Top five players to watch out for in Super Cup 2025 knockout stages

East Bengal, Punjab FC, Mumbai City, and FC Goa have qualified for the semi-finals.

With the AIFF Super Cup 2025 down to its final four, we are just five games away from deciding which team will be the champions for the 2025-26 season. The semi-finals are scheduled to be played on December 4th, with the Red and Gold brigade taking on Punjab FC and the Islanders locking horns with the Gaurs.

The winners of the competition will find an automatic playoff spot in the AFC Champions League 2. A shot at continental glory is sure to motivate the players to make their mark in what will be one final push for the trophy.

With so many talented players across all four teams, matches might be decided from moments of individual brilliance or resilience. On that note, let’s take a look at five players who can make a difference for their teams in the knockouts.

5. Sandesh Jhingan – FC Goa

The last time we saw Sandesh Jhingan in action was against Bangladesh, where he cut a frustrated figure as his team lost to their neighbours in a crucial qualifying fixture.

With FC Goa also falling short in the prestigious AFC Champions League two, losing all five matches, it hasn’t quite been an ideal second half of 2025 for Sandesh Jhingan.

The Super Cup provides him the opportunity to turn things around and pick up more silverware, the same trophy twice in the same year, at that too.

Playing in their own backyard with crowd support, Jhingan will be expected to lead the backline with his usual grit and rigour, making things very difficult for opposition forwards.

4. Iker Guarrotxena – FC Goa

Widely regarded as one of the best technically gifted players in the Indian circuit, Guarrotxena has often flattered to deceive.

While his talent and ability are unquestionable, he is yet to take charge of a team and lead them to a title, something that we associate with the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Ferran Corominas, Bartholomew Ogbeche or Roy Krishna. He isn’t ISL royalty just yet.

However, the Super Cup gives them a great platform to test their abilities. Having played a key role in their Cup victory last time, the Spaniard will be baking himself to find his perfect form ahead of an impending Indian Super League season.

3. Lallianzuala Chhangte – Mumbai City FC

Lallianzuala Chhangte has established himself as one of the most consistent Indian forwards with his consistent performances for Mumbai City in the Indian Super League (ISL) over the previous few years. After having been handed the captaincy of his club, the winger now shoulders more responsibility than ever.

Equipped with potent skill and an eye for the goal, Chhangte has been looking to regain his lost form of late. Paired with the likes of Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Jorge Ortiz up front, his chances at goal may look slim, but he can take on the mantle as the main creator for his team.

On his day, Chhangte is extremely difficult to defend against, and the Mumbai fans will be hoping for more of such days soon, starting with the Super Cup semi-final on the 4th.

2. Muheet Shabir – Punjab FC

Muheet Shabir Khan has been a vital individual for Punjab FC in their Super Cup campaign. The 2023-24 Golden Glove winner with Real Kashmir came up with major saves as he featured in all three PFC matches in the group stage.

In fact, it was one crucial moment that sealed Punjab’s spot in the semi-final, and the entire team has Shabir to thank for his incredible execution of skill. With Bengaluru and Punjab tying for points, h2h and goal difference, the match went into a penalty shootout.

All five of Shabir’s teammates converted, while so did everyone for Bengaluru except Ryan Williams, who saw his strike saved by Shabir in goal.

1. Miguel Ferreira – East Bengal FC

Miguel Ferreira has been a huge threat to opposition teams since joining the Torchbearers earlier this year. Gifted with a wand on his left foot, Miguel showcased his skill in the Kolkata Derby, a goalless draw that propelled East Bengal past their arch rivals Mohun Bagan and into the knockout stages of the Super Cup.

Patient under pressure and a foul magnet in his own right, Ferreira was a menace to Bagan for the entirety of the 90 minutes. He didn’t score or assist, but his mere presence on the field was enough to buy time for his team and deny the Mariners any chance on a crucial evening for his team.

Going into the knockouts, Miguel will be the ace up Oscar Bruzon’s sleeve to have a shot at lifting the Super Cup for the second time after 2024.

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