Latest news with #MohunBaganSuperGiant
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
MBSG is not just a club; this is our mother club: Dippendu Biswas
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 4 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant's (MBSG) Dippendu Biswas is living the dream that every young footballer aspires to, representing their favourite club at the highest level. But it's his hard work and dedication to the sport that have helped him turn that dream into reality. The 22-year-old from West Bengal had always imagined himself wearing the iconic Green and Maroon on the big stage, and now, he's doing just that. His raw talent was apparent early on, but he had to refine his professionalism to meet the demands of the Indian Super League (ISL). Biswas made his debut in the 2023-24 ISL season, featuring in five matches as Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured their first-ever ISL Shield. He built on that promise in the following campaign, making 14 appearances, contributing to five clean sheets, scoring once, and providing two assists. Versatile and composed, he slotted in both at centre-back and right-back, playing a key part in the club's march to the ISL double. 'It felt amazing to become champions with MBSG. It is truly one of the best clubs in India, and the fanbase is absolutely crazy. I'm genuinely grateful to be a part of this club,' Biswas shared in a conversation with MBSG TV. The defender shared how he went from the reserves to earning a place in the MBSG first team and later getting called up to the Indian U-23 squad for two exposure friendlies in June. Biswas said it was his determination that helped him reach this stage. 'I played in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) and then got into the MBSG reserves team. I always had this strong determination that I have to play better and get a chance in the Indian team. That motivation kept me going. When I joined the team for the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), the coaches told me, 'If you perform well here, you'll get a chance to move up to the senior team.' And that's exactly what happened,' he added. Biswas has been a Mariner ever since and has completed the epic full circle, from being a fan to becoming a player for the club. He recalled going to the stadium with his friends and cheering for the team, never imagining he would one day wear the same jersey on the pitch. 'As a fan, I had watched many matches at the Mohun Bagan ground. I used to support the club and felt great when they won. I would watch the fans cheering loudly and now, I'm playing for the very club I once supported. It feels amazing. I never imagined I'd make it to the MBSG senior team. It's a matter of pride for me,' he shared. This season was even more special for him, as he got to celebrate the ISL Cup with his parents on the pitch, something which remained unfulfilled in the 2023-24 campaign when they lost the final to Mumbai City FC. 'Having my parents beside me in the final made it extra special. Last time they came, we lost the final. But this time, we did it and it felt really good,' Biswas spoke with pride. Biswas has enjoyed a successful start to his senior career, but he believes there's always more to strive for, as one should never settle for what has already been achieved. His next goal would be to keep pushing himself and unlock his full potential. 'It's important to honour the jersey we wear and give our all to help the team become champions (again). This is not just a club; this is our mother club. You must've heard it from the fans, and the same goes for me,' he commented. (ANI)
India Gazette
30-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Mohun Bagan Super Giant's all-time best XI in ISL: Ultimate Mariners line-up since 2020
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 30 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) may have only joined the Indian Super League (ISL) in the 2020-21 season, but their influence on the competition has been far from short-lived. In just a few years, the Mariners have emerged as a dominant force, defined by their unwavering consistency, bold ambition, and relentless pursuit of silverware, as per the official website of ISL. The Kolkata giants have made it to the playoffs every single time, which speaks volumes about their planning and winning mentality. Not just that, but with back-to-back ISL Shields, two ISL Cups, and numerous iconic wins along the way, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have rapidly cemented their status among the elite clubs in the ISL. Whether through moments of tactical brilliance, attacking flair, or defensive steel, the team has rarely compromised on quality. Their squads have boasted both Indian stalwarts and high-profile international names, making our task of selecting an all-time ISL starting XI incredibly challenging. Each season has brought new heroes, but we've tried to strike a balance. While Arindam Bhattacharja impressed in Mohun Bagan Super Giant's debut ISL season, winning the Golden Glove with 10 clean sheets in 23 matches, and Amrinder Singh showcased his brilliance the following year, it's Vishal Kaith who earns the nod as our goalkeeper for the Mariners' all-time XI. Kaith's consistency over the last three seasons has been remarkable. Since joining the club, he has made 75 appearances, recorded 35 clean sheets, and conceded just 69 goals. His performances between the sticks have been