ISL 2025-26: Jamshedpur FC predicted line up for the upcoming season
ISL Shield-winning coach Coyle is back at the Furnace
With just a few days remaining for the commencement of the new Indian Super League season, the Men of Steel have kick-started their preparations in full swing. After coach Khalid Jamil left for the national team, JFC roped in Owen Coyle, the man who previously helped Jamshedpur become the Champions of India in 2022.
Jamshedpur FC have parted ways with their captain Javi Hernandez, alongside their two foreign striking duo of Javi Siverio and Jordan Murray. They acquired the services of French talisman Madih Talal, who was impressive with Punjab during his maiden stint in India.
Apart from that, they bolstered their attacking unit by signing Raphael Messi Bouli from Cameroon and I-League winner Nikola Stojanovic from Serbia. They retained their core players, including the likes of Stephen Eze, Lazar Cirkovic, Rei Tachikawa, Md Sanan, Pronay Halder and Albino Gomes.
In this article, we take a closer look at how Jamshedpur FC can lineup in the new Indian Super League season. We also find out if the squad looks good enough on paper to become the dark horses of the tournament and shock the country, just like they did back in the 2021-22 season.
Jamshedpur FC Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper – Albino Gomes
There is no wonder that when it comes to being the last man of defence, the Red Miners couldn’t have asked for someone better than Gomes. The Goan custodian holds the record for making the most penalty saves in the history of this competition.
Albino made a comeback to the Indian top flight after playing in the I-League. His quick reflexes and crucial saves in clutch moments played a significant role in propelling JFC into the semi-finals last season.
Right back – Nikhil Barla
The local lad from a small village in Khunti had a meteoric rise last season. He was a top player last season under Khalid Jamil and made those overlapping and accelerated runs from the right flank.
What makes Nikhil the best is his flexibility to switch positions. He fared well even when the team asked him to contribute offensively. Barla is a graduate of the esteemed Tata Football Academy. From playing for the reserves side to making a name for himself in the Indian top flight, Barla still has a long way to go.
Centre back – Stephen Eze
The Nigerian defender has always spoken highly about Owen Coyle, and destiny has made their paths intersect again in the Steel City for the third time. Eze was part of JFC when Coyle first took over the reins from Antonio Iriondo in 2020.
There is no slightest hesitation in admitting that Eze has been their best signing last season. Not only did Eze contribute to the defence, but his solo goal against Mohun Bagan was one of the top contenders for the Goal of the Season last year.
Centre back – Pratik Chaudhari
Pratik was under scrutiny last season after Jamshedpur FC were going through a series of heavy defeats. But, the defender from Gujarat has been a veteran, who has played for various teams in the ISL, including the likes of Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters FC.
He will be tasked with the responsibility of making an impregnable defence alongside Eze or Lazar Cirkovic. Owen Coyle will even have the flexibility of playing Cirkovic alongside Eze and push Pratik in the left back position, but for that to happen, he will need to bench either Tachikawa or Talal.
Left back – Sarthak Golui
Sarthak is not a proper left back, but played a few games in the Durand Cup in the wing-back position. After Uvais left the Steel City, there are growing concerns about whether the left flank will be exposed to attacking threats from the opposition.
Golui is a veteran in ISL and has been playing in the ISL since 2017, when he was part of FC Pune City before making a switch to Mumbai City FC, East Bengal and Bengaluru FC. Coyle will even have a chance to play young Praful Kumar, who made a switch from Chennaiyin FC.
Defensive midfield – Pronay Halder
Pronay has been ageing like a fine wine. Despite growing concerns over his fitness, Halder has proved his mettle for the Red Miners. He played a crucial role in helping the Red Miners win the ISL Shield during his time as a loanee in 2022.
He captained Jamshedpur FC in the Durand Cup, and what makes Pronay a noteworthy inclusion in the squad is his immense experience. The former India international will be tasked with the responsibility of providing that defensive stability in the midfield for the Red Miners.
Attacking midfield – Madih Talal
Finally, the stars have aligned for Madih Talal and Owen Coyle to play together. Owen has been a huge admirer of the Frenchmen’s skills and technical abilities since his Chennai days. Talal will be expected to fill the boots of JFC’s departing captain, Javi Hernandez, who was absolutely brilliant last season.
Talal has previously plied his trade in the French top division Ligue 1 with Amiens and also rubbed shoulders with international stalwarts like Mike Maignan and Serhou Guirassy. All eyes will be on the French maestro to deliver a commanding performance in the offence for the Red Miners.
Attacking midfield – Rei Tachikawa
The Japanese Samurai is a graduate of Osaka University. From scoring those golazos to strikes that pierced the opposition net, Tachikawa has been an absolute fan favourite in the Furnace. He is a reliable presence in the midfield and will be looking forward to making a name for himself in the upcoming edition.
Coyle will also have the option of bringing Nikola Stojanovic from Serbia in the second half, who is coming after winning the I-League with Inter Kashi.
Right winger – Vincy Baretto
Vincy has that raw pace, and the last time Vincy played in the Furnace under Owen Coyle, their team scored five against Jamshedpur. Vincy has previously played under Owen Coyle during his time in Chennai. The Goan lad has previously played for Kerala Blasters and Gokulam Kerala as well.
Vincy played some games for Jamshedpur in their Durand Cup campaign. Rosenberg Gabriel will be another option, and Coyle may be tempted to try playing him on the right flank as a substitute.
Centre forward – Raphael Messi Bouli
The Cameroonian striker has plied his trade with Kerala Blasters FC previously. Five years later, he made a return to India with East Bengal before making a move to the Steel City. He scored some crucial goals for JFC in the AIFF Super Cup and will be raring to go all guns blazing for the Men of Steel.
Owen Coyle will have a backup Indian striker in the form of Manvir Singh, who grabbed a lot of eyeballs during the Durand Cup campaign.
Left winger – Mohammed Sanan
Sanan was one of the top contenders for winning the ISL Emerging Player last season. He has been in sublime form for the Red Miners and also called to the national team camp, few months ago. He is a live wire in the flanks and has exceptional shooting skills too.
Sanan will have a lot of expectations from the Jamshedpur fans and the boy from Kerala will be keen to make the upcoming ISL season, one of his best seasons ever.
When will be the first match of Jamshedpur FC?
The first match of Jamshedpur FC on 15th February, 2026
Who will be the opponent in the first match of Jamshedpur FC?
Mohammedan SC will be the opponent as the season opener with Jamshedpur FC.
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.