Mohun Bagan SG (MBSG) have scripted history by becoming the first club to successfully defend the ISL Shield. This season has been one of the most dominant and consistent campaigns in the club’s illustrious history. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the collective effort of the entire squad. Whether it was the starting lineup or impact players off the bench, every individual contributed to securing the prestigious silverware.
Under the leadership of head coach Jose Molina, Mohun Bagan SG displayed a winning mentality throughout the season, defended the shield in champion style with numerous new records, 17 wins by a single team, the most in ISL history, and a record-breaking total of 56 points, including 11 home wins, a feat never achieved by any single club in ISL history with 15 clean sheets.
While the team’s success has been built on collective brilliance, certain individuals have delivered standout performances that played a pivotal role in the Shield triumph. Here’s a look at those key performers who were instrumental in MBSG’s successful title defense.
Subhasish Bose: A Season to Remember
Local hero Subhasish Bose, the captain who sailed the boat in this campaign for the Mariners, delivered an impactful performance both offensively and defensively. With six goals, he set the record for the most goals by a defender in a single ISL season. His ability to contribute in attacking set-piece situations, along with an assist, made him a vital asset.
Defensively, Bose has been equally formidable. He recorded seven interceptions in a single match against Hyderabad FC—the highest in the 2024-25 season. Additionally, he ranks among the top defenders with 39 successful tackles and 43 interceptions. His performances have earned him a nomination for the ISL Golden Ball, and with the playoffs still ahead, he has the opportunity to further etch his name into the club’s history.
Alberto Rodriguez: Defensive Rock and Set-Piece Threat
Alongside Subhasish, Spanish defender Alberto Rodriguez has been a crucial component of Mohun Bagan SG’s backline. Not only has he been solid defensively, but he has also made his mark in attack, scoring five goals this season. Four of these goals came from corners, highlighting MBSG’s efficiency in set-piece situations.
Rodriguez’s strength, positioning, and aerial ability have made him a constant threat in the opposition’s box. His defensive partner, Tom Aldred, has also played a significant role, contributing two goals and leading the team in defensive blocks with 13.
Jamie Maclaren: The Clinical Finisher
Australian forward Jamie Maclaren arrived at Mohun Bagan SG with high expectations, given his five A-League Golden Boot titles. After a slow start, he hit his stride and finished the regular season with 11 goals and two assists, just two strikes away from becoming the second-highest scorer for the Mariners in a single season. He has been particularly lethal in high-stakes matches, scoring three goals in the Kolkata Derby. Maclaren also completed 95 touches in the opponent’s box.
Maclaren’s movement inside the box and clinical finishing make him one of the most dangerous strikers in the league. However, his contributions extend beyond scoring—he has played a crucial role in Molina’s high-pressing system, winning 27 duels and making 23 ball recoveries.
Greg Stewart: The Creative Spark
Scottish midfielder Greg Stewart has been the creative heartbeat of the team. Despite missing some matches due to injury, he has made a significant impact, registering two goals and five assists in 16 appearances.
Stewart has been instrumental in Mohun Bagan SG’s attacking play, creating 34 chances and delivering 29 key passes. His ability to dictate the tempo and unlock defenses with his vision has been invaluable for the team’s success.
Apuia: The Midfield Engine
While many ISL teams rely on foreign midfielders for stability, Mohun Bagan SG entrusted Apuia with the responsibility, and he has exceeded expectations. The Mizoram-born midfielder has been the link between defense and attack, controlling the game with his precise passing and defensive work rate.
Apuia has completed 746 passes in 19 matches with an 83% accuracy rate. His defensive contributions have been equally impressive, with 118 recoveries, 30 interceptions, and 15 clearances—making him one of the most dependable midfielders in the league.
Vishal Kaith: The role of Vital Vishal under the net
Vishal Kaith, the last line of defense for Mohun Bagan SG, has played a vital role in this historic campaign. He has achieved 14 clean sheets this season, the most by a goalkeeper in a single season in ISL history. Additionally, he has broken the record for the highest number of clean sheets in ISL history, reaching 53. He also left his mark by securing six consecutive clean sheets by a team in a single season, another remarkable feat in ISL history.
Jason Cummings: The Aussie strikes significantly in the shield defense campaign
Now, Cummings stands as the joint fourth-highest assist provider this season, with six assists and four goals in his 22 appearances. He also has a passing accuracy of 68%.
Tom Aldred: Wall at the back
Tom Aldred stood strong throughout his maiden ISL campaign. The Mariners brought in this Scottish wall this season. Tom played 1,966 minutes and made 23 appearances, completing 894 successful passes, winning 80 duels and 57 aerial duels, while making 74 recoveries with an 86% passing accuracy. And in attack, whenever needed, Tom stepped up and even contributed two goals.
The Supporting Cast of Mohun Bagan SG: Depth and Quality
Beyond these standout players, several others have played crucial roles in MBSG’s title-winning season. Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Dimitrios Petratos, Asish Rai have all contributed with key performances throughout the campaign.
A squad that has proven the importance of team play, Mohun Bagan SG has scored 47 goals this season and achieved a goal difference of 31, their highest in a single season. Their defenders had scored 14 goals, a feat never before seen in ISL history. The team has scored 11 goals from corners, something no other team has achieved in ISL history—and a total of 20 goals from set pieces, marking a first for Mohun Bagan SG in a single season. Dippendu Biswas, the 21-year old young lad, always left his mark on the field whenever he was called upon by Molina. The defender spent 956 minutes on the pitch and contributed 1 goal, with 82% passing accuracy.
Last but not least, they have become the first team to secure a playoff spot for six consecutive seasons.
Identifying the top performers in most teams is often straightforward, but Mohun Bagan SG’s squad depth makes this task challenging. The team’s strength in every department is what sets them apart and makes them worthy ISL Shield winners for the second consecutive season.
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