key to the team's recent success, helping them win two ISL Shields and two ISL Cups. Crucially, Kaith played an instrumental role in both ISL Cup final victories and has won the Golden Glove twice in the last three seasons, making him a clear standout for this position. Just like Kaith, Asish Rai joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant ahead of the 2022-23 season, and has since become a mainstay on the right flank. Known for his work rate, defensive awareness, and attacking overlaps, Rai has brought the right balance to the team's right-hand side. Rai has made 66 appearances so far, contributing to 20 clean sheets. In attack, he has also provided four assists and scored one goal, a memorable strike against his former club, Hyderabad FC, in the 2023-24 season. Under Juan Ferrando, he even operated in more advanced roles at times. His consistency, versatility, and ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch make him a deserving inclusion in this all-time XI. Pritam Kotal may have moved on, but he will always be remembered as a fan favourite and a cornerstone of Mohun Bagan Super Giant's early ISL years. A natural leader, Kotal mastered both the right-back and right centre-back roles with equal confidence and consistency. In his 68 appearances over three seasons with the Mariners, he played a key role in organising the defence and helped the team lift one ISL Cup. He was everything you'd want in the spine of a successful team: vocal, commanding, and fully committed, with a superb reading of the game and often underrated technical ability. His reliability and leadership in high-pressure moments give him the edge over Sandesh Jhingan for this position in our all-time XI. Alberto Rodriguez made an instant impact in his debut campaign, taking an already solid defence to the next level alongside Tom Aldred. His influence at both ends of the pitch was crucial, as he played a key role in helping the Mariners achieve a historic ISL double in the 2024-25 season. Rodriguez was involved in 14 of the team's 16 clean sheets, displaying his excellent positional sense, calmness under pressure, and sharp defensive instincts. He also made a difference in attack, contributing five goals and one assist, proving to be a consistent threat on set-pieces. His dominance in both boxes and composure in a debut season in a new league give him the edge over other strong contenders like Tiri and Aldred, who also had a terrific debut year. No need for an explanation about this selection. Subhasish Bose has been Mohun Bagan Super Giant's most dependable left-back in the ISL era and arguably one of the best the league has ever seen in his position. A true leader on and off the pitch, Bose took over the captaincy following Pritam Kotal's departure and has since led the team to two ISL Shields and one ISL Cup in just two seasons. He has been with the club since their ISL debut and has remained a regular over the past five seasons, playing as a left-back, occasionally in advanced roles, and even as a centre-back when required. With 115 appearances and involvement in 47 clean sheets, his defensive reliability speaks for itself. Most impressively, in the 2024-25 season, Bose showcased a new dimension to his game by scoring six goals, the most ever by a defender in a single ISL campaign. There's no doubt that Carl McHugh's defensive stability in midfield was a key factor in Mohun Bagan Super Giant's strong start in the ISL. His presence played a major role in helping the team establish itself as a serious contender from the very beginning. A tireless worker and a coach's dream, McHugh made 60 appearances for the Mariners across three seasons. Known for his intelligence and adaptability, he often dropped deep between the centre-backs to help build play from the back, while also breaking up opposition attacks with sharp anticipation. His grit, determination and ability to read the game made him an essential part of the team's core during those formative years in the ISL. With such consistency and influence, McHugh earns a well-deserved spot in this all-time XI. Many may feel it's too soon to include Apuia in Mohun Bagan Super Giant's all-time XI, but his impact in just one season has been nothing short of transformational. The Indian international fulfilled a dream long held by the MBSG fans, helping the club achieve an ISL double in the 2024-25 season. Arriving with high expectations following a major summer move, Apuia rose to the occasion and took complete control of the midfield. He was the heartbeat of the team, linking defence and attack, dictating tempo, winning duels, and even stepping up with a match-winning goal when needed. While Deepak Tangri has been a consistent figure in MBSG's midfield for years, Apuia's numbers and leadership in an ISL double-winning campaign make his inclusion in this XI hard to overlook. Another player who has been representing Mohun Bagan Super Giant since they entered into the ISL is Manvir Singh, who rightfully earned his place in this all-time XI. A versatile forward capable of operating across the front line, he has mostly been deployed on the right wing, where he has consistently delivered in key moments. Throughout his time at the club, Singh has registered 23 goals and 18 assists, blending strength, speed, and a tireless work ethic to become a mainstay in the Mariners' attack. His impact, particularly in high-stakes matches, has solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable and valuable