2024 has been a remarkable year for Indian football, with breathtaking moments marking the year, and capturing the hearts of fans.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinched their maiden ISL Shield, Mumbai City FC pulled off a miraculous comeback against FC Goa, and India’s national team bid farewell to Sunil Chhetri following a goalless draw against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier.

Alongside these achievements, NorthEast United made history by securing their first-ever Durand Cup crown, while the match between India and Malaysia ended in a memorable draw that highlighted promising potential for the future.

Here are the top 5 football matches of 2024 of Indian football:

1. Mohun Bagan beat Mumbai City to win the ISL shield

One of the standout moments of the year came in the Indian Super League when Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinched their maiden League Shield in a dramatic decider against Mumbai City FC.

Liston Colaco and Jason Cummings delivered decisive strikes as Mohun Bagan prevailed in the match 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Despite Lallianzuala Chhangte’s late goal and a tense finish with ten men, the Mariners showcased their resilience.

This victory not only marked a historic first but also secured their spot in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League 2, cementing their status as one of the year’s top football stories.

2. Mumbai City’s comeback win against Goa in ISL semifinal

One of the most jaw-dropping moments of the year came in the first leg of the ISL semifinal, where Mumbai City FC staged an unprecedented injury-time comeback to defeat FC Goa 3-2.

Trailing 2-0 after goals from Boris Singh and Brandon Fernandes, Mumbai City turned the match on its head in stoppage time with two strikes from Lallianzuala Chhangte and a goal from Vikram Partap Singh.

The dramatic win set the stage for a thrilling second leg.

Mumbai City ultimately defeated FC Goa again to reach the final, where they capped their season by winning the ISL trophy, making this comeback a defining chapter in their historic campaign.

3. India 1-1 Malaysia: A hard-fought draw

India ended 2024 with a 1-1 draw against Malaysia in a FIFA International Friendly that highlighted the missed opportunities.

After falling behind 1-0 in the 19th minute to a goal by Paulo Josue, the Blue Tigers fought back through Rahul Bheke’s header in the 39th minute.

Despite late chances from both teams, including a near miss by Malaysia in stoppage time, the game finished all square.

While the result continued India’s winless run in 2024, it showed promise for the future with several new faces making their mark, leaving coach Manolo Marquez with hope for the next phase of preparations.

4. NorthEast’s historic first Durand Cup victory

NorthEast United won their first-ever trophy, after defeating Mohun Bagan in a dramatic 2024 Durand Cup final.

After trailing 0-2 at halftime with goals from Jason Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad, NorthEast staged an incredible comeback.

Guillermo Fernandez and Alaeddine Ajaraie scored to level the game, pushing it into penalties.

In the shootout, goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh emerged as the hero, saving penalties from Liston Colaco and Subasish Bose, securing a 4-3 victory for NorthEast United.

This triumph marked a historic moment for the club, as they lifted their first major title.

5. Sunil Chhetri’s emotional farewell

The bittersweet moment of Indian football came when Sunil Chhetri bid an emotional farewell to international football as the Blue Tigers played out a goalless draw against Kuwait in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.

The match marked the end of a glorious chapter in Indian football, as Chhetri retired as the fourth-highest active goal scorer in international football history.

Both teams had their fair share of chances, but the game ended in a stalemate.

Chhetri’s departure left behind an indelible legacy of passion, leadership, and unmatched dedication to the sport.