ISL 2025-26: FC Goa season review
FC Goa finished 7th in league standings
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season was a story of inconsistency and missed opportunities for FC Goa. For a club that have been long established with their possession-based, attacking brand of football, the recently concluded campaign offered an identity crisis for the Gaurs.
Under the leadership of head coach Manolo Marquez, FC Goa clinched Super Cup title but failed to replicate their Cup-winning performance in the ISL as they finished seventh in the points table.
The Gaurs showcased moments of brilliance and stayed firmly in the title race for much of the campaign, yet inconsistency in key moments prevented them from mounting a title challenge.
FC Goa’s performance in ISL 2025-26
Top performers
Dejan Drazic
Dejan Drazic was the undisputed heartbeat of FC Goa’s attack. The Serbian attacker provided creativity, pace, and the end product in the final third.
Versatile in operating from the wings or as a no. 10, the Gaurs’ creative spark remained the same, effective with his influential game. He racked up six goals and three assists, spearheading The Gaur’s offensive unit with his sheer dribbling skills and vision.
Sandesh Jhingan
Sandesh Jhingan once again proved why he is considered one of Indian football’s most dependable centre-backs. His organisational skills were vital in maintaining defensive stability, where his game-reading ability helped the Gaurs navigate difficult challenges.
Jhingan featured in all 13 games and clocked 1170 minutes on the field while also recording a goal to his name. He brought leadership, experience, composure, and resilience to the Gaurs’ defence line throughout the season.
Underperformer of the season
Brison Fernandes
Brison Fernandes struggled to find his rhythm during the 2025-26 season. The creative youngster, who was adjudged the ISL Emerging Player of ISL 2024-25, finished the current season with a goal and two assists to his name.
While flashes of his quality were evident, Fernandes struggled to maintain the consistency that made him such a key figure in the earlier campaign. His talent remains unquestioned; the ISL 2025-26 season fell short of the expectations that he set for himself and the fans.
Top performances of the season
- FC Goa 3-1 Odisha FC
- FC Goa 2-0 Mumbai City FC
Managerial report card
FC Goa’s tactical identity throughout the ISL season looked fatigued, devoid of ideas and traditional rhythm.
Manolo Marquez’s team remained tactically disciplined and difficult to break down, but their inability to maintain a winning run limited their title hopes.
The Spaniard may have added yet another title to FC Goa’s cabinet, but their performance in the ISL wasn’t satisfactory.
Also Read: ISL 2025-26: Kerala Blasters FC season review
Lessons learned from the season
FC Goa dropped points in crucial moments, highlighting a clear lack of concentration and efficiency.
Marquez’s men also experienced shortcomings in their squad depth, limiting the head coach’s options in high-stakes games.
The Gaurs’ over-reliance on direct play and lack of goal-scorers from midfield severely hampered their tactical flexibility.
Fan’s view
FC Goa supporters will look back on the 2025-26 season with mixed emotions. The glimpses of brilliance throughout the campaign hinted that the team could have challenged for the title with consistency, but the Gaurs arguably rejoiced in their Super Cup victory at Fatorda.
What’s next for FC Goa?
The Gaurs could expect a massive overhaul in the offensive unit and an influx of clinical finishing options to improve their numbers in the final third.
FC Goa continues to possess one of the strongest footballing identities in the country, banked by a productive talent pipeline and a head coach capable of building a competitive side.
If the Gaurs can address their limitations they underwent in the 2025-26 season, they have every reason to believe they will emerge as the title contenders in the coming year.
How many points did FC Goa record in the ISL 2025-26 season?
FC Goa recorded 20 points in the ISL 2025-26 season.
Where did FC Goa finish in the points table?
FC Goa finished seventh in the points table.
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Shibashis is a sports journalist with over three years of experience covering Indian football. His work spans reporting, writing, and editing, with a strong focus on telling stories from across the Indian football landscape. Passionate about both Indian and European football, he continues to build his career by combining sharp reporting with a deep love for the game.