ISL reaches 1,000 matches: A Decade of Footballing Milestones

As the fourth match of the eighth match week of the Indian Super League between Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC ended at the JLN Stadium in Chennai, it marked a significant moment in the history of the league.

The game was the 1000th game in the league marking a decade of footballing milestones in the country.

From its inception in 2014, the ISL has transformed Indian football, growing from an eight-team competition to a 13-team league that stands as the country’s premier footballing showcase.

Over these 1,000 games, the ISL has produced unforgettable moments, and incredible records, and has helped elevate the profile of Indian football both domestically and internationally.

With the ISL now entering its 11th season, it’s worth looking back at the remarkable journey that has brought us here. From the first goal scored to the historic milestones in match wins, title triumphs, and individual achievements, the league has been a fertile ground for footballing talent, drama, and growth.

In this article, we take a trip down memory lane to relive some of the key milestones, record-breaking feats, and unforgettable matches that have defined the ISL's first 1,000 games.

Key Milestones: Pioneering Moments in ISL History

Since its inaugural season in 2014, the ISL has seen several landmark moments that have shaped its legacy and solidified its place in the annals of Indian football history.

The First Goal: The very first goal in ISL history was scored by Fikru Teferra for ATK in a 3-0 win against Mumbai City FC on October 12, 2014. This goal not only set the tone for the competition but also marked the beginning of a new era for Indian football.

First ISL Champions: ATK (now ATK Mohun Bagan) made history by becoming the inaugural champions of the ISL, defeating Kerala Blasters 1-0 in the final on December 20, 2014. This victory set the stage for the club's dominance in the early years, with ATK going on to win the title two more times (2016, 2020).

Milestone Title Wins: Over the years, six different teams have won the ISL title. ATK, Chennaiyin FC, and Mumbai City FC have been the most successful, with ATK winning the league three times, while Chennaiyin and Mumbai City have each lifted the trophy twice. Notably, Mumbai City FC's 2020-21 triumph was a breakthrough, as they became the first team to win both the League Shield and the Playoff title in the same season.

The First Indian Player to Score: Balwant Singh made history on October 15, 2014, as the first Indian player to score a goal in the ISL, netting for Chennaiyin FC in their clash against FC Goa.

The First Hat-Trick: In the very first season of the ISL, Andre Moritz became the first player to score a hat-trick, leading Mumbai City FC to a 5-0 victory over Pune City FC on October 18, 2014.

Record-Breaking Stats: Unforgettable Feats and Achievements

As the ISL has evolved, numerous records have been set, adding to the league’s rich history of footballing excellence. From top scorers to dramatic match stats, here are some of the most notable achievements.

Top Scorers: The ISL has seen some incredible goal-scoring feats over the years. Sunil Chhetri, India’s iconic striker, recently overtook Bartholomew Ogbeche to become the all-time leading goal scorer in ISL history with 64 goals, a remarkable feat for the Bengaluru FC captain. Ogbeche, with 63 goals, is not far behind and remains one of the league’s greatest strikers.

Fastest Goal: The record for the fastest goal in ISL history was set by Nerijus Valskis of Chennaiyin FC, who scored just 11 seconds into a match against FC Goa on 12 November 2020. This lightning-fast goal still holds the record for the quickest in league history.

Most Goals in a Single Game: The highest-scoring match in ISL history took place on February 27, 2021, when Odisha FC defeated East Bengal FC 6-5. The 11 goals scored in this match remain the most goals ever scored in a single ISL game.

Biggest Victory Margin: The most dominant performance in terms of scoreline came on November 17, 2015, when FC Goa trounced Mumbai City FC 7-0. This remains the largest margin of victory in ISL history, a match that also doubled as the 100th game of the league.

Most Cards in a Game: The record for the most number of cards shown in a game came in a match between Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant on December 20, 2023, when a total of 14 cards (7 yellow and 7 red) were handed out.

Memorable Matches and Moments: Drama, Glory, and Heartbreak

The ISL has provided some truly unforgettable moments, both on and off the field, with matches that will be remembered for years to come.

First Final (2014): The very first Indian Super League final on December 20, 2014, was a nerve-wracking affair, with ATK edging Kerala Blasters FC 1-0 to be crowned champions. The match was not just about the football on display, but also about setting the template for future finals, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.

The ISL’s 500th Game: The 500th game of the Indian Super League was played on December 18, 2020, when Jamshedpur FC triumphed 1-0 over NorthEast United FC. This match marked a significant point in the competition’s evolution, reflecting the growing professionalism and intensity of the league.

The 2022 ISL Final: Hyderabad FC became champions in the 2021-22 season with a 3-1 win over Kerala Blasters FC, sealing their first-ever title. The match was a thrilling encounter, marked by high drama, and showed how far the league had come in terms of quality and competitiveness.

Mumbai City FC's Historic 2023-24 Season: Mumbai City's 2-1 victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant on December 20, 2023, not only saw the Islanders emerge victorious but also witnessed the most red cards in ISL history, as seven players were sent off in a fiery encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats.

A New Era for Indian Football: One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the emergence of young Indian talent and foreign players alike. The league's ability to attract marquee international players in the early years, followed by a new generation of foreign stars and Indian talent, has helped raise the level of play and foster greater ambition among Indian footballers.

Reaching 1,000 matches in the Indian Super League is not just a statistical milestone but a testament to the league’s growth, its contribution to the development of Indian football, and the electrifying moments it has brought to fans across the country.

With each passing season, the competition has grown in stature, drawing larger audiences and captivating football lovers across India and beyond.