The Indian Super League (ISL) has revolutionised Indian football since its launch in 2014 by giving the sport international recognition, a professional framework, and a spirit of competition. The ISL has advanced significantly, from the arrival of high-profile foreign players to the emergence of domestic heroes. With fervent supporters, thrilling championship matches, and up-and-coming talent, each ISL season has contributed to the expanding history of Indian football.
This article examines how the ISL became one of India’s top football leagues and goes over the entire list of champions and runners-up from every season.
A Brief Overview of the ISL
The ISL, which was introduced in October 2014, was designed to increase football’s appeal in India. Like the IPL in cricket, the ISL used a franchise-based strategy in contrast to previous league formats. The league, which started off with eight teams, has become more prominent and competitive over time. Along with the I-competition, the ISL has been formally acknowledged as the top Indian football competition since the 2017–18 season.
With semi-finals leading to a grand finale where the winner is crowned, each season ends with an intense playoff format. In the 2019–20 season, the league also instituted the League Winners Shield, which is given to the team that wins the league stage.
ISL Winners and Runners-Up: Season by Season
| Season | Champions | Runners Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Mohun Bagan Super Giant | Bengaluru FC |
| 2023-24 | Mumbai City FC | Mohun Bagan Super Giant |
| 2022-23 | ATK Mohun Bagan | Bengaluru FC |
| 2021-22 | Hyderabad FC | Kerala Blasters FC |
| 2020-21 | Mumbai City FC | ATK Mohun Bagan |
| 2019-20 | ATK | Chennaiyin FC |
| 2018-19 | Bengaluru FC | FC Goa |
| 2017-18 | Chennaiyin FC | Bengaluru FC |
| 2016 | ATK | Kerala Blasters |
| 2015 | Chennaiyin FC | FC Goa |
| 2014 | ATK | Kerala Blasters FC |
2024 – ATK Mohun Bagan vs Bengaluru FC
- Winner – ATK Mohun Bagan
- Runner Up – Bengaluru FC
- Final: 2–1 after extra time; historic win, making back-to-back Shield and Cup titles
2023 – Mumbai City FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan
- Champion: Mumbai City FC
- Runner-Up: ATK Mohun Bagan
- Final: 3–1 at Salt Lake Stadium
2022 – ATK Mohun Bagan vs Bengaluru FC
- Champion: ATK Mohun Bagan
- Runner-Up: Bengaluru FC
- Final: 2–2 draw; ATKMB prevailed 4–3 on penalties
2021 – Hyderabad FC vs Kerala Blasters
- Champion: Hyderabad FC
- Runner-Up: Kerala Blasters
- Final: 1–1; Hyderabad won 3–1 on penalties
2020 – Mumbai City FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan
- Champion: Mumbai City FC
- Runner-Up: ATK Mohun Bagan
- Final: 2–1 in a closed-door affair
2019 – ATK vs Chennayin FC
- Champion: ATK
- Runner-Up: Chennaiyin FC
- Final: 3–1 behind closed doors
2018 – Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa
- Champion: Bengaluru FC
- Runner-Up: FC Goa
- Final: 1–0 after extra time; Rahul Bheke scored in the 117th minute
2017 – Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC
- Champion: Chennaiyin FC
- Runner-Up: Bengaluru FC
- Final: 3–2 in a fiery contest led by Mailson Alves
2016 – ATK vs Kerala Blasters
- Champion: Atlético de Kolkata
- Runner-Up: Kerala Blasters
- Final: 1–1 draw; ATK triumphed 4–3 on penalties
2015 – Chennaiyin FC vs FC Goa
- Champion: Chennaiyin FC
- Runner-Up: FC Goa
- Final: 3–2 in a thrilling comeback
2014 – ATK vs Kerala Blasters
- Champion: Atlético de Kolkata
- Runner-Up: Kerala Blasters
- Final: 1–0, courtesy of Mohammed Rafique’s late strike
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