Top five players in Kalinga Super Cup 2025

The fifth edition of the premier knockout football tournament witnessed some amazing performances.

The Kalinga Super Cup 2025 delivered a gripping display of high quality Indian football, with goals, drama, and standout performances across the board. While teams battled fiercely for the coveted trophy, a handful of players rose above the rest, leaving a lasting mark on the tournament.

When the dust settled, it was FC Goa who were crowned the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup winners following a dominant 3-0 win over Jamshedpur FC. The win made the Gaurs, the first ISL team to win two Kalinga Super Cup titles.

Here’s a look at the top five performers from this year’s edition of Kalinga Super Cup:

5. Hrithik Tiwari (FC Goa)

Between the posts, Hrithik Tiwari stood tall for the Gaurs as his saves and distribution helped them win their second Kalinga Super Cup title. The young goalkeeper registered two clean sheets in four cup matches, displaying excellent reflexes and composure under pressure.

His performance in the high-stakes semifinal was particularly crucial, as Odisha held firm against the fierce opposition of Mohun Bagan. Tiwari was once again in top form in the Final against the Red Miners as he commanded his defenders really well and stood firmly between the sticks.

4. Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC)

One of India’s most dynamic forwards, Lallianzuala Chhangte was once again among the standout Indian players in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025. The Mizo Flash scored three goals in three matches, as the winger tormented full-backs with his pace and direct play.

His contributions were vital in Mumbai City FC’s charge through the group stages and into the knockouts. It was Chhangte’s solitary goal in the quarterfinals which helped the Islanders get past Inter Kashi.

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3. Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

FC Goa’s attacking spearhead, Iker Guarrotxena, delivered when it mattered most, netting four goals in four Kalinga Super Cup appearances. His ability to find space inside the box, hold up play, and finish with clinical precision made him a constant threat for his markers.

Guarrotxena’s positional intelligence and work ethic added a layer of maturity to Goa’s front line. A highlight performance from the campaign for the Spaniard was the opening encounter against I-League side Gokulam Kerala FC. Guarrotxena scored three goals in the opening game and was a statement win early in the Gaurs’ Kalinga Super Cup campaign.

2. Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

Despite playing only two matches, Alaeddine Ajaraie lit up the Super Cup with three goals and an assist. His explosive pace, direct dribbling, and eye for goal gave NorthEast United FC, a vital edge in the group stages.

The Moroccan forward’s brief but brilliant campaign was a key reason behind the Highlanders’ early run in the competition. Following a record-breaking 2024-25 ISL campaign for NorthEast United FC, Ajaraie only proved his value to the side even more in the Kalinga Super Cup.

1. Borja Herrera (FC Goa)

Borja Herrera was the heartbeat of FC Goa’s attack, delivering consistently impactful performances with each passing game. The Spanish midfielder ended the tournament with four goals and two assists in just four Kalinga Super Cup games.

Whether it was a long-range screamer or a perfectly timed through ball, Herrera’s influence in the final third was unmatched. His vision, set-piece threat, and composure under pressure made him arguably the tournament’s most complete performer. A man-of-the-match performance in the Final against Jamshedpur FC further solidified his status as the best player in the tournament.

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