Punjab FC Unveils 27-Member Squad for ISL 2026-27 Season
Punjab FC's Squad Announcement
Punjab FC has revealed a 27-member roster for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, showcasing a blend of seasoned players and ten academy graduates. This initiative underscores the club's dedication to nurturing local talent, as stated in their press release.
Kickoff Details
The Shers will commence their ISL journey with a home match against Odisha FC on Wednesday, October 14, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The team aims to combine a robust domestic foundation with strategically chosen reinforcements as they embark on their fourth ISL season.
Squad Composition
Head Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis, in his inaugural season, has assembled a squad that maintains continuity while introducing fresh talent across all positions. Fourteen players from the previous season's ISL team have been retained, including national representatives Bijoy Varghese, Ricky Shabong, Muhammed Uvais, Nikhil Prabhu, and Muhammad Suhail F. The foreign contingent features Patrick Bahanack, Mickaël Malsa, Diego Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya, and Raphaël Messi Bouli, alongside new domestic signings Mohammad Inam and Gurkirat Singh.
Emphasis on Homegrown Talent
The squad includes ten academy graduates, an increase from last season, who earned their spots through impressive performances in age group leagues and the recent IFA Shield, where the Shers reached the semifinals. Notable inclusions are goalkeeper Ayush Deshwal, midfielder Manglenthang Kipgen, and forwards Muhammad Suhail F and Vishal Yadav, along with defenders Ngarin Shaiza, Sohel Khan, Karish Soram, midfielders Bishu Sharma, Laishram Rishikanta Meitei, and forward Konsam Sanathoi Singh.
Head Coach's Confidence
Ahead of the new season, Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis expressed optimism about the squad's preparedness, stating, "This team is constructed with a clear vision of our playing style, and I am pleased with the balance we have achieved. We possess experience in every area, alongside ten young players from our academy who have earned their positions through hard work. The ISL presents a challenging schedule, and every player will have a role to fulfill. The team has trained well, and the enthusiasm in the locker room is palpable; we are ready to start."
Coaching Staff
Supporting the Head Coach are Assistant Coach Georgios Angelidis and Indian Assistant Coach Sankarlal Chakraborty, with Christos Vorgiatzidis serving as the Strength and Conditioning Coach and Vinay Singh as the Goalkeeping Coach.
Squad Breakdown by Position
All three goalkeepers from the previous season have been retained, with the experienced Arshdeep Singh leading the group alongside young talents Muheet Shabir and Ayush Deshwal.
The defensive lineup will be spearheaded by Bijoy Varghese, Muhammed Uvais, Suresh Meitei, and Khaiminthang Lhungdim, complemented by new signing Patrick Bahanack and academy graduates Ngarin Shaiza, Sohel Khan, and Karish Soram.
In midfield, Punjab FC boasts a dynamic mix of creativity and energy, with Mickaël Malsa and Manglenthang Kipgen expected to drive the attack, supported by Nikhil Prabhu, Ricky Shabong, and Mohammad Inam for stability. Bishu Sharma and Rishikanta Meitei, who impressed during the IFA Shield, will inject youthful vigor into the squad.
The forward line features a blend of experience and promise, with Raphaël Messi Bouli starting strong with three goals and three assists in the IFA Shield. Other foreign signings Diego Raposo and Alfred Planas Moya have also made a solid start. Muhammad Suhail, a rising star, will add pace on the wings, while versatile Leon Augustine can adapt to various roles. Local talent Gurkirat Singh, along with Under-20 Indian international Vishal Yadav and Sanathoi Singh, will provide additional options.
Punjab FC Squad for Indian Super League 2026-27
Goalkeepers: Arshdeep Singh, Muheet Shabir, Ayush Deshwal
Defenders: Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Ngarin Shaiza, Jephthe Patrick Gerard Bahanack, Mohammed Sohel Khan, Bijoy Varghese, Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei, Muhammed Uvais Moyikkal, Karish Soram
Midfielders: Naravi Nikhil Jayantha Prabhu, Mickaël Ramon Vincent Malsa, Ricky John Shabong, Bishu Sharma, Laishram Rishikanta Meitei, Manglenthang Kipgen, Mohammad Inam
Forwards: Raphaël Éric Messi Bouli, Diego Henrique Oliveira Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya, Leon Augustine, Muhammad Suhail F, Bikash Singh Sagolsem, Konsam Sanathoi Singh, Vishal Yadav, Gurkirat Singh.