ISL 2025-26: Kerala Blasters FC sign Rowllin Borges ahead of new season

Rowllin Borges joins Kerala Blasters FC ahead of the 2025-26 season

Kerala Blasters FC have bolstered their midfield options with the signing of experienced Indian international Rowllin Borges, who joins the club from FC Goa ahead of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season. This signing finally comes after the departure of a lot of players from Kerala Blasters FC.

Renowned for his composure on the ball, tactical awareness and ability to dictate the tempo of a match, Borges adds valuable top-level experience to the Blasters’ squad at a crucial stage, as the club looks to bring greater control and stability to the middle of the park.

Rowllin Borges adds valuable experience in the midfield

Rowllin Borges has carved out a reputation as one of the most reliable and accomplished midfielders in Indian football over the last decade. The defensive midfielder has featured for several top clubs across the Indian Super League, including Northeast United FC, Mumbai City FC, FC Goa and East Bengal, consistently proving his value with his discipline, positional awareness and calm presence in the centre of the pitch. His longevity at the highest level reflects not just his fitness, but also his ability to adapt to different systems and tactical demands.

Over the years, Borges has enjoyed considerable success at club level. He is a 2-time ISL Shield winner and a 1-time ISL Cup winner, playing key roles in title-challenging sides. Having crossed 130 appearances in the ISL, he stands among the league’s most experienced midfielders. While his primary role has always been to shield the backline and maintain structure, Borges has also helped offensively, scoring 11 goals and providing 6 assists, underlining his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch when required.

At the international level, Borges has been a trusted figure for the Indian national team, earning 36 caps and scoring 2 goals for the Blue Tigers. His experience on the international stage, combined with his vast club pedigree, makes him a dependable option in high-pressure situations.

What does he bring to Kerala Blasters FC?

Rowlin’s arrival gives Kerala Blasters much-needed experience and composure in midfield, along with a strong leadership presence both on and off the pitch. His ability to read the game, hold his position and maintain structure in the middle of the park could prove crucial as the season wears on, especially for a side looking to regain balance and control during matches.

With his experience, Borges is also expected to play an important role in guiding younger players and steadying the team in difficult phases.

However, the signing comes at a time of growing concern around the club’s overall direction. Kerala Blasters have let go of all their foreign players, while academy prospects Azhar and Aimen were also released recently, raising serious questions about squad depth and long-term planning.

The departures point towards a major reset, but they also leave the team short on experience and options, making Rowlin’s presence even more significant as the club navigates a challenging and uncertain phase of the season.

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