ISL 2025-26 Golden Gloves Race: Five goalkeepers tied on five clean sheets in a thrilling battle

Hrithik Tiwari has the highest chance to win the ISL Golden Glove

The final matchday of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 is here, as the league enters its decisive phase. There are 5 teams heading into this matchday as title contenders. East Bengal are the top contenders along with their arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan SG. Both sides will face easier sides on 21st May, respectively. Not only will Mumbai City and Punjab FC clash for the last time in the last match, but they are also in the title-winning contention. Jamshedpur FC will face Odisha FC and are also in serious contention.

As the league slowly gets into its business at the end of the time, the race for the ISL Golden Gloves has become one of the most important and exciting battles to watch out for on the last match day.

Several good goalkeepers made their name in the list. Unlike the Golden Boot race, where the goals are the final thing, in this scenario, saves and anticipation played a big part for the team. Saving crucial goals to build from the back and also the distribution has currently played a big part in modern football.

Players like Hrithik Tiwari, Phurba Lachenpa, Prabhsukhan Gill, Vishal Kaith and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu registered their names in this list. These five goalkeepers in the ISL are currently tied with five clean sheets under their belt.

Take a look at the ISL Golden Gloves list.

5. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – Bengaluru FC

The veteran keeper from Bengaluru FC has made this ISL Golden Glove list with his immense experience in this Indian football circuit.

He kept five clean sheets and emerged as a standout star for the Blues. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu played around 1170 minutes this season and saved 38 shots from the rival’s end. Sandhu continues to prove himself again in this season as he is the oldest goalkeeper in this list.

But if we see history, then we can remember in the 2019-20 season, Gurpreet had 11 clean sheets for Bengaluru FC. He is more of a reflex-based goalkeeper with a very traditional manner, not like a ball playing keeping option from the back. Gurpreet’s leadership quality has also been very impressive for Bengaluru FC.

4. Prabhsukhan Singh Gill – East Bengal FC

East Bengal FC are the league leaders ahead of their game against Inter Kashi FC in the ISL 2025-26 season’s last matchday. The Red and Gold Brigade are the favourites to win the league after 22 years, and if they can pull this off, then Prabhsukhan Singh Gill will be the most important player for Oscar Bruzon’s side.

His last-minute save in the Kolkata Derby might be one of the highlights this season. He played around 1080 minutes and stopped 31 designated balls from getting into his own net. For Kerala Blasters FC, he also put in some great numbers for The Tuskers when he made 7 clean sheets.

Gill’s inclusion in this list indicates East Bengal’s positive result this season. The defensive pairing of Kevin Sibbile and Anwar Ali has also played a big part in his performance.

3. Vishal Kaith – Mohun Bagan SG

The last line of defence of Mohun Bagan SG, Vishal Kaith, has been really impressive in almost every season he has played for the green and maroon brigade. Vishal Kaith kept the highest number of clean sheets in the 2024-25 ISL season.

Despite it not being his best season, Vishal Kaith still has an impressive achievement to his name, having played 1080 minutes, the same as Gill. However, with Mohun Bagan SG’s defensive line struggling to find consistency this season, Kaith will need to shoulder even greater responsibility at the back.

2. Phurba Lachenpa – Mumbai City FC

Phurba Lachenpa has emerged as one of the standout performers for the Islanders in the Indian Super League 2025-26 season. Mumbai City FC have played some of the most attractive football this campaign, and Lachenpa has been a key figure in their system.

Having played around 990 minutes, the goalkeeper has impressed not only with his crucial saves but also with his excellent game reading and vertical passing ability. In Mumbai’s fast-transition style of play, Lachenpa’s composure and distribution from the back have played a vital role in helping the team outplay opposition defences.

1. Hrithik Tiwari – FC Goa

FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari has emerged as an important player in Manolo Marquez’s system this ISL season. Calm and composed under the goalposts, Tiwari has played a key role for the Gaurs throughout the campaign. FC Goa currently sit seventh in the ISL points table after completing all their matches this season.

While the Gaurs may not have played their best football consistently, their last line of defence delivered several strong performances. Hrithik Tiwari kept five clean sheets, made 25 saves, and played around 900 minutes this season.

He tops the list despite playing fewer minutes than the others, thanks to his command inside the penalty box and his calm nature on the ball. Tiwari remains a crucial player for FC Goa, a team that prefers to build from the back and maintain possession-based football.

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