ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City FC sign Nuno Reis ahead of the new season

Nuno Reis joins the Islanders on a short-term deal.

Mumbai City FC ropes in Portuguese Centre-Back Nuno Reis ahead of the new Indian Super League (ISL) season, which kicks off on the 14th of February 2026. The 35-year-old Centre-back, joins the Islanders with a lot of experience. playing in various leagues around the world.

With the 2025-26 Indian Super League season set to kick off on 14th February, excitement is gaining in Indian football. This move brings back an interesting full-circle moment for Reis, who was first linked with Mumbai City FC in 2024 during his time at Melbourne City. But apart from that, the Portuguese defender surprised many by joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2024.

Nuno Reis adds experience to Mumbai City FC

Nuno Reis is an experienced player who can lead the defense line of Mumbai City FC this season. With his marks from various leagues, his arrival for this short-term season could add much stability to the team.

The Portuguese defender, who previously featured for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, is now set for a new challenge with Mumbai City FC. Came through the Sporting CP youth academy, Reis widely played his most football in the A-League with Melbourne City FC, where he won three A-League Premierships and the 2021 Championship. Then he joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2024.

But despite that, Green and Marron’s stint was not like a fairytale for Nuno; then he joined UD Santarem. Ahead of the upcoming ISL season, Nuno Reis joins Mumbai City FC on a short-term deal, till the end of the season, as Mumbai City FC looks to build positively despite the challenges.

How does this move impact Mumbai City FC?

Mumbai City FC’s signing of Portuguese centre-back Nuno Reis looks like a direct response to the void left by Tiri’s departure, both in terms of quality and leadership at the back. Tiri was the organizer of Mumbai’s defense for years, and his exit meant the Islanders needed an experienced, calm presence who could marshal the backline and handle high-pressure moments.

Reis fits that profile well. With his vast experience across Europe and Australia, he brings composure, strong positional sense and an ability to read the game, traits that can immediately stabilize a defense that looked vulnerable at times last season.

Beyond just replacing Tiri, Reis also adds balance to Mumbai City’s playing style. His comfort on the ball allows the team to continue building from the back, something that has been central to Mumbai’s identity. At the same time, his leadership can help organize younger defenders and improve communication during transitions and set pieces.

While Tiri’s influence will be hard to replicate overnight, Nuno Reis gives Mumbai City FC a reliable, experienced option who can anchor the defense and help the club maintain its standards as it looks to compete strongly in the upcoming ISL season.

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