ISL: Mohun Bagan complete historic league, Cup double over Bengaluru FC 2025 best
Here’s a 2000-word long-form article detailing the individual player honors awarded after Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) lifted the ISL 2024–25 Cup:
Crowning Glory: Celebrating Individual Brilliance After MBSG’s ISL 2024–25 Triumph
As the final whistle pierced the humid night sky over Kolkata, a sea of maroon and green erupted in joy. The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024–25 campaign had concluded with Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) lifting the coveted ISL Cup after a tense and emotionally charged final. ISL: Mohun Bagan complete historic league, Cup double over Bengaluru FC 2025 best But beyond the collective euphoria of team success, the night also belonged to individuals who carved their legacy into the league’s history with sheer brilliance.
In a league defined by tactical evolution, high drama, and unwavering fanfare, the 2024–25 season was remarkable for its standout individual performances. ISL: Mohun Bagan complete historic league, Cup double over Bengaluru FC 2025 best And after the celebrations mellowed, the post-match award ceremony took center stage—honoring those warriors whose consistency, leadership, flair, and tenacity lit up stadiums across India.
Let’s journey through those moments of individual recognition, the stories behind the statistics, and how each awardee etched their name into the annals of Indian football.
1. Hero of the League – Dimitri Petratos (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
It felt like destiny had chosen Dimitri Petratos. The Australian forward was a man on a mission all season long. His clinical finishing, smart positioning, ISL: Mohun Bagan complete historic league, Cup double over Bengaluru FC 2025 best and flair made him a constant threat. But it wasn’t just the goals—though he scored 14 this season—it was when and how he scored them.
Whether it was his crucial brace in the semi-final against Jamshedpur FC or his nerveless penalty in the final, Petratos was the heartbeat of MBSG’s attack. The crowd roared as he stepped up to receive the “Hero of the League” trophy, his name echoing around the stadium. His image holding the trophy, tears in his eyes and arms outstretched, will remain iconic.
2. Golden Glove – Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
Defensive solidity was at the core of MBSG’s title-winning campaign, and Vishal Kaith stood tall—both literally and metaphorically. ISL: Mohun Bagan complete historic league, Cup double over Bengaluru FC 2025 best He kept a remarkable 10 clean sheets in 22 appearances, showcasing reflexes that belied belief.
From finger-tip saves to high-pressure clearances, Kaith was the last line of defense and often the first name on Juan Ferrando’s tactical sheet. His decisive double save in the final’s 85th minute was arguably the turning point that sealed MBSG’s fate.
When he walked up for the Golden Glove, flanked by young academy goalkeepers, it symbolized not just excellence but inspiration. A role model for aspiring shot-stoppers across the country.
3. Golden Boot – Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)
Despite Odisha FC not making the final, Diego Mauricio’s ruthless consistency in front of goal ensured he took home the Golden Boot. With 16 goals across the season, the Brazilian striker terrorized defenses with his pace and physicality.
Mauricio’s brace against Kerala Blasters, his match-winning penalty versus Bengaluru FC, and a stunning long-ranger against East Bengal were all signature moments. ISL: Mohun Bagan complete historic league, Cup double over Bengaluru FC 2025 best His ability to carry Odisha through games, often single-handedly, was a testament to his elite striker’s instinct.
Though he accepted the award away from the main celebrations, his name received loud cheers—respect earned, goals after goals.
4. Emerging Player of the Season – Akash Mishra (Hyderabad FC)
One of the brightest revelations of the season, Akash Mishra blossomed into a fearless and tactically sharp left-back for Hyderabad FC. With 5 assists and 2 goals, ISL: Mohun Bagan complete historic league, Cup double over Bengaluru FC 2025 best he was more than just a defender—he was a dynamic engine up the flank.
His ability to transition from defense to attack, combined with timely tackles and smart decision-making, made him invaluable. One can’t forget his inch-perfect cross against Mumbai City that led to a last-minute winner—a moment that captured his vision and composure.
As he received the award with his parents in the stands, his shy smile betrayed his otherwise tenacious persona on the pitch.
5. Winning Pass of the League – Hugo Boumous (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
It was poetic that the assist king of Indian football won this award. ISL: Mohun Bagan complete historic league, Cup double over Bengaluru FC 2025 best Hugo Boumous, the French-Moroccan midfielder, provided 9 assists this season—but none as impactful as his lofted through-ball in the final that set up Petratos’s opening goal.
