase. Anustup Majumdar was at the crease on 107 from 127 balls along with Subham Chatterjee, who was one of their best batters in the tournament so far. 

But, as soon as Rajkumar Pal opened the gate for Bhowanipur by dismissing Subham early on day 3, everything looked out of reach for Kalighat. Rajkumar then removed Kalighat's hero of the quarterfinal, Writam Porel, to make it a one-man battle for Kalighat. 

Arun Chaprana tried his best with his 32 off 35 balls, but Pradipta Pramanik proved to be too good for him. Pradipta then played the decisive move of the match by dismissing Anustup Majumdar on 154 to go one step closer to the final. 

Left-arm pacer Ravi Kumar then broke through the lower middle order, to make sure the defending champion would en route to defend their title in the mega final as Kalighat were bundled out for 359. Ravi Kumar with 66/4 was the pick of the bowlers for Bhowanipur along with Pradipta Pramanik, who took 3 wickets for 75. 

Abhimanyu Easwaran was named the player of the match for his 149 in the first inning. Shakir Habib Gandhi and Vivek Singh were the other centurions for them.

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East Bengal win the Kolkata derby despite Suvankar Bal's 148

In the second semi-final, Mohun Bagan were chasing East Bengal's steep 410-run target. But at 146/5 at the end of day 2, their fate depended on Suvankar Bal's bat. Bal had already crossed his fifty, but needed a good partner at the other end to support him. 

Vikas Singh did his best by building a 77-run partnership for the sixth wicket. But after Writtick Chatterjee dismissed him on 37, Bal had to build another partnership under the scorching heat at the Videocon Ground, in Kolkata. Sourav Halder then played a handy knock of 48 off 88 balls to shift the game towards Mohun Bagan a bit, with Suvankar Bal smashing bowlers from the other end. 

Bal completed his hundred in 229 balls, and with four wickets in hand, it was all about East Bengal getting his wicket or him taking Mohun Bagan over the line. But East Bengal bowler Shreyan Chakraborty did the trick for East Bengal by first breaking the partnership and dismissing Sourav Halder. 

Shreyan then picked up Anurag Tiwari's wicket to make Bal feel helpless at the other end. Rohit Kumar's run out meant Bal had no other option but to go for the biggies. Shreyan then picked up Bal's wicket to send East Bengal to the final. 

Bal's valiant 148 went in vain as Mohun Bagan lost the semi-final by 77 runs. Shreyan Chakraborty with 67/4 was the pick of the bowlers for East Bengal. Sandipan Das won the player of the match for his unbeaten 108 in the first inning. Satyaki Dutta were the other centurion for East Bengal in the match.

The final will be played at the Eden Gardens after the completion of IPL 2025.

A young Mohun Bagan Super Giant will take on Kerala Blasters FC in the first quarter-final of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 on Saturday at 4.30 pm IST. This will be the first time Kerala Blasters FC will play in the final eight of the Super Cup, while the ISL Cup and Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant have already booked their place in the AFC Champions League Two.

Here is everything you need to know about the Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC, Kalinga Super Cup quarter-final match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar. 

Match Details

Match: Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC, Kalinga Super Cup quarter-final

Date: 26 April 2025

Time: 4.30 pm IST

Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar

How to watch the match?

Football fans from India can watch the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Kerala Blasters FC, Kalinga Super Cup 2025 quarter-final match LIVE on Star Sports 3 TV Channel. Moreover, they can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar.

Head-to-head stats: MBSG vs KBFC

Till now, Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters FC have faced each other 10 times. Mohun Bagan SG have always dominated the team from South. The Mariners have won 8 out of 10 games, while Kerala emerged victorious only once. 

One game between these two clubs ended in a draw.

Team News: Mohun Bagan SG 

Since Mohun Bagan Super Giant have already qualified for the AFC Champions League Two, they have decided to send a young team for the Super Cup. After getting a bye in the round of 16 match, Mohun Bagan will play their first match of the tournament against Kerala Blasters FC. 

Bastab Roy will be filling in for Jose Molina as the head coach of the team, while Deepak Tangri, who once started as an academy player for Mohun Bagan, will lead the team in the tournament. Nuno Reis will be the only foreign player in the squad for the Mohun Bagan team.

Indian team stars Sahal Abdul Samad and Ashique Kuruniyan will also be there for the Mariners. 

Pushing harder everyday 💪🏻⚡️#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন #KalingaSuperCup pic.twitter.com/p8txwYRUer

— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) April 23, 2025

MBSG Full squad for the Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Raj Basfore, Nuno Miguel Pereira Reis, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Abhishek Dhananjay Suryavanshi, Sahal Abdul Samad, Muhammed Ashique Kuruniyan, Deepak Tangri, Arsh Anwer Shaikh, Dippendu Biswas, Glan Martins, Amandeep, Shibam Munda, Loitongbam Taison Singh, Leewan Castanha, Sandeep Malik, Saurabh Bhanwala, Leimapokpam Sibajit Singh, Salahudheen Adnan K, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Umer Muhthar K P, Pasang Dorjee Tamang, Ravi Bahadur Rana, Serto Worneilen Kom, Thumsol Tongsin, Priyansh Dubey.