Indian forwards in the league. Since joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2022, Dimitri Petratos has been at the heart of everything good in attack. The Australian forward has delivered in pressure moments time and again, becoming a fan favourite with his eye for goal and creative spark. In just 70 appearances, Petratos has scored 26 goals, the highest total in the club's ISL history, and added 17 assists, showcasing his ability to both finish and create chances. His influence has been key in the Mariners' most successful run, which includes two ISL Cups and back-to-back ISL Shields. A complete modern forward with leadership qualities, Petratos has etched his name into club folklore with consistent match-winning performances. Liston Colaco has been enjoying the best phase of his career at Mohun Bagan Super Giant since arriving from Hyderabad FC. Over the past four seasons, he has been a consistent force down the left flank, delivering with flair, pace, and precision. His quick feet, ability to strike from distance, and signature knuckleball technique, both in open play and from set-pieces, have made him a nightmare for defenders. Whether it's creating chances or finishing them, Colaco has been a vital part of the Mariners' attacking play. Given his impact and consistency, he is an easy choice for the left wing in our all-time XI. Roy Krishna was the heartbeat of Mohun Bagan Super Giant's attack during their early years in the ISL, especially under Antonio Habas. He was a constant threat to opposition defences with his intelligence and an unmatched work ethic. Though the Mariners narrowly missed out on silverware during his two-season spell, Krishna's impact was undeniable. His movement, link-up play, and knack for delivering in high-pressure moments made him a complete striker and a fan favourite. In the Green and Maroon shirt, Krishna recorded 21 goals and 12 assists, consistently delivering on the biggest stages. While Jason Cummings has been outstanding over the past two seasons, it's Krishna's role in shaping the club's attacking identity during its formative ISL years that gives him the edge in this all-time XI. Antonio Lopez Habas gets the nod as head coach in this all-time XI, thanks to his two impactful spells with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. While the team narrowly missed out on silverware during his first stint, his return proved historic, guiding the Mariners to their first-ever ISL Shield. Habas's ability to manage high-profile players across both spells, instill a winning mentality, and consistently compete at the top level gives him the edge over Jose Molina, who won the ISL double in his debut season with the Mariners. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
HT Kick Off: ISL: The way forward?
As draft documents go, it is heavy on promise for All India Football Federation (AIFF) and clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL). It pitches alignment with global best practices – and that alone should be why AIFF and clubs must go for it – but then gives another reason: compliance with the new draft constitution. For ISL double winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the Salt Lake stadium was a fortress last season. (Samir Jana/HT) So, what's not to like? A lot as it turns out. No promotion and relegation in ISL for the next 10 years for one. Apart from what's-in-it-for-us for I-League clubs, it is not in line with what was proposed and accepted in 2019 by Asia's apex body. And since, as part of the proposal, it is AIFF's responsibility to deal with Asian Football Confederation and FIFA, I am guessing the onus will be on the federation to explain why. After allowing promotion for two seasons, ISL proposes to be a closed league again, the difference being that this time it will also be India's top tier competition. The argument that I-League clubs have not helped improve the standard is complicated. True, Mohammedan Sporting hit a new high in abjection and have been beset by financial problems but Punjab FC also qualified through that route and have shown they can compete. In their second season, Punjab FC finished above two teams that have been in ISL way longer. Even after parachute payments, 10 of the last 15 teams promoted to the Premier League went down the next season but that has not got the world's most watched league to stop relegation. For the second successive Premier League season all three promoted teams have gone down. Surviving in the top tier is difficult – Nottingham Forest needed 57 signings and some £125m to make an impact – everywhere but how can clubs not be allowed to dream of doing what Ipswich Town (1961-62), Forest (1977-78) and Kaiserslautern (1997-98) did? All three won the top league in the season they were promoted. And if off-the-field problems are the ones that worry those who conceived ISL, well, it would be difficult to look beyond what hit Hyderabad FC in 2023-24. Financial problems led to the club being hit with transfer bans and a host of players leaving months after head coach Manolo Marquez did. Clubs formed with ISL have had protection from relegation for 11 seasons. Granted, it takes time to grow the culture but how much have they done to suggest they are on the right path and would need insulation for another 10 years? Joint-venture: Are clubs able? The plan to form a company to run ISL is in line with global best practices and the document lists the Big Five in Europe and Asian countries doing it. As