ISL 2025-26: NorthEast United FC season review

A season of promise that never took flight culminated in 9th-place finish

NorthEast United FC’s Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season has been defined by inconsistency, missed opportunities, and their inability to convert potential into results. 

The Highlanders kicked off the 2025-26 season with a bang as they were crowned the Durand Cup title for the second consecutive time. But as the regular season began, that cup-winning momentum evaporated. 

Beset by defensive fragility and a slow start, Juan Pedro Benali’s men spent most of the season playing catch-up and eventually enduring a 9th-place finish in the ISL points table.

NorthEast United FC managed to register only four wins and four draws and suffered five defeats in the process, a certain dip compared to the Highlanders’ recent standards.

NorthEast United FC’s performance in ISL 2025-26

Top performers

Jairo Samperio 

Jairo Samperio emerged as one of the brightest sparks for NorthEast United FC in a difficult ISL campaign.

His goal-scoring abilities and creativity provided a much-needed attacking outlet. His experience and calmness in the final third were vital to win crucial points.

He racked up three goals to his name, the joint-most by any Highlanders in the 2025-26 season.

Also Read: ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City FC season review

Pathib Gogoi

Parthib Gogoi finished the ISL 2025-26 season as NorthEast United FC’s joint Indian goalscorer alongside Jithin MS.

The Highlanders’ young prodigy featured in all 13 games and experienced 789 minutes under his belt. 

Gogoi recorded two goals and three assists to his name in the recent ISL season. His quick pace and high-energy impacts while coming off the bench make him one of the standout performers in NorthEast United FC’s struggling campaign.

Underperformer of the season

Dinesh Singh

Dinesh Singh had an underwhelming ISL 2025-26 season with NorthEast United FC. While the defender did manage to score once, his overall performances failed to live up to expectations.

The defensive struggles of the Highlanders were evident throughout the campaign, with the team conceding 21 goals in just 13 matches, the third-highest tally in the league behind Mohammedan SC and Odisha FC.

Dinesh was unable to provide the defensive solidity NorthEast United needed, making it a difficult season for both the player and the club.

Top performances of the season

• NorthEast United FC 4-1 Chennaiyin FC
• NorthEast United FC 2-0 Mohammedan
• NorthEast United FC 3-2 Inter Kashi

Managerial report card

Juan Pedro Benali remains a well-respected figure in the league’s history. The Spaniard maintained belief within his squad despite going through a poor stretch of runs. Benali showed immense faith in young talents like Dipesh Chauhan, building a core for the future. 

The Highlanders finished the season on a stronger note with three back-to-back wins against Inter Kashi, Chennaiyin FC, and Mohammedan SC.

The eventual ninth-place finish underlined that NorthEast United FC lacked the consistency required to compete for the silverware. 

Lessons learned from the season

NorthEast United FC’s slow start ultimately derailed their ISL 2025-26 campaign.

The Highlanders lacked defensive stability and consistency and dropped crucial points in the important juncture of the league.

However, NorthEast United FC’s young Indian squad continues to be a valuable long-term asset for the club under the watchful eyes of experienced Juan Pedro Benali.

Fan’s view

The season was frustrating more than disappointing for the Highlanders. There were quality performers to suggest the team could fight with stronger opponents, yet the results often failed to reflect the potential.

What’s next for NorthEast United FC?

The foundation remains in place for a stronger 2026-27 campaign. There is enough talent within the squad to challenge themselves higher up the points table.

NorthEast United FC need to add proven match winners in the forward line and a defensive stalwart to rejuvenate their playoff dream from the upcoming season.

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