Top 5 teams with most Santosh Trophy titles

Kerala are the most successful Santosh Trophy team in this century.

The Santosh Trophy stands as a significant inter-state national football competition within India, epitomizing the country’s rich football heritage and talent pool. Since its inception in 1941 by the Indian Football Association (IFA), the tournament has been a crucible for nurturing footballing talent across various Indian states and government institutions under the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Here’s a look at the teams who have won the most Santosh Trophy titles.

5. Goa – 5 Titles

Goa, renowned for its football-crazy fervour, boasts a rich Santosh Trophy legacy, clinching the title five times. Making its debut in the 1964 Madras Nationals, Goa’s footballing journey has been punctuated by moments of brilliance. Despite a prolonged title drought, highlighted by their victory in the 2008/09 season, Goa’s footballing pedigree remains undisputed, reaffirming its status as a formidable force in Santosh Trophy history. In the latest Santosh Trophy edition, Goa have secured two wins and seven points from three matches, reaffirming its status as a formidable force in Indian football.

4. Services – 6 Titles

The Services team, comprising players from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, embodies resilience and discipline, attributes reflected in their six Santosh Trophy triumphs. From its inaugural victory in 1960–61 to their latest conquest in 2018–19, Services has etched its name in Santosh Trophy annals. Despite enduring a four-decade hiatus after its initial success, Services’ resurgence underscores its unwavering commitment to footballing excellence. Services’ triumphs resonate beyond football, symbolizing the spirit of unity and service ingrained in the armed forces. In the current tournament, Services stands strong in the first position of Group A, boasting three wins and nine points from four matches.

3. Kerala – 7 Titles

Kerala, with its fervent football culture, has carved a niche for itself in Santosh Trophy folklore, clinching the title on seven occasions. The team’s triumph in 2022, led by captain Jijo Joseph and head coach Bino George, showcased Kerala’s unwavering commitment to excellence. With a record four victories since the turn of the century, Kerala’s footballing prowess continues to resonate, underscoring its status as a perennial contender in the Santosh Trophy.

2. Punjab – 8 Titles

Punjab, a prolific producer of football talent in India, boasts an impressive record in the Santosh Trophy, clinching the title on eight occasions. Home to iconic players like Jarnail Singh and Inder Singh, Punjab’s footballing tradition runs deep, shaping the nation’s football landscape since independence.

Despite a dry spell in recent years, Punjab remains a formidable force in the competition, with a runner-up status equaling its title count.

1. Bengal – 32 Titles

Bengal stands tall as the undisputed leader in Santosh Trophy victories, clinching the title a staggering 32 times. Debuting in the 1941–42 season, Bengal quickly established dominance under the stewardship of legendary figures like Balaidas Chatterjee and Samar Banerjee. Their golden era between 1949 and 1959 saw them secure six titles, setting an unmatched standard of excellence.

Notably, Bengal’s recent victory at the 36th National Games of India in October 2022, under the stewardship of Biswajit Bhattacharya, affirmed its enduring legacy in Indian football. Despite a rich history, Bengal faced challenges in the latest Santosh Trophy edition and failed to make it to the Final Round.

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