List of Teams Participating in ISL 2023 | Know Squads of Each Team

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Indian Super League (ISL) will enter its 10th edition when Bengaluru FC clash against rivals Kerala Blasters in the South India derby on September 21. ISL 2023-24 edition will be different as it will have a record 12 teams after the promotion of Punjab FC from the I-League, India’s second-tier football league, at the end of last season.

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Kerala Blasters will host the Sunil Chhetri-led Bengaluru FC in the curtain-raiser clash at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium on September 21 while the champions Mohun Bagan Super Giants will take on debutant Punjab FC at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on September 23 to kick off their title defence. All ISL teams featured in the recently concluded Durand Cup 2023 where Mohun Bagan beat their city rivals East Bengal in the final to clinch the record-breaking 17th title. Mohun Bagan are tipped as favourites to retain the ISL trophy after enjoying a hugely successful transfer window with the likes of star midfielders Sahal Abdul Samad and Anirudh Thapa arriving in record transfer deals.

Teams Participating in the ISL 2023

Mohun Bagan

Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, founded in 1889 in Kolkata, India, stands as one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious multi-sports clubs. Initially football-centric, the club made history in 1911 by defeating the East Yorkshire Regiment in the IFA Shield final, marking the first triumph of an all-Indian team over a British one and symbolizing India’s fight for independence. In football, they have claimed the top-flight league title six times, and their trophy cabinet boasts a remarkable 14 Federation Cup victories among numerous other accolades. While ownership changes led to name variations, the club’s legacy endures, and it continues to engage in the storied Kolkata Derby rivalry against East Bengal Club.

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East Bengal

East Bengal Football Club, established in 1920 and based in Kolkata, West Bengal, is a renowned multi-sports club, most celebrated for its men’s professional football team competing in the Indian Super League (ISL). With a storied history, the club has claimed a remarkable 39 Kolkata Football league cup titles, starting from their first victory in 1942. They were also among the founding members of the National Football League in 1996 and have clinched the title thrice.

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East Bengal’s trophy cabinet shines with eight Federation Cups, three Super Cups, an astounding 29 IFA Shield titles, and a joint-record 16 Durand Cup titles, cementing their status as one of India’s most decorated football clubs. The fierce Kolkata Derby with Mohun Bagan (now Mohun Bagan Super Giant) is one of Asia’s biggest football rivalries, further enhancing East Bengal’s legacy. The club proudly wears red and golden yellow, earning them the moniker “Red and Gold Brigade” or “Laal Holud” in Bengali.

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Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru Football Club, founded on July 20, 2013, and based in Bangalore, Karnataka, is a prominent professional football club in India. Competing in the Indian Super League (ISL), the country’s top football league, Bengaluru FC has swiftly risen to prominence in Indian football since its inception. Notably, the club clinched the I-League title in its debut season and again in 2015–16, adding to its impressive trophy collection that includes two Federation Cup titles, one ISL title, and a Super Cup championship. Bengaluru FC is owned and operated by the Mumbai-based JSW Group, led by Managing Director Sajjan Jindal.

The club’s commitment to professionalism and player fitness garnered praise within the Indian football community. Bengaluru FC has also represented India in Asian club competitions, notably reaching the final of the 2016 AFC Cup. In 2019, a partnership was formed with the Scottish Premier League club Rangers. The club continued to thrive, capturing the 131st Durand Cup title in 2022. With a relatively short history, Bengaluru FC has established itself as one of the most successful and admired football clubs in India.

Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC, based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is a prominent Indian football club competing in the Indian Super League (ISL). In a historic achievement, they became the first club to secure both the Championship and ISL title in the same 2020–21 season. Over the years, the club has seen notable figures like Peter Reid, Nicolas Anelka, and Diego Forlán at its helm. Under Sergio Lobera’s management, they clinched the ISL Winners Shield and the league title. Des Buckingham took charge in 2021, leading the team to victories in the AFC Champions League and an impressive 18-game unbeaten streak in the 2022–23 ISL season, securing their second shield in three years.

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Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad Football Club, based in Hyderabad, Telangana, is an Indian professional football club competing in the Indian Super League (ISL), the premier football league in India. Established on August 27, 2019, the club took the place of Pune City in the ISL after its owners acquired stakes in the latter on August 26, 2019. Hyderabad FC commenced their inaugural professional season in October 2019.

In a significant development, on June 16, 2020, Hyderabad FC entered into a partnership with the German club Borussia Dortmund, focusing on grassroots development. The team plays its home matches at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium in the Gachibowli suburb of Hyderabad, boasting a capacity of around 30,000 spectators.

