The 2025–26 season will be remembered forever as the year East Bengal FC rose again. After decades of heartbreak, failed rebuilds, and endless disappointment, the Red and Gold Brigade finally brought glory back to their supporters with a historic campaign filled with trophies, unforgettable nights, and emotional moments across Indian football.
The crowning moment arrived on Thursday night at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan when East Bengal FC defeated Inter Kashi 2–1 to become champions of the Indian Super League 2025–26. The victory ended a 22-year wait for a national league title and triggered scenes of pure emotion inside a packed stadium covered in red and gold.
As the final whistle blew, tears rolled down the faces of supporters, players collapsed onto the pitch in disbelief, and chants echoed around the stadium deep into the night. Generations of East Bengal fans had waited for this moment. Kolkata had waited for this moment.
The road to the title, however, was far from easy.
East Bengal entered the final day knowing only a victory would guarantee the championship. With Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC also involved in the title race, pressure surrounded Oscar Bruzon’s side from the opening whistle.
Things became even more difficult in the 14th minute when Inter Kashi silenced the home crowd through Alfred Planas. A perfectly timed attacking move caught the East Bengal defence off guard before Planas produced a clinical finish to put the visitors ahead.
For a brief moment, fear and anxiety returned to the stands. Supporters who had dreamed of witnessing history feared another painful ending.
But this East Bengal side had spent the entire season fighting back from adversity.
After struggling to find rhythm in the first half, the Red and Gold Brigade emerged after the break with renewed belief and aggression. In the 50th minute, league top scorer Youssef Ezzejjari brought East Bengal level after latching onto a brilliant through ball and calmly finishing past the goalkeeper.
The equaliser completely changed the atmosphere inside Kishore Bharati Krirangan. The crowd roared with belief as East Bengal pushed forward searching for the decisive goal.
That historic moment finally arrived in the 73rd minute.
Bipin Singh delivered a dangerous cross into the box and Mohammed Rashid reacted quickest to guide the ball into the net, sending the stadium into absolute chaos. Fans erupted in celebration as East Bengal moved closer to ending their long wait for glory.
Even during the closing moments, tension remained high as updates continued to arrive from the other title-deciding fixtures. Mohun Bagan SG staged a dramatic comeback victory in their own match, while Mumbai City FC also remained mathematically alive in the race.
However, East Bengal held their nerve.
When the referee blew the final whistle, 22 years of pain disappeared instantly. The Red and Gold Brigade finished the campaign on 26 points with a superior goal difference to secure the Indian Super League title ahead of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, while Mumbai City FC ended third.
The ISL triumph became the defining achievement of a remarkable season for East Bengal.
Earlier in the campaign, the club also lifted the Calcutta Football League trophy, re-establishing their dominance in Kolkata football. The CFL victory gave supporters early signs that something special was building.
East Bengal also came painfully close to adding more silverware during the season. In the IFA Shield final, they suffered a heartbreaking defeat against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in another emotionally charged Kolkata Derby. Later, the Red and Gold Brigade reached the Super Cup final but fell short against FC Goa despite an impressive run throughout the tournament.
While the men’s team produced a historic comeback season, East Bengal Women added another glorious chapter to the club’s story.
The Moshal Girls dominated Indian women’s football and lifted the Indian Women’s League 2025–26 trophy with a series of commanding performances. Their success ensured that the season became memorable for the entire East Bengal family, not just the men’s side.
The achievements of both teams reflected the transformation that took place at the club over the last one and a half years under Oscar Bruzon’s leadership. After years of instability, coaching changes, and failed projects, East Bengal finally found a winning direction again.
More than trophies, the 2025–26 season restored belief among millions of supporters across the country. From packed stadiums and emotional celebrations to unforgettable derby nights and dramatic comebacks, East Bengal once again became one of the biggest stories in Indian football.
For the fans, this season was about much more than silverware.
- It was about redemption.
- It was about patience.
- It was about finally seeing the Red and Gold Brigade return to where they truly belong — at the top of Indian football.
India’s best – And this title stands as the reward for the process.
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