NorthEast United FC Clinches Durand Cup Title with Dominant 6-1 Win

In a stunning display, NorthEast United FC triumphed over Diamond Harbour with a 6-1 victory in the Durand Cup final, successfully defending their title. The Highlanders not only lifted the trophy but also saw their star player, Alaaeddine Ajaraie, win both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards for his outstanding performance. Goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh also earned the Golden Glove for his exceptional skills. This victory marks a historic moment as NorthEast United FC becomes the first team since 1991 to defend the Durand Cup title. Discover more about the match highlights and individual accolades in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 24, 2025, 01:51 IST

NorthEast United FC Triumphs in Durand Cup Final

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 24: NorthEast United FC showcased an impressive performance, successfully defending their Durand Cup title with a commanding 6-1 victory against Diamond Harbour in the final held in Kolkata on Saturday.

This victory marks a significant achievement, as the Highlanders are the first team to defend the Durand Cup since East Bengal FC accomplished the feat in 1991, according to a statement from the Indian Super League (ISL).

In addition to lifting the prestigious trophy, NorthEast United FC also claimed several individual accolades following the tournament.

Here’s a detailed list of the award recipients:

Golden Ball: Alaaeddine Ajaraie

The standout player of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, Ajaraie, continued his excellence in the Durand Cup, earning the Golden Ball award. He scored eight goals and provided three assists throughout the tournament, proving to be the driving force behind NorthEast United FC's success.

Golden Boot: Alaaeddine Ajaraie

Ajaraie also secured the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer, netting eight goals—three more than Luka Majcen and Liston Colaco, who each scored five. His remarkable scoring ability was evident as he maintained his impressive form.

Golden Glove: Gurmeet Singh

The Golden Glove award, recognizing the best goalkeeper of the tournament, was awarded to Gurmeet Singh of NorthEast United FC. His team managed to keep two clean sheets and conceded only five goals over six matches. This marks the second consecutive season that Gurmeet has received this honor, having previously won it in 2024 when NorthEast United FC claimed the trophy.