Top 10 Football Clubs in India (2026)

The top football clubs in India in 2026 are led by Mumbai City FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, and Kerala Blasters FC, followed by Chennaiyin FC, Hyderabad FC, East Bengal FC, Jamshedpur FC, and Odisha FC. Together, these teams reflect the best of Indian football today, combining modern Indian Super League success with deep-rooted legacy, strong fan culture, and consistent on-field performance across seasons.

Indian football has transformed significantly over the past decade, evolving from a cricket-dominated afterthought into a sport backed by global investment and growing national pride. The launch of the ISL in 2014 introduced professional infrastructure, international influence, and commercial stability. However, trophies alone do not define greatness. In India, factors such as consistency, fan engagement, playing style, youth development, and historical significance matter equally. While ISL powerhouses dominate results in 2026, historic clubs continue to shape the identity and soul of Indian football.

Top ISL Football Clubs in India

1. Mumbai City FC

Owned by the City Football Group, a global football organisation that also owns Manchester City (England), New York City FC (USA), and other clubs around the world. Founded in 2014, Mumbai City FC has emerged as the modern benchmark of Indian football.
Competing in the Indian Super League and playing home matches at the Mumbai Football Arena, the club is backed by the City Football Group, owners of Manchester City. With two ISL Shields and two ISL Cups, Mumbai City FC is known for possession-based football, tactical discipline, and elite professionalism. Their smart recruitment, data-driven planning, and continental ambitions make them the most dominant club in India today.

2. Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Owned by the merged entity of Mohun Bagan AC and ATK (Atletico de Kolkata) under the RPSG Group. RPSG is the principal owner and investor of the ISL club. Founded in 1889, Mohun Bagan is the oldest active football club in India and the most successful in terms of trophies.
Now competing in the ISL, the club plays at Salt Lake Stadium and carries unmatched historical and cultural significance. Their iconic 1911 IFA Shield victory made them a symbol of Indian nationalism. With over 250 trophies across competitions, Mohun Bagan combines historic legacy with modern success, earning it a permanent place among India’s elite clubs.

3. Bengaluru FC

Established in 2013, Bengaluru FC transformed Indian football with its professional structure and strong community connection. Owned by JSW Sports, a division of the JSW Group, one of India’s largest industrial conglomerates. JSW also has interests in cricket and other sports. 
Playing at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the club set new standards for fan engagement and matchday culture. Bengaluru FC won two I-League titles and an ISL championship within their first five years, an unprecedented achievement. Their supporters, known as the West Block Blues, are famous for unwavering support, making the club one of the most respected teams in Indian football.

4. FC Goa

Owned by Goan Football Club Pvt. Ltd., with key stakeholders including Indian entrepreneur Jaydev Mody and Dattaraj Salgaocar. The club also has strategic partnerships in management and operations. Founded in 2014, FC Goa is synonymous with attacking football and creative flair.
Playing home matches at the Fatorda Stadium, the club embraces a free-flowing style inspired by Brazilian football culture. FC Goa made history as the first Indian club to qualify for the AFC Champions League group stage, elevating India’s continental presence. Regular ISL playoff appearances and entertaining performances have helped the club build a loyal fan base and a strong identity within Indian football.

5. Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC, founded in 2019, rose rapidly to prominence in the ISL despite limited resources. Owned by Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Society (SSCSS) with majority ownership by Varma Brothers and Rana Singh. The club represents a community + investor-backed model.
Playing at the Gachibowli Stadium, the club stunned the league by winning the 2021–22 ISL title. Known for resilience and tactical discipline, Hyderabad FC earned a reputation as comeback specialists. Their ability to identify undervalued talent and build cohesive squads has made them one of the smartest and most competitive clubs in the Indian Super League.

6. Chennaiyin FC

Owned by Chennai Sports Limited, which includes Indian film personalities Abhishek Bachchan, Youngberry Entertainment (Wynk), and the MA Chidambaram Group among its ownership group. Founded in 2014, Chennaiyin FC has built a reputation as one of the ISL’s most clutch teams.
Playing at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, the club is nicknamed the Marina Machans. With two ISL championships, Chennaiyin FC has consistently delivered in high-pressure matches. Despite operating in a cricket-dominated city, the club has developed a loyal fan base and remains one of the most successful teams in ISL history.

7. Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC, founded in 2014, boasts one of the most passionate fan bases in Indian football. Owned by Tusshar Entertainment (Prasad V Potluri) and Sachin Tendulkar (former Indian cricket captain) as a co-owner. Other celebrities and corporate investors have also been part of the club’s ownership.
Playing at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the club is backed by the famous Manjappada supporters, creating an electric matchday atmosphere. Although they have suffered multiple ISL final defeats, Kerala Blasters continue to draw full stadiums every season. Their emotional connection with fans and cultural impact make them one of India’s most influential clubs.

