Bengal’s Football Renaissance
In a nation largely dominated by cricketing headlines, the 2024–25 football season has brought West Bengal back to the fore — not just as a nostalgic powerhouse but as a present-day dominator of Indian football. With Mohun Bagan Super Giant edging past Bengaluru FC in a thrilling Indian Super League (ISL) final and West Bengal clinching the prestigious Santosh Trophy once again, the year has become a testament to the state’s enduring football culture and its resurgent dominance across formats. This dual triumph is more than a matter of silverware — it marks a reaffirmation of Bengal’s deep, historic relationship with the beautiful game. From the raucous Kolkata derbies to packed para matches in the monsoon, football in West Bengal has long been a matter of passion, pride, and identity. Historically, the sport’s roots in Bengal trace back to the late 19th century. Mohun Bagan’s legendary victory over the East Yorkshire Regiment in the 1911 IFA Shield final is etched not only in sporting history but also in India’s national consciousness. It was the first time an Indian team had defeated a British regiment in a major final — a moment that transcended sport and became a symbolic act of resistance. From that day forward, football in Bengal has never been merely a game; it has been an emotion.
Through the 20th century, West Bengal served as India’s football heartland. Clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting not only enjoyed fierce local followings but also formed the backbone of India’s national football output. Kolkata’s Maidan was the nursery of India’s finest footballing talents, and the state routinely dominated the Santosh Trophy, setting benchmarks for domestic excellence. Yet, as the rest of India moved towards newer sporting infrastructure and football hotspots emerged in Goa, Kerala, and the Northeast, Bengal’s hegemony began to fade. Crowds thinned, legacy clubs struggled financially, and the sport began to feel like a relic of a bygone era in its own home. But 2024–25 has brought winds of change — and glory. Mohun Bagan’s ISL triumph is not just about tactical superiority or financial muscle. It is about belief. Their win over Bengaluru FC, a club with recent pedigree and investment, marks a resurgence of traditional power in a restructured, franchise-driven era of Indian football. It speaks of a seamless blend of heritage and modernity — with the Mariners’ management investing in youth, analytics, and global exposure while staying rooted in their identity. Parallelly, West Bengal’s dominance in the Santosh Trophy reaffirms that the grassroots are thriving again. Unlike the ISL, which is club-centric and commercial, the Santosh Trophy is the crucible of state pride and raw, local talent. West Bengal’s triumph here shows that the production line is active, that the supply of determined, talented footballers from districts like Malda, Murshidabad, and Jalpaiguri is far from drying up. The wins also signal the importance of institutional support. The state government’s renewed focus on sports infrastructure — from upgrading stadiums to expanding training academies in the districts — has started to yield dividends. Several ISL players from Bengal have credited improved local conditions and coaching setups for helping them transition into competitive football. Meanwhile, club academies are now spotting talent earlier, leading to better grooming and competitive exposure.
However, for this moment to convert into a movement, consistent support is critical. West Bengal’s football legacy has always been people-powered. The fans — loyal, emotional, and loud — have continued to show up even during lean phases. This season, with stadiums filling up again and online fan groups swelling, the spirit of support is palpable. But it needs to be matched with a long-term vision — not just by clubs and government agencies, but also by private stakeholders willing to back the sport. Moreover, as Mohun Bagan aims to make a mark in Asian competitions and more Bengal players earn national call-ups, there’s an opportunity to build a robust talent pipeline. Efforts must also be made to revive women’s football, which remains underrepresented despite the state’s deep engagement with the sport. The 2024–25 season is a reminder — and a revival. That in a country chasing cricketing glories and global football fandom, there still beats a heart that chants “Goal!” with unmatched fervour. West Bengal has not just returned to form; it has reclaimed its place. And if this momentum is sustained, the next decade of Indian football could very well be scripted from the lanes of Howrah, the fields of North Bengal, and the timeless Maidan of Kolkata.
