ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City FC season review
Mumbai City FC finished third in ISL points table
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season was a rollercoaster ride for Mumbai City FC, marked by tactical discipline, defensive resilience, and a narrow miss in the title race.
With a 13-match league this season, the competition was much condensed, and the challenges were bigger.
Petr Kratky’s men went toe-to-toe with the potential favourites as they finished third in league standings when the dust settled.
The Islanders showcased a pragmatic style of play in the recent edition of the league. Their season was defined by defensive masterclasses. Across 13 games they conceded only nine goals, the joint-best defensive record in the season.
Mumbai City FC’s performance in ISL 2025-26
Top performers
Lallianzuala Chhangte
Lallianzuala Chhangte was at the epicentre of Mumbai City FC’s offensive third.
The captain led by example once again as he recorded four goals to his name, finishing the season as the club’s top goal scorer.
Chhangte’s work rate, tactical prowess, and match-winning mentality were fully on display as the forward has been the heartbeat of Mumbai City FC’s forward line.
Phurba Lachenpa
Phurba Lachenpa holds the ultimate distinction for Mumbai City FC’s defensive excellence.
The goalkeeper was outstanding with his quick reflexes and shot-stopping skills throughout the season. He registered five clean sheets with the Islanders, playing an integral role in the Islanders’ backline.
Read more: ISL 2025-26: Mohun Bagan SG season review
Underperformer of the season
Jorge Pereyra Diaz
Returning for a second stint with Mumbai City FC, the expectations were sky-high for the Argentine forward.
However, Diaz struggled to find his rhythm, costing the Islanders his sensational goal-scoring prowess.
The forward was also on the sidelines for a certain period of time during the season due to injury. He featured in only six games of the season, where he racked up only one goal to his name, a huge dip from his past standards.
Top performances of the season
- Mumbai City FC 4-0 Mohammedan
- Mumbai City FC 2-0 Punjab FC
- Mumbai City FC 2-1 Inter Kashi
Managerial report card
Kratky deserves massive respect for keeping Mumbai City FC in the title chase since the very last match.
With a squad boasting several experienced campaigners in the form of Joni Kauko, Brandon Fernandes and young performers in the forms of Noufal PN and Puipuia, the head coach built a team that was difficult to break down.
Kratky’s tactical acumen and man management was on point all throughout the season. His pragmatic approach, squad rotation and faith in newcomers proved to be influential as the Islanders enjoyed another excellent season in the league.
Lessons learned from the season
Mumbai City FC lacked the presence of a prominent goal scorer in the centre-forward role. Jorge Pereyra Diaz’s injury and off form often left the striking zone void.
The absence of a clinical no. 9 made them drop crucial points in draws against SC Delhi and NorthEast United FC.
Kratky’s team was seen often relying on countermoves and actions from the flanks. However, they couldn’t make the most of their opportunities as they failed to convert those into goals as the chances went begging.
Fan’s view
Mumbai City FC have been very much in the ISL title race since the very last gameweek. The Islanders should be proud of their performance with a relatively compromised squad this year.
They edged out Mohun Bagan Super Giant to secure a narrow 1-0 win, that too in the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, to extend their dominance over the Kolkata giants in the ISL.
Noufal PN’s first-half strike sealed the victory for the Islanders as former MBSG players Nuno Reis and Kauko delivered commendable performances, while Phurba Lachenpa was outstanding under the bars to secure the crucial victory on the road.
On the other side, Mumbai City FC’s performance at the Mumbai Football Arena was excellent except for the 1-2 defeat against East Bengal FC.
Throughout the season, Kratky’s team may not have gifted a fancy brand of football, but their strategy and philosophy proved to be crucial as they finished third in the points table.
What’s next for Mumbai City FC?
Mumbai City FC wrapped up the ISL 2025-26 season with a third-place finish, securing 25 points from 13 games.
With the ISL hopefully set to return to its actual format in the upcoming season, squad depth and balance would be the deciding factor.
As the subsequent transfer window is just around the corner, Mumbai City FC have some immediate issues to fix. From signing a proper No. 9 to adding depth with Indian signings in midfield and defense, the Islanders need to make some tweaks in their squad to make an impact in the coming season.
How many points did Mumbai City FC record in the 2025-26 season?
MCFC recorded 25 points in the 2025-26 season.
Where did Mumbai City FC finish in the points table?
MCFC finished third 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.