Indian football endured a turbulent 2025, marked by disappointment, uncertainty, and missed opportunities particularly on the men’s side.
The senior men’s national team failed to qualify for the 2026 AFC Asian Cup after managing just three wins in 11 matches, with a defeat against Bangladesh in their final outing underlining a forgettable campaign. Off the pitch, the Indian Super League (ISL), once projected as the engine of growth for the sport, entered a phase of instability, raising serious questions about governance, sustainability, and long-term direction.
Yet, amid the setbacks, Indian football was not without hope. The year also delivered several moments that reflected progress, resilience, and promise especially in women’s football and the youth ranks. From historic qualifications to landmark individual milestones, 2025 offered glimpses of what Indian football can achieve when systems align and preparation meets opportunity. Here are five moments that stood out as the brightest highlights of Indian football in 2025.
1. A Landmark Year for Women’s Teams in Asian Cup Qualifications
If one theme defined Indian football in 2025, it was the rise of the women’s game across age groups. The senior women’s team, along with the Under-17 and Under-20 sides, all qualified for their respective AFC Asian Cups a rare and encouraging achievement that showcased depth and structured development.
The Under-17 women’s team impressed by qualifying for the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup after victories over Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Their composure and tactical discipline reflected steady progress under the youth development framework. The Under-20 women followed suit, defeating Turkmenistan and Myanmar to secure qualification for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, highlighting India’s growing competitiveness at the junior international level.
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Together, these results underlined a strong pipeline in women’s football one that is beginning to deliver results consistently rather than sporadically.
2. Senior Women Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026
The senior women’s team’s qualification for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup was arguably the most significant moment of the year. While India had technically qualified for the 2022 edition as hosts, the team was forced to withdraw after a COVID-19 outbreak within the squad. The 2026 qualification, therefore, carried added emotional and sporting value.
Placed in a group with Mongolia, Thailand, Iraq, and Timor Leste, India produced commanding performances. They thrashed Mongolia 13–0, defeated Timor Leste 4–0, and overcame Iraq 5–0, underlining their attacking depth and defensive solidity. The decisive match came against Thailand, where India showed character. After taking the lead and conceding an equaliser, the team responded in the second half, with Sangita Basfore scoring the crucial goal that sealed qualification.
The campaign was not just about results it was about belief, execution, and the sense that the women’s team is finally building momentum on the continental stage.
3. Under-17 Men’s Team Stuns Iran to Qualify for AFC U-17 Asian Cup
In a year where the senior men’s team struggled, the Under-17 men’s side delivered a result that lifted spirits nationwide. Coached by Bibiano Fernandes, the India Colts qualified for the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup after a gritty campaign in Ahmedabad.
Drawn into a challenging group alongside Iran, Lebanon, Chinese Taipei, and Palestine, India began with a 1–1 draw against Palestine, followed by a confident 3–1 win over Chinese Taipei. A loss to Lebanon put qualification in jeopardy, but the team responded in dramatic fashion by defeating Iran 2–1 in their final group match.
The victory over Iran one of Asia’s traditional youth powerhouses was a statement of intent. It showcased tactical maturity, mental resilience, and the impact of continuity in youth coaching, with Bibiano Fernandes once again demonstrating his ability to deliver at this level.
4. East Bengal’s Historic Run in AFC Women’s Champions League
At the club level, East Bengal FC’s women’s team delivered one of the most memorable campaigns of the year. After winning the 2024–25 Indian Women’s League, East Bengal carried that confidence into the continental stage, qualifying for the 2025–26 AFC Women’s Champions League.
They navigated the preliminary rounds with authority, topping their group after victories against Phnom Penh Crown and Kitchee. Their balanced approach combining attacking intent with defensive discipline—earned widespread praise and secured a place in the group stage.
Drawn alongside Bam Khatoon (Iran), Wuhan Jiangda (China), and FC Nasaf, East Bengal faced elite opposition. They defeated Bam Khatoon 3–1 but fell short against Wuhan Jiangda and Nasaf, missing out on progression. Even so, their performance marked a breakthrough moment for Indian women’s club football and set a new benchmark for future continental campaigns.
5. Ryan Williams Becomes Eligible to Represent India
One of the most intriguing developments of 2025 came off the pitch. Australian-born winger Ryan Williams officially became an Indian citizen after renouncing his Australian citizenship in November, making him eligible to represent the Indian national team.
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Williams, who previously played for Bengaluru FC in the ISL, has just one international appearance for Australia. Under FIFA eligibility rules, that allows him to switch national allegiance. At 32, the winger brings experience, pace, and professionalism qualities the Blue Tigers have often lacked in wide areas.
While his inclusion alone will not solve Indian football’s systemic issues, it represents a rare and noteworthy case of a foreign-born professional committing fully to Indian football.
Despite the challenges of 2025, these moments offered reassurance that Indian football still has pathways to progress. The task now is to ensure these flashes of success are not isolated peaks, but part of a sustained climb forward.