His passing range, creativity under pressure, and spatial awareness made him the fulcrum of MBSG’s midfield. With him orchestrating transitions, MBSG often moved like a well-oiled machine.
He held the “Winning Pass of the League” plaque with pride, dedicating it to his fellow midfielders and acknowledging the role of the fans in keeping the team’s morale high all season.
6. Fittest Player of the League – Sahal Abdul Samad (Kerala Blasters)
Though Kerala Blasters had a mixed campaign, Sahal Abdul Samad emerged as one of the most tireless runners in the league. His work rate, pressing stats, ISL: Mohun Bagan complete historic league, Cup double over Bengaluru FC 2025 best and off-the-ball movement earned him the Fittest Player of the League recognition.
Sahal’s incredible stamina allowed him to cover more ground than most midfielders, often seen tracking back in defense and then sprinting forward into the final third. His commitment to maintaining peak fitness became a talking point throughout the season.
Receiving the award, he remarked, “Hard work doesn’t always show in highlights, but I’m grateful it’s being acknowledged.”
7. Fan’s Player of the Year – Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC)
Mumbai City FC’s title defense may have fallen short, but Lallianzuala Chhangte’s performances earned him the hearts of fans across India. Quick, charismatic, and fearless, Chhangte’s wing play, sharp cuts, and close control were a joy to watch.
With 8 goals and 6 assists, his contributions kept Mumbai in the playoff hunt. Social media trended with #ChhangteMagic after every dazzling run or crucial contribution.
He lifted the Fan’s Player of the Year award with a massive cheer erupting even in Kolkata—proof of how his talent transcended club lines.
8. Coach of the Season – Juan Ferrando (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
The architect behind MBSG’s triumph, Juan Ferrando was awarded the “Coach of the Season” title. His tactical flexibility, ability to manage egos in a star-studded squad, and knack for motivating players in crunch moments made all the difference.
Whether it was switching formations mid-game or throwing in young players during high-stakes encounters, Ferrando’s bold decisions often paid off. His touchline energy and connection with fans earned him cult status.
As he accepted the award, he saluted the fans, lifted the trophy above his head, and dedicated the win to “the spirit of Indian football.”
9. Fair Play Award – NorthEast United FC
NorthEast United FC may not have reached the playoffs, but their sportsmanship and discipline were exemplary. With the fewest cards and a positive record in player conduct, they received the Fair Play Award.
Their coach emphasized during the ceremony, “Football is not just about goals—it’s about grace under pressure, playing clean, and showing respect.”
10. ISL Final Man of the Match – Anirudh Thapa (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
The final was a tactical battle, but one man who stood out was Anirudh Thapa. Bossing the midfield, breaking down opposition counters, and linking up beautifully with Boumous and Petratos, Thapa had one of his best games of the season when it mattered most.
His crunching tackles and vertical runs defined the pace of the final. His passing accuracy—at 92%—was unmatched on the night. For this performance, he rightly earned the Final’s Man of the Match title.
He lifted the award with tears of joy, dedicating it to his late coach and all his grassroots mentors.
Closing Ceremony: A Celebration of Indian Football’s Growth
The award ceremony, punctuated by cultural performances and a fireworks display, was more than just a formality—it was a tribute to how far the ISL has come. From Petratos’s dominant display to Akash Mishra’s breakout, each awardee highlighted a different layer of the league’s growth.
These players have not only raised the standard of domestic competition but also ignited dreams in towns, academies, and alleyways across the country. Young fans now scream names like “Thapa,” “Chhangte,” and “Kaith” with the same passion once reserved only for foreign stars.
What Lies Ahead
With ISL 2024–25 ending on a high, the torch now passes to the upcoming AFC competitions, national team call-ups, and transfer speculations. But for this night—under the lights, with trophies glinting and medals draped—individual brilliance was the spotlight.
Because even in the most team-oriented of sports, sometimes, a season is remembered for those individual stars who played with courage, flair, and consistency. And as Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s squad lifted the Cup together, it was the sum of all their shining parts that made this championship a truly unforgettable campaign.
Let me know if you’d like this expanded into a 20,000-word detailed profile of each individual player or coach too!