8. East Bengal FC

Owned and operated by the Emami Group in partnership with East Bengal Club’s managing committee. The Emami Group is the principal investor in the ISL team. Founded in 1920, East Bengal FC is one of Asia’s most historic football clubs.
Playing home matches at Salt Lake Stadium, the club represents resilience and the migrant identity of early Indian football. Although their transition into the ISL has been challenging, East Bengal’s fan base remains among the loudest in the country. Their rivalry with Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby is one of the fiercest and most iconic fixtures in Asian football.

9. Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC was founded in 2017 and is owned by Tata Steel, one of India’s most respected corporate groups. Playing at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, the club is known for strong management, youth development, and structured planning. Jamshedpur FC has established itself as a consistent performer in the ISL, regularly competing for playoff spots. Their emphasis on stability and long-term growth has made them a reliable presence in Indian football.

10. Odisha FC

Owned by the Government of Odisha (through the Odisha Sports Development and Promotion Policy) in partnership with GMS Inc. The club is supported by the state government and private stakeholders. Rebranded from Delhi Dynamos in 2019, Odisha FC plays its home matches at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The club has focused heavily on youth development, grassroots programs, and long-term planning. Strategic investments and improved infrastructure have helped Odisha FC grow steadily within the ISL. While still building consistency, the club has successfully expanded football’s reach in eastern India and continues to develop a growing regional fan base.

Read More: When Will ISL 2025–26 Start?

Historic and I-League Giants in Indian Football

Even as the ISL dominates headlines, the I-League remains the cradle of Indian football’s rich heritage. These clubs may not be in the top tier anymore, but their legacy is undeniable.

Mohammedan SC (Black Panthers)

1. Founded: 1891
2. League: ISL (returned in 2024–25)
3. Legacy: First Indian club to win the Calcutta Football League consecutively (1930s)
4. Cultural Significance: Represents Kolkata’s Muslim community with artistic flair

Mohammedan SC’s return to the ISL in 2024 was a moment of triumph. Once a dominant force in pre-independence football, they bring a unique cultural identity and flair to the modern game.

Churchill Brothers FC Goa

1. Founded: 1988
2. League: I-League
3. Golden Era: Dominated the National Football League pre-ISL
4. Trophies: 2 I-League titles, 3 Durand Cups
5. Status: Still fighting in the I-League- representing “Old Goa”

Churchill Brothers were the kings of Goa before FC Goa arrived. Their blue-and-white stripes are synonymous with Goan football pride. Though they’ve slipped in stature, they remain a symbol of resilience.

Aizawl FC

1. Founded: 1984
2. League: I-League
3. Underdog Story: 2017 I-League champions 
4. Northeast Pride: Symbol of Mizoram’s football rise

Aizawl’s 2017 title win was one of the greatest underdog stories in football history. They proved that passion, discipline, and local talent could overcome financial disparity.

Dempo SC

1. Founded: 1967
2. League: I-League (now inactive in top tiers)
3. Legacy: Goan giant, multiple-time national champions
4. Impact: Helped establish Goa as a football powerhouse before ISL

Dempo was once the most successful club in India. Their golden era in the 2000s laid the foundation for Goa’s footballing culture, influencing everything from coaching to fan engagement.

Gokulam Kerala FC

1. Founded: 2017
2. League: I-League
3. Achievement: Current I-League champions (2023–24)
4. Style: Aggressive, high-pressing football — popular in South India

Gokulam Kerala FC is the new face of I-League dominance. Their aggressive, high-energy style has made them crowd favourites — and their success proves the I-League still matters.

Shillong Lajong FC

1. Founded: 1983
2. League: I-League
3. Region: Popular North-East club
4. Legacy: Developed many Northeastern talents who moved to ISL

Shillong Lajong has been instrumental in developing talent from the Northeast — a region that now supplies some of India’s brightest stars.

Conclusion

The top 10 football clubs in India in 2026 reflect a beautiful duality — modern ambition meeting historic legacy. From Mumbai City FC’s European precision to Mohun Bagan’s revolutionary spirit, each club contributes uniquely to the fabric of Indian football.

Whether you’re drawn to the glitz of the ISL or the grit of the I-League, there’s something for every fan. And as the 2025–26 ISL season kicks off on February 14, 2026, the battle for supremacy will only intensify.

Football in India is no longer just a game- it’s a movement. And these clubs are leading the charge.

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