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Although Hyderabad FC faced a challenging debut season in the ISL, finishing in 10th place and missing out on the playoffs, they achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever championship in the 2021–22 ISL. They secured the title by defeating Kerala Blasters 3–1 in a penalty shootout during the final.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin Football Club, based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a prominent Indian professional football club competing in the Indian Super League (ISL), the pinnacle of Indian football. Founded in August 2014, during the inaugural season of the ISL, the club has established itself as one of the most successful teams in the league’s history. Chennaiyin FC has claimed the ISL title twice, triumphing in the 2015 and 2017–18 seasons.

Ownership of the club is shared by Vita Dani, Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, and Indian cricketing legend MS Dhoni. The team’s name, “Chennaiyin FC,” signifies “Chennai’s football club” in Tamil, with the ‘yin’ suffix indicating possession. The club’s signature color is blue, which has been a part of their identity since its inception. Their logo, the Dhrishti Bommai, represents the Tamil culture’s belief in warding off negativity and preserving positivity.

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters Football Club, often known as The Blasters, is a prominent Indian professional football team headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, competing in the Indian Super League (ISL), the country’s premier football league. Founded in May 2014 during the inaugural ISL season, the club has been a consistent presence in the league. Despite being three-time runners-up, they have yet to secure an ISL title. Their home matches take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, where they often draw massive crowds, boasting some of the highest attendance figures in the league, frequently exceeding 30,000 spectators per game.

Kerala Blasters shares spirited rivalries with Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC, forming the South Indian Derby. They enjoy immense support and a substantial social media following, with passionate fans belonging to the Manjappada supporters group. The club’s emblem features an elephant holding a football, reflecting Kerala’s profound connection with the sport, and their traditional yellow and blue kit has remained unchanged since the club’s inception.

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FC Goa

Football Club Goa, known as the Gaurs, is a prominent Indian professional football team based in Margao, Goa. Competing in the Indian Super League (ISL), the top-tier of Indian football, the club was founded on August 26, 2014. Brazilian coach Zico led the team in its early years, with marquee players like Robert Pires and Lúcio. FC Goa consistently performed well in the league stage but faced playoff heartbreak. They clinched the 2019 Indian Super Cup and secured the first-ever ISL League Winners Shield in 2019–20, earning a spot in the AFC Champions League. Their distinctive orange kit replaced the previous blue attire in 2018.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur Football Club, hailing from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, is a prominent Indian professional football team competing in the Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top football league. Established in 2017, the club made its ISL debut during the 2017–18 season and stands out as the only top-flight club with self-owned stadium and training facilities. Owned and managed by Tata Steel, the club secured its place in the ISL through a successful bid in June 2017. Notably, they won the ISL League Winners’ Shield in the 2021–22 season. Their inaugural head coach was Steve Coppell, and the club has been a significant addition to Indian football since its inception.

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United Football Club, commonly known as NorthEast United, is a prominent Indian professional football club based in Guwahati, Assam, competing in the Indian Super League (ISL), the top tier of Indian football. Established on April 13, 2014, during the inaugural ISL season, the club proudly represents the eight states of North East India, fostering regional football talent. Bollywood actor John Abraham and Shillong Lajong Football Club secured ownership of the franchise. The club’s marquee player was Joan Capdevila, a European Championship and World Cup-winning defender from Spain. New Zealander Ricki Herbert was appointed as the first manager in August 2014, adding international experience to the club.

Odisha FC

Odisha FC, formerly known as Delhi Dynamos Football Club, is a prominent Indian professional football team based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, competing in the Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top football league. Founded as Delhi Dynamos, the club later rebranded as Odisha FC when it shifted its base to the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The club is owned and operated by the Dubai-based company GMS Leadership, with Raj Athwal serving as the club’s president. Odisha FC won their first trophy in the 2023 Indian Super Cup and qualified for the 2023–24 AFC Cup, marking their debut in continental competition.

Punjab FC

Punjab FC, formerly known as RoundGlass Punjab FC, is an Indian professional football club based in Mohali, Punjab. The club competes in the Indian Super League (ISL), the top tier of Indian football, following their promotion from the 2022–23 I-League. In April 2020, RoundGlass Sports Pvt. Ltd. acquired Punjab FC and later rebranded it as RoundGlass Punjab FC. After securing their promotion to the ISL, they adopted the name Punjab FC in July 2023. Under the leadership of Staikos Vergetis, they clinched the I-League title, earning their spot in the Indian Super League for the first time.

Squads of ISL 2023

Bengaluru FC

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrit Gope, Vikram Lahkbir Singh, Sahil Poonia
Defenders: Aleksander Jovanovic, Slavko Damjanovic, Robin Yadav, Naorem Roshan Singh, Parag Shrivas, Jessel Carneiro, Namgyal Bhutia, Shankar Sampingiraj
Midfielders: Keziah Veendorp, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Rohit Kumar, Suresh Singh, Shreyas Katkar, Javi Hernández, Harsh Patre
Forwards: Ryan Williams, Halicharan Narzary, Curtis Main, Rohit Danu, Ashish Jha, Sunil Chhetri, Monirul Molla, Ankith Padmanabhan, Asish Jha