far as I know, the document or its contents was shared with clubs before being sent to AIFF. And that they had agreed in principle with the proposals. But should six ISL clubs failing the Premier 1 license test not come in the way of them being co-owners of ISL? More so, because this was hardly the first time ISL clubs flunked licensing tests. Should FC Goa, NorthEast United, Odisha FC, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters and Mohammedan Sporting therefore be allowed to own a stake in a joint-venture company despite not meeting all the licensing requirements? ISL double winners, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, Chennayin FC, Mumbai City FC and East Bengal made the grade after paying fines. The only club to have ticked all the boxes? Punjab FC. Punjab FC, promoted from I-League in 2023-24, were the only ISL club to clear the licence test without paying a fine. ( ISL) While it is indeed best practice to allow clubs to have a say in the running of a competition that is about them, what is not clear is why that company should also get to own rights for national team matches in perpetuity? As per the draft document, national team matches will be the property of a company where AIFF, technically sole guardians of all India teams, has only 14% stake. What was AIFF doing? The document was sent to AIFF in March. It was read out in the next executive committee meeting but why were copies not circulated? Wouldn't that have given the members a chance to better engage with ideas meant to shape the future of ISL, India teams and AIFF's responsibilities? Also, when it was known to all that the current agreement ends in 2025, why was the conversation over the future of AIFF-FSDL relationship stalled after it began in 2023? It was sub-judice then, it is sub-judice now. And if AIFF has an answer to Bhaichung Bhutia's question, we are yet to hear it. They went, listened and had pizza, Bhutia said in his latest salvo on AIFF. Accepted in this form, AIFF could have a lot to answer for. For now, though reports of ISL not happening may be somewhat exaggerated, as are claims that clubs are not working the transfer market, but it is likely the 2025-26 season will not start in September. That has hit the Durand Cup. Clubs have pulled out of the world' third oldest tournament because it makes no sense to start pre-seasons as usual when the start of the season is likely to be delayed. PLAY OF THE WEEK PLAY OF THE WEEK
Indian Express
18-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
FIFA lifts transfer ban on ISL club Mohun Bagan Super Giants
Football's global governing body FIFA has lifted the transfer ban on Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Tuesday clearing the way for the club to sign new players for the upcoming season. The ban was imposed on May 5 over non-payment of dues to the Australian striker Jason Cummings' former club Central Coast Mariners of Australia. It took just more than a month to revoke the ban as the club acted proactively. Mohun Bagan had submitted a 107-page document to FIFA and responded to two subsequent queries from the governing body. 'Mohun Bagan submitted a 107-page document to FIFA and thereafter there were two queries, and finally the disciplinary committee has sent a mail lifting the ban,' a Mohun Bagan Super Giant official told PTI. Unlike Mumbai City FC, whose similar ban took nearly three months to be lifted, Mohun Bagan managed to resolve the issue within a month. The news comes days after a new president Debasish Dutta and general secretary Srinjoy Bose took charge of the club. However, the ban did not significantly impact the club as the summer transfer window opened last week on June 9, giving them plenty of time to build on the team for the coming ISL season. Mohun Bagan will also be able to feature in the continental tournament this year after they had to pull out last time due to a ban by the AFC. The continental body had sanctioned a fine and banned the Kolkata-based club from the AFC Champions League 2 after the team decided to withdraw from a league match in Iran citing concerns related to the political tensions in the Middle East between Isarel and Iran. The Indian club withdrew from the match against Tractor SC and didn't travel to the city of Tabriz inviting ban from AFC under the competition regulations.
India Today
17-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
FIFA lift Mohun Bagan's transfer ban within a month of announcing punishment
The transfer ban on Mohun Bagan Super Giant was on Tuesday lifted by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, clearing the way for the club to sign new players ahead of the upcoming ban, imposed on May 5 over non-payment of dues to Australian striker Jason Cummings' former club Central Coast Mariners, was revoked following prompt action by the Bagan had submitted a 107-page document to FIFA and responded to two subsequent queries from the governing 'Mohun Bagan submitted a 107-page document to FIFA and thereafter there were two queries, and finally the disciplinary committee has sent a mail lifting the ban,' a Mohun Bagan Super Giant official told Mumbai City FC, whose similar ban took nearly three months to be lifted, Mohun Bagan managed to resolve the issue within a transfer window opened on June 9, and the club can now proceed unhindered with its team-building efforts for the new news comes days after a new president Debasish Dutta and general secretary Srinjoy Bose took charge of the club.
