2025: A Year of Struggles and Triumphs in Indian Football

Overview of Indian Football in 2025

The year 2025 was tumultuous for Indian football, marked by significant challenges, yet the women's and junior teams shone brightly amidst the turmoil.

A Painful Defeat

One of the most heartbreaking moments occurred in November during the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers held in Dhaka. Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu witnessed a slip as Bangladeshi midfielder Sheikh Morsalin scored, resulting in India's first defeat to Bangladesh in over two decades. This loss epitomized a year of setbacks, as the men's team failed to qualify for the Asian Cup for the first time since 2011 and dropped further in the FIFA rankings.

Messi's Tour and Its Implications

The much-anticipated Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour attracted attention but also exposed the disarray within the sport. The initial match at Salt Lake Stadium turned chaotic, tarnishing the country's football reputation. Although subsequent matches in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi were better organized, the event did not address the underlying issues, highlighting the instability of Indian football.

Administrative Challenges

Off the pitch, the All India Football Federation struggled to find a new commercial partner after its contract with Football Sports Development Limited ended in December. This led to the suspension of the Indian Super League, leaving clubs inactive, sponsors withdrawing, and players facing uncertainty about their futures. The crisis exposed deep-rooted governance issues, a lack of vision, and inadequate youth development frameworks.

Legal and Governmental Interventions

The year was also characterized by Supreme Court hearings and interventions from the union sports ministry. President Droupadi Murmu called for unity among stakeholders to ensure the sport's survival. Although the Supreme Court approved a new AIFF Constitution in September, tangible progress remained elusive, highlighting the fragile state of football administration in India.

Glimmers of Hope

Despite the challenges, the women's national team made history by qualifying directly for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, defeating Thailand in the final. Sangita Basfore's two goals symbolized hope and progress. Additionally, East Bengal FC became the first Indian club to win a match in the main draw of the AFC Women’s Champions League.

Junior Teams Shine

The junior teams also made headlines by winning the SAFF U-17 Championship in Sri Lanka and qualifying for their 10th U-17 Asian Cup finals after a stunning victory over Iran. These accomplishments provided a glimpse of optimism in an otherwise challenging year.

Conclusion

The 2025 season for Indian football was marked by humiliations, administrative chaos, and suspended leagues. However, the achievements of the women's and junior teams reminded fans that progress is achievable, even as the senior men's team and administrators faced significant hurdles.