ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC season review

A season to forget for Chennaiyin FC 

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season will go down as one of the most grueling chapters in Chennaiyin FC’s history. The Marina Machans endured a frustrating campaign, marked by inconsistency, lack of cutting edge in the final third, and defensive lapses that prevented them from climbing the points table.

Under head coach Clifford Miranda, Chennaiyin FC finished 13th, just a spot above the bottom. They managed to secure only two wins, struggling heavily at both ends of the pitch.

A southern derby victory over Kerala Blasters FC may have sparked a positive change, but inconsistency and inefficiency in their on-field performances led to a disappointing season.

Chennaiyin FC’s performance in ISL 2025-26

Top performers

Mohammed Nawaz

Mohammed Nawaz remained one of the few Chennaiyin FC players to deliver defining performances in the 2025-26 season. The goalkeeper was outstanding throughout the season with his sharp goal-saving skills, sharp reflexes, and aggressive collection inside the box.

Nawaz’s brilliance inside the box helped the Marina Machans avoid big-margin defeats on a couple of occasions. He featured in all 13 games and recorded a couple of clean sheets to his name.

Irfan Yadwad

Irfan Yadwad was the silver lining in Chennaiyin FC’s forward line. The young forward brought in energy, work ethic, and fighting spirit but lacked support from his teammates.

Yadwad clocked 990 minutes in his 12 appearances and recorded two goals in the 2025-26 season. 

Underperformer of the season

Mohammed Ali Bemammer

Mohammed Ali Bemammer couldn’t make the impact that many Chennaiyin FC supporters anticipated ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Moroccan midfielder’s inability to dictate games and contribute decisively in key moments meant Chennaiyin FC looked short of ideas in the middle of the park.

He found it difficult to consistently influence matches with his game awareness and leadership attributes.

Top performances of the season

• Chennaiyin FC 1-0 Kerala Blasters FC
• Chennaiyin FC 1-0 SC Delhi

Managerial report card

Clifford Miranda was appointed as the first-ever full-time Indian head coach for Chennaiyin FC. However, the Marina Machans struggled to adapt to his pragmatic, defence-orientated setup.

Under the guidance of Clifford Miranda, Chennaiyin FC lacked consistency, struggled to create chances, and never got the rhythm over the course of the season. 

Lessons learned from the season

Chennaiyin FC’s over-reliance on direct play cost them points in situations where they could have settled for a draw. The fragile defence line was one of the many reasons behind their downfall in the recent campaign. 

The Marina Machans’ inability to string together positive results prevented them from finding the dynamic and ultimately ended in a 13th-place finish.

Fan’s view

Chennaiyin FC fans have remained loyal despite another trophyless season. However, a series of heavy defeats left supporters frustrated and yearning for better days.

The Marina Machans faithful want to see their club competing for championships once again and reclaiming its place among Indian football’s elite.

What’s next for Chennaiyin FC?

Chennaiyin FC need to make a complete squad overhaul if they want to make any serious impact in the coming season. 

The club should sign a proper goalscorer, better foreign recruits, and a clearly defined footballing philosophy to return to the playoff conversation. 

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