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FC