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India Gazette
28-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Fans remind us that MBSG is no ordinary club: Anirudh Thapa
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 28 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) midfielder Anirudh Thapa acknowledged that their collective spirit and utmost grit made it possible for them to complete the Indian Super League (ISL) double for the first time in the club's history. The Mariners enjoyed an excellent 2024-25 campaign, accumulating 56 points on the way to the League Shield and Cup double and registering 16 clean sheets, the most by any team in an ISL season in both regards, a release said. The journey to the double was not as easy as it looked. From succumbing to a heartbreaking defeat on penalties against NorthEast United FC in the Durand Cup final to a 0-3 defeat against Bengaluru FC at Kanteerava in their first away match of the 2024-25 season, MBSG had to fight hard to sustain momentum. Thapa shed light on the journey. 'The first big moment that I remember was the final of the Durand Cup because we played well and made it to the final. We were playing well in the final too, but unfortunately, we lost on the penalties,' he told MBSG TV. 'Then the season started again, a bit sloppy with some draws, then a win. Then, we lost against Bengaluru FC. I think that was the moment when we came together and all of us realised that this feeling shouldn't come back again. Everyone individually felt like, 'Hey, this isn't us; we can do better.' From that time on, we played matches, won games, kept clean sheets, and broke records -- it just kept going and going,' he added. The Mariners went on an eight-match unbeaten run following that result, winning seven of those games. However, their run was halted in Goa, another reality check. 'Then came a moment with FC Goa where we lost again. Our aim was simple -- to win the Shield first, then win the Cup, which we hadn't managed the previous year. Our team got stronger there; the bond between us grew even more because all the players' mentalities showed at that time,' Thapa remarked. The midfielder was also quick to acknowledge another vital factor in their run to the double - the fans, highlighting their energy, which served as a tonic to the team in difficult moments. 'The fan base isn't just some small-time group. It's been around for over 100 years. It's passed down from generation to generation. That history and those fans motivate the players. They remind them that this isn't just any ordinary club,' he said. 'When fans show up for every single match, supporting, shouting, and cheering, it creates this energy. There's a special vibe to it. The atmosphere they create makes playing so much more fun,' Thapa added. With great support comes great expectations, and it can weigh heavily on players. This is where experience in the Mariners' ranks came to the rescue. With a perfect blend of experience and youthfulness, Jose Molina's team struck the right balance. 'Our players are really humble, whether they're foreigners or Indians, juniors or seniors. They know why we're here -- to play football. So there's no ego or attitude like 'I'm the big shot' in any player. Even the foreigners have come from big clubs and have years of experience. And when they sit in the dressing room and talk with the players, no matter who they are -- us or the juniors -- they genuinely enjoy learning too,' Thapa concluded. (ANI)
India Gazette
22-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Suhail Bhat's dream run: From watching on sidelines to playing for India and Mohun Bagan
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 22 (ANI): Suhail Bhat's rise from a ball boy to a national team player is nothing short of inspiring. Now, the young talent is living his dream at Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), according to the official website of the Indian Super League (ISL). He was part of MBSG's historic Indian Super League double-winning squad in the 2024-25 campaign. He also won the Durand Cup and the League Shield in his debut season with the club in the 2023-24 season. Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, Bhat started his career with Indian Arrows. Later, the forward joined the MBSG reserve squad, and his goalscoring potential caught the attention quickly, opening the doors to the first team. 'I used to play for the Arrows, and when we finished the AFC U-19, my agent called me and said, 'MBSG are interested in you.' I was like, 'Okay, I'm going there no matter how much money they're offering.' So, basically, right from the start, I felt in my heart that I wanted to join MBSG,' he said in an interview with MBSG TV, as quoted from the official website of ISL. 'After that, I came here and played for the reserve team. Back then, in the reserve team, we had a really good understanding among us, so because of that, I was able to score more goals. I scored goals in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) and in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) as well. In my debut, I scored a hat-trick against Mohammedan (Sporting Club) SC--that was the best debut of my life. I scored that hat-trick. That's where my career started, and I never looked back and kept working harder and harder,' he added. Bhat took pride in being part of MBSG's squad. When quizzed about his thoughts on the Mariners' journey throughout the 2024-25 season, he answered, 'It's amazing. When I look back, it feels incredible. It's like an unbelievable season,' he noted. 'I still can't believe it--we've won so many trophies. So, when I look back now, I get that experience of how we work together as a team and how we get back up when we lose. So, it is all about the feeling of winning the Shield and the Cup together--it still feels like a dream,' he further added. Bhat showed glimpses of his talent in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, where he scored two goals and was recently called up to the senior Indian national team. Under Manolo Marquez's guidance, he also made his debut for the Blue Tigers against Thailand in an international friendly. The 20-year-old forward shared his joy at receiving his first-ever national team call-up and spoke about the experience of sharing the dressing room with the likes of Sunil Chhetri and other senior players. 'Since I started playing football, I was in the under-16s, then under-19s, then under-23s (for the) AFC qualifiers. Every time, my focus was only to get into the senior team and experience playing at that level and play for the country,' he said. 'It was like a dream when I got my first call-up from the senior team. I still can't believe it. I've been there alongside everyone, including Sunil Chhetri Bhai and all the senior players who have helped and supported me. They're always telling me to keep going, and it's an amazing feeling to be there,' he signed off. (ANI)