Team News: Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC are coming into the quarter-final for the first time, after defeating defending champion East Bengal by 2-0. New coach David Català, who was brought in to the team just a few weeks before the tournament, will be confident seeing the progress of the team. 

Though Mohun Bagan will have their development side, Catala wants to respect a champion team like Mohun Bagan Super Giant and focus on the strategies for the game. Noah Sadaoui looked threatening from the first minute against East Bengal and will be a key player for the Manjapadas. 

The pairing of Noah Sadaoui with Jesús Jiménez will be a key factor in the matchup against Mohun Bagan, who will have someone like Dippendu Biswas and Glan Martins at the back with tons of ISL experience.

East Bengal scored 409/9 in the first inning against arch-rival Mohun Bagan A.C. with the help of a stunning unbeaten ton from Sandipan Das on Day 2 of the C.A.B. First Division Championship semifinal. In the second semi-final, Bhowanipur have nearly thrown Kalighat away by scoring a mammoth 617/6 in the first inning as Vivek Singh scored 129 from 166 balls for them. 

East Bengal in slight favour after day 2 of Kolkata derby

The second day of the Kolkata derby in the C.A.B. First Division Championship semi-final saw many ups and downs throughout the entire day. East Bengal, who were at 310/6, were depending on former U-19 World Cup winner Sandipan Das to take them over 400. Shreyan Chakraborty did his part by building a 59-run partnership for the 7th wicket. 

But, after Shreyan's dismissal (30 off 64), all-rounders Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal and Kanishk Seth could not add much to the total. But Sandipan made sure he faced most of the deliveries and strikes at a blistering pace. The right-handed middle-order batter not only reached his hundred but also made sure that East Bengal gave Mohun Bagan a steep total to chase down in the second inning. 

East Bengal finished on 409/9 as Sandipan remained unbeaten on 108 off 236 balls. 

Suraj gave East Bengal the perfect start

In the second inning, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Bengal's highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, made sure the Red and Gold brigade got the perfect start. The right-handed pacer removed Shantanu in the first ball of the inning and looked lethal from the word go. 

Mohun Bagan were put under tremendous pressure after captain Sudip Kumar Gharami was also dismissed by Kanishk Seth for just 8. Kanishk, East Bengal's player of the match in the quarter-final, went through the defences of Bengal's white-ball captain and cleaned up his stumps. 

Vikas Singh then trapped Avilin Ghosh in front of the wicket just for 1. Avilin was Mohun Bagan's Cricketer of the Year last season and saved many games for them in this kind of situation. But, Vikas proved to be too good for him. 

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At 29/3, Mohun Bagan looked nearly out of the game, but Ranjot Singh Khaira, centurion from the quarter-final, tried to build a partnership with Suvankar Bal. But Shreyan Chakraborty went through his defence with his left-arm spin to send him back to the dressing room after a good-looking 45 off 68 balls. 

Gitansh Khera was also cleaned up by Vikas Singh on 19. Suvankar Bal, meanwhile, completed his well-paced fifty and is the lone batter at the crease for Mohun Bagan at the end of Day 2. Though Mohun Bagan's tail is totally capable of hitting the ball long, at 146/5, Mohun Bagan's fate will be decided on Suvankar Bal's bat on the final day of the match. 

Mohun Bagan now require 264 runs in 522 balls, while East Bengal need five wickets to qualify for the final.

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Bhowanipur cruising, Anustup fighting a battle for Kalighat

In the second semi-final at the J.U. 2nd Campus Ground in Salt Lake, Bhowanipur cruised to a mammoth 617/6 in the first inning after Vivek Singh became the third centurion from the defending champion after Abhimanyu Easwaran and Shakir Habib Gandhi scored centuries on Day 1. 

Vivek, who now plays for the Railways team in Indian domestic cricket, showcased his power and skill to ease to his hundred. Vivek was eventually stumped out by Arun Chaprana on 129 from 166 balls. Meanwhile, experienced Arindam Ghosh added 52 while Aaamir Gani added a quick 32 off 34 balls to take Bhowanipur's total to 617 in the first inning. 

Anustup's ton kept Kalighat in the game

Ravi Kumar, the left-arm pacer, continued the momentum for Bhowanipur by dismissing Shreyansh Ghosh in the first over. But, ever dependable Anustup Majumdar and Koushik Ghosh made sure Kalighat didn't leave without a fight. 

Koushik and Anustup added 127 runs for the second wicket. However, Koushik would be disappointed not to get a big score as he was caught behind by Ravi Kumar, who was the pick of the bowlers on Day 2. 

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But, as they say, great players know when to put their hands up and show the path to the entire team. Bengal and Kalighat captain Anustup Majumdar raced to another ton in his club career to give some fight to Bhowanipur's huge total.

At the end of the day, Anustup is unbeaten on 107 off 127 balls while Subham Chatterjee, the double centurion from the pre-quarter final, is with him on 23 off 40 balls. Kalighat finished day 2 at 188/2 and need 430 runs in 552 balls to complete a historical chase.