Introduction: indian super league standings
The Indian Super League (ISL) has become the heartbeat of professional football in India, pulling in massive crowds and giving fans across the country a league to call their own. Every season, the race for the top spot is fierce, with clubs fighting for both glory and the chance to make history.
But the beautiful game isn’t just about the numbers on a table—it’s also about the culture, nicknames, and stories that give football its soul. That’s where the term “Hibbies” comes in. Although the word comes from Scottish football, it has a charm that any fan—whether in Edinburgh or Kochi—can relate to.
In this article, we’ll break down the final ISL standings, highlight the standout moments of the 2024–25 season, explore the Hibbies nickname and its roots, and see how it compares to fan culture in India.
Table of Contents
ISL 2024–25 Standings: How the Season Ended
The 2024–25 ISL campaign was one of the most competitive in recent memory. From the first whistle in September to the final playoff in April, teams traded blows, goals flew in, and stadiums buzzed with electric energy.
Final League Table
Here’s how the table looked at the end of the league stage:
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohun Bagan Super Giant | 24 | 17 | 5 | 2 | 47 | 16 | +31 | 56 |
| 2 | FC Goa | 24 | 14 | 6 | 4 | 43 | 27 | +16 | 48 |
| 3 | Bengaluru FC | 24 | 11 | 5 | 8 | 40 | 31 | +9 | 38 |
| 4 | NorthEast United FC | 24 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 46 | 29 | +17 | 38 |
| 5 | Jamshedpur FC | 24 | 12 | 2 | 10 | 37 | 43 | –6 | 38 |
| 6 | Mumbai City FC | 24 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 29 | 28 | +1 | 36 |
| 7 | Odisha FC | 24 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 44 | 37 | +7 | 33 |
| 8 | Kerala Blasters FC | 24 | 8 | 5 | 11 | 33 | 37 | –4 | 29 |
| 9 | East Bengal FC | 24 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 27 | 33 | –6 | 28 |
| 10 | Punjab FC | 24 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 34 | 38 | –4 | 28 |
| 11 | Chennaiyin FC | 24 | 7 | 6 | 11 | 34 | 39 | –5 | 27 |
| 12 | Hyderabad FC | 24 | 4 | 6 | 14 | 22 | 47 | –25 | 18 |
| 13 | Mohammedan SC | 24 | 2 | 7 | 15 | 12 | 43 | –31 | 13 |
Mohun Bagan’s Dominance
If there was one team that defined the season, it was Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Not only did they lift the League Winners’ Shield, but they also did it in style—amassing a record-breaking 56 points, the highest ever in an ISL season. With a rock-solid defense and a razor-sharp attack, they set the bar sky-high for the rest of the league.
The Playoff Story
The ISL playoff format gave us another round of drama:
- Top Two Advantage – Mohun Bagan and FC Goa went straight to the semi-finals.
- Knockout Matches – Bengaluru, NorthEast United, Jamshedpur, and Mumbai City fought for the remaining semi-final spots.
- The Grand Finale – In front of a roaring crowd in Kolkata, Mohun Bagan defeated Bengaluru FC 2–1 in extra time, completing a historic Shield and Cup double.
Stars of the Season
The 2024–25 season wasn’t just about teams—it was about the individual brilliance that kept fans glued to the action:
- Golden Boot – Alaeddine Ajaraie, with an incredible 23 goals.
- Golden Glove – Vishal Kaith, with 15 clean sheets.
- Biggest Win – NorthEast United’s stunning 5–0 victory over Hyderabad.
- Highest Attendance – Over 61,000 fans packed into the stands for a high-stakes clash in March.
Hibbies: A Nickname from Another Football World
The Origins
The term “Hibbies” comes from the nickname for fans of Hibernian FC, a historic club from Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1875 by Irish immigrants, Hibernian—often shortened to “Hibs”—has built a devoted fanbase over nearly 150 years.
“Hibbies” (or “Hibees”) is simply what supporters affectionately call themselves, much like “Blasters” for Kerala Blasters fans or “Mariners” for Mohun Bagan supporters.
What It Means to Be a Hibbie
Being a Hibbie is more than wearing green and white—it’s about belonging to a football family. The nickname reflects pride, loyalty, and a sense of community. It’s the kind of bond that transcends wins and losses, something ISL fans will instantly understand.
In Scotland, you’ll find Hibbies gathering in pubs before games, singing in unison at Easter Road, and carrying the club’s history in their hearts.
Drawing Parallels with the ISL
Indian football doesn’t have a “Hibbies” of its own—at least not in name—but it has something very similar in spirit.
- Kerala Blasters Fans – Known as “Manjappada” (Yellow Brigade), famous for their noise and passion.
- Mohun Bagan Supporters – Proudly call themselves “Mariners,” a nod to the club’s maritime heritage.
- Bengaluru FC – “West Block Blues” are among the most vocal fan groups in India.
Like the Hibbies, these groups are the beating heart of their clubs. They show up rain or shine, home or away, chanting and waving flags. The name might be different, but the devotion is exactly the same.
Why Fan Nicknames Matter
Nicknames in football aren’t just for fun—they’re part of the identity. They give supporters a sense of unity and help create a culture around the club. When you chant as a Hibbie, a Mariner, or a Blaster, you’re part of something bigger than just the match in front of you.
Looking Ahead to the Next ISL Season
The 2025–26 ISL season is already shaping up to be exciting. Rule changes, new signings, and the rising quality of Indian football mean the competition will only get tougher. The big question is—can anyone dethrone Mohun Bagan, or are we entering a new era of Mariners’ dominance?
Conclusion
The Indian Super League standings tell us who won and who lost, but the heart of football is in its stories. From Mohun Bagan’s record-breaking season to the roaring fan groups across the country, and even to faraway traditions like the Hibbies in Scotland, football is about identity and passion.
The league will move on, new champions will rise, but the chants, the colours, and the pride of being part of a football family will remain—whether you’re a Hibbie in Edinburgh or a Blaster in Kochi.