India Gazette
18-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Jorge Pereyra Diaz returns to Mumbai City
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 18 (ANI): Mumbai City FC (MCFC) announced the return of Jorge Pereyra Diaz for the 2025-26 season. The Argentine forward rejoins the Islanders after a season with Bengaluru FC, marking a homecoming to the club where he left a lasting impact. Diaz was a key figure during his earlier two-season spell with Mumbai City, playing a pivotal role in the team's League Shield triumph in 2022-23 and the ISL Cup win in 2023-24. With 27 goals and 10 assists in 53 appearances for the Islanders in all competitions, his return adds a familiar spark and proven quality to the squad, as per the release from MCFC. A fan favourite in India since his ISL debut with Kerala Blasters in 2021, Diaz arrives with an impressive record of 32 goals and 11 assists in the ISL. A proven goal-scorer and provider, his return adds strength and familiarity, offering Mumbai City both quality in attack and a lift in spirit ahead of the new season. As Mumbai City gear up for the upcoming season, Diaz's return is a timely and strategic addition bringing not just excellence and experience, but also a sense of belief and nous. The club continues to focus on building a cohesive, well-rounded squad to take on the challenges of the new campaign. Jorge Pereyra Diaz said, as the MCFC press release quoted, 'Coming back to Mumbai City feels special. My first stint with the club brought some incredible memories, both on and off the pitch. The city, the fans, and the people at the club have always made me feel at home. I'm grateful for the trust they've shown in me again, and I'm ready to give everything for the badge.' Sujay Sharma, Director of Football, Mumbai City, commented, 'We're very happy to bring Diaz back. He's someone who understands the ethos of Mumbai City and has already proven his value to the club. His presence in the squad gives us not just goals and assists, but teamwork, energy, character, and experience as we build towards a strong season ahead.' (ANI)
Hans India
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Jorge Pereyra Diaz rejoins Mumbai City for 2025–26 season
Mumbai: Mumbai City have announced the return of Jorge Pereyra Diaz for the 2025–26 season. The Argentine forward rejoins the Islanders after a season with Bengaluru FC, marking a homecoming to the club where he left a lasting impact. Diaz was a key figure during his earlier two-season spell with Mumbai City, playing a pivotal role in the team's League Shield triumph in 2022–23 and the ISL Cup win in 2023–24. With 27 goals and 10 assists in 53 appearances for the Islanders in all competitions, his return adds a familiar spark and proven quality to the squad. 'Coming back to Mumbai City feels special. My first stint with the club brought some incredible memories, both on and off the pitch. The city, the fans, and the people at the club have always made me feel at home. I'm grateful for the trust they've shown in me again, and I'm ready to give everything for the badge,' said Jorge. A fan favourite in India since his ISL debut with Kerala Blasters in 2021, Diaz arrives with an impressive record of 32 goals and 11 assists in the ISL. A proven goal-scorer and provider, his return adds strength and familiarity, offering Mumbai City both quality in attack and a lift in spirit ahead of the new season. As Mumbai City gear up for the upcoming season, Diaz's return is a timely and strategic addition bringing not just excellence and experience, but also a sense of belief and nous. Sujay Sharma - Director of Football, Mumbai City, commented: 'We're very happy to bring Díaz back. He's someone who understands the ethos of Mumbai City and has already proven his value to the club. His presence in the squad gives us not just goals and assists, but teamwork, energy, character, and experience as we build towards a strong season ahead.'
NDTV
31-05-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Mumbai City To Retire Jersey No. 29 As Bipin Singh Departs
Mumbai City confirmed the departure of Bipin Singh after his contract expires on May 31. In recognition of his immense contribution to the club, Mumbai City will retire his jersey number 29. The winger from Manipur joined the Islanders in 2018 following stints with Shillong Lajong and ATK and went on to become one of the most crucial figures in the club's history. During his time with Mumbai City, Bipin won two Indian Super League Cups and two Indian Super League Shields, playing a pivotal role for the club over the years gone by. He was a key member of the team's historic 2020-21 campaign, where Mumbai became the first side to win both the ISL Cup and Shield in the same season. His stunning match-winning goal in the final against ATK Mohun Bagan remains one of the most memorable moments in ISL history. Bipin clinched his second ISL Cup in the 2023-24 season, making a decisive impact in the final with a stunning goal, having also been part of the squad that secured the League Shield in 2022-23. With 158 appearances and 28 goals, Bipin departs as the most capped player in Mumbai City history. 'It's hard to say goodbye, but I leave with nothing but gratitude in my heart. Mumbai City has been my home for seven unforgettable years; this club has given me everything. To the fans, teammates, staff, and everyone who's been part of this journey, thank you for the love and belief. Mumbai City will always be a part of me," Bipin said in a statement. Kandarp Chandra, CEO Mumbai City, commented, 'Bipin's journey with Mumbai City has been truly special. Over the years, he's made a meaningful impact on and off the pitch, delivering key moments and showing unwavering commitment to the club. His connection with our fans and his contributions to our success speak for themselves. As we bid farewell, with immense gratitude and pride, retiring the No. 29 jersey is a small gesture to honour everything he has meant to us and the legacy he leaves behind. He will always have a place in the Mumbai City family.' "Bipin has been a pillar of our squad through the most historic moments in the club's timeline. He complemented to this and his key goal contributions over the years, with his positive team persona on and off the pitch. We thank him for everything he's done for the club, and wish him and his family the very best in their future, as he moves on to his next chapter," said Sujay Sharma - Director of Football, Mumbai City.
