A Decade of Dominance: A Journey Through the Indian Super League Winners
Since its inception in 2014, the Indian Super League (ISL) has witnessed six deserving champions emerge victorious. Among them, ATK has stood out as the most dominant team, securing the title three times. The list of ISL winners also includes Hyderabad FC, Chennaiyin FC, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC, and ATK Mohun Bagan, each leaving their mark on the league’s illustrious history.
In the inaugural season of 2014, ATK, previously known as Atlético de Kolkata, clinched the title with a 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters in the final. Led by head coach Antonio Lopez Habas and marquee player Luis Garcia, ATK secured their place at the top despite finishing third in the league stages.
Chennaiyin FC emerged triumphant in the 2015 edition, overcoming FC Goa in a thrilling final. Spearheaded by the talismanic Stiven Mendoza, Chennaiyin FC’s remarkable turnaround from bottom of the table to playoff qualifiers epitomized their resilience and fighting spirit.
ATK continued their winning ways in 2016, edging out Kerala Blasters in a nail-biting penalty shootout to secure their second title. The match, played in front of a passionate crowd of over 80,000, showcased ATK’s ability to thrive under pressure.
The 2017-18 season saw Chennaiyin FC reclaim the title, defeating Bengaluru FC in a fiercely contested final. Led by head coach John Gregory, Chennaiyin FC’s victory highlighted their ability to deliver when it mattered most.
Bengaluru FC etched their name in ISL history in the 2018-19 season, clinching their maiden title with a hard-fought victory over FC Goa in the final. Led by the legendary Sunil Chhetri, Bengaluru FC’s triumph was a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence.
ATK reaffirmed their status as the dominant force in Indian football by clinching their third title in the 2019-20 season. Led by head coach Antonio Lopez Habas and inspired by the performances of Roy Krishna and David Williams, ATK emerged victorious once again.
Mumbai City FC made history in the 2020-21 season, securing their maiden title under the guidance of head coach Sergio Lobera. Mumbai City FC’s triumph, coupled with their League Winners Shield, cemented their status as one of the top teams in the league.
Hyderabad FC continued the trend of first-time champions in the 2021-22 season, defeating Kerala Blasters in a penalty shootout to claim their maiden ISL title. Led by Manolo Márquez and inspired by the goal-scoring exploits of Bartholomew Ogbeche, Hyderabad FC’s triumph was a culmination of their impressive season.
In the most recent edition, ATK Mohun Bagan emerged victorious, overcoming Bengaluru FC in a thrilling final that ended in a penalty shootout. Dimitri Petratos’ standout performance in the final sealed the title for ATK Mohun Bagan, adding another chapter to their storied legacy in Indian football.