India’s football journey through 2025 is a masterclass in planning, rhythm, and strategic buildup. From age-old domestic tournaments to high-stakes international qualifiers, here’s your ultimate guide.
Major Domestic Tournaments to Watch
- Durand Cup (July 22 – August 24, 2025): Asia’s oldest football competition returns in its 134th edition, co-hosted across Kolkata, Kokrajhar, Shillong, Imphal, and Jamshedpur. Northeast United begin as defending champions.
- Indian Super League (2024–25 season; September to playoffs): The ISL kicks off mid-September. Notable matchups include Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Mumbai City FC. Playoffs will follow, culminating in May.
- I‑League (2024–25 season): Running parallel to ISL, the I-League continues through the season with regular fixtures.
- Indian Women’s League (Jan 10 – April 13, 2025): India’s premier competition for women's football concluded in April, showcasing major domestic talent.
- Santosh Trophy (Nov 15 – Dec 31, 2024–25): Though finishing in December, its significance continues into 2025. West Bengal claimed their 33rd title.
Super Cup Spotlight: April’s Knockout Action
Super Cup 2025 (April 20 – May 3): Hosted at Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium, this knockout tournament featured 16 top clubs. FC Goa retained the title with a dominant 3-0 victory over Jamshedpur.
Indian Football Player list 2025
| Name | Date of Birth | Position | Current Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaith, Vishal | 1996-07-22 | Goalkeeper | Mohun Bagan Kolkata |
| Bheke, Rahul | 1990-12-06 | Right Back | Bengaluru FC |
| Bose, Subhasish | 1995-08-18 | Centre Back | Mohun Bagan Kolkata |
| Jhingan, Sandesh | 1993-07-21 | Centre Back | FC Goa |
| Singh, Tekcham Abhishek | 2005-01-02 | Right Back | Punjab FC |
| Ali, Anwar | 2000-08-28 | Centre Back | East Bengal Club |
| Rai, Asish | 1999-01-27 | Right Back | Mohun Bagan Kolkata |
| Ralte, Hmingthanmawia | 2000-05-31 | Centre Back | Mumbai City |
| Singh, Mehtab | 1998-06-05 | Centre Back | Mumbai City |
India's National Team Matches in 2025
The Indian senior team under new coach Manolo Márquez will have a packed year:
- March 19: Friendly vs Maldives in Shillong. India wins 3-0.
- March 25: Goalless draw vs Bangladesh.
- June 4: Friendly against Thailand at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.
- June 10: AFC Asian Cup Qualifier vs Hong Kong at Kai Tak.
- October 9: Qualifier vs Singapore at home.
- October 14: Away fixture vs Singapore.
- November 18: Away qualifier vs Bangladesh in Sylhet.
- March 31, 2026: Final group qualifier vs Hong Kong.
Month-by-Month Overview of Key Fixtures
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Indian Women’s League |
| March | Friendlies and Santosh Trophy Finals |
| April–May | Super Cup (Kalinga Stadium) |
| July–August | Durand Cup |
| September | ISL Season Begins |
| October | AFC Qualifiers vs Singapore |
| November | AFC Qualifier vs Bangladesh |
| December | Domestic League Matches Continue |
| March 2026 | Final Qualifier vs Hong Kong |
Why These Fixtures Matter in 2025?
- Friendlies serve as warm-ups for qualifiers.
- Durand and Super Cup provide competitive momentum ahead of ISL.
- Women's League highlights the rising status of women's football.
- Santosh Trophy strengthens regional talent identification.
From March’s friendlies to November’s crucial qualifiers and through domestic showcases like the ISL and Durand Cup, 2025 promises to be an impactful year for Indian football. Fans and stakeholders should keep an eye on these matchups as the Blue Tigers aim higher, both regionally and internationally.
Also Read: 2026 FIFA World Cup: Start Date, Fixtures and More
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
