Top 5 youngsters who impressed in Super Cup 2025-26

Young players have played an important role for their teams in Super Cup 2025-26.

The 2025 AIFF Super Cup proved to be a platform of utmost entertainment for the Indian football fans at a period when uncertainty looms over the Indian Super League (ISL). The domestic cup competition was the host of some entertaining matches, with FC Goa ultimately reigning supreme by defeating East Bengal in the final to reclaim their Super Cup title.

There were some notable standouts in the Super Cup, including players who were able to produce some highly entertaining performances. While the experienced players did produce some strong performances in the Super Cup, there were also a few young players who really stood out with their performances.

These youngsters made a positive impact in their respective teams’ results, be it with goal contributions or helping them hold together a sturdy shape to get a series of important wins. Here we look at the five best youngsters to have impressed in the 2025 AIFF Super Cup competition.

5. Manglenthang Kipgen (Punjab FC)

Manglenthang Kipgen received quite a lot of playing time for Punjab FC in the 2025 AIFF Super Cup and he took up that opportunity perfectly. The 20-year-old midfielder was an industrious figure in the Shers’ side for their matches, working his socks off and being a proactive figure for them as well.

Kipgen was able to score an impressive goal in their 3-0 thrashing of Mohammedan Sporting as well, showcasing the versatility and variety to his playing style.

Kipgen definitely caught the eye of fans with his bright performances in the Super Cup, as he proved himself to be technically adept enough to help with the link-up play in the attacking positions and also being able to help his side defensively with his hard-working nature.

4. Vikram Partap Singh (Mumbai City)

Vikram Partap Singh appears to have a pretty solid end to the year of 2025, as he impressed for Mumbai City FC in the Super Cup and also broke into an important role for the India national team.

Vikram was particularly dangerous in the group stages of the Super Cup, where he was able to help his side take the fight to their opponents. He had a brilliant start to the tournament itself, scoring an impressive brace in the 4-1 thrashing of Sporting Club Delhi in the opening game of the Super Cup.

Vikram was a breath of fresh air in the Mumbai City FC attacking line, with his speedy forward runs, never-say-die attitude and tendency to give his 100% when tussling against defenders helping him trouble opposition players.

Even though he couldn’t do much in the semifinals against FC Goa, Vikram was particularly eye-catching with his performances in the Super Cup and is likely to keep playing an important role for Mumbai City going forward.

3. Muhammed Suhail F (Punjab FC)

Muhammed Suhail F is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in Indian football and he proved that with some really impressive performances at the Super Cup.

He had a brilliant start to the tournament itself by scoring Punjab FC’s first goal in the tournament before also providing two assists in their 3-0 win over Gokulam Kerala.

Suhail’s clever off-the-ball movement, speed and clinical work in the final third helped him torment many defenders and add something special to the Shers’ frontline.

He looked a promising threat for the Punjab FC side in nearly all his appearances at the Super Cup, with his link-up play and clever running helping him get the ball into the danger zones with ease. Suhail, of course, has a long way to go in his career – but his positive performances at the Super Cup proved why he’s one to keep an eye for the future in Indian football.

2. Ronney Wilson (FC Goa)

Ronney Wilson has seemingly become the breakout star for the FC Goa team in the 2025-26 season, appearing in a number of key matches in the AFC Champions League Two and Super Cup.

Wilson made an impressive mark on the FC Goa backline in their 3-0 win over Inter Kashi in the group stages, helping them keep a clean sheet and keeping their forwards quiet as well.

He was also excellent in the win over Mumbai City in the semifinal, keeping their dangerous forwards quiet and holding together a really sturdy defensive line with Pol Moreno & co.

Wilson’s impressive game-reading ability and tendency to make crucial clearances helped him stand out in the FC Goa matches at the Super Cup. Even though he was taken off early in the final against East Bengal, Wilson’s overall performances at the Super Cup were really encouraging, and he looks set for a major role in Manolo Marquez’s side going forward.

1. Hritik Tiwari (FC Goa)

Hritik Tiwari has quickly made that no. 1 role his own at FC Goa, and he proved why Marquez is so sold on his ability with a series of compelling performances at the 2025 Super Cup.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper was a sharp and proactive figure in the posts for the Gaurs, keeping a well-deserved clean sheet against Inter Kashi in the group stages as well. He was pretty good in the win over Mumbai City in the semis, pulling off some crucial saves to frustrate the Islanders.

Tiwari was able to show nerves of steel in the final against East Bengal, making a plethora of important saves to force a penalty shootout, where he was impressive with his mind games. Tiwari finished the competition with two clean sheets and proved why he’ll remain in his role at FC Goa for the long term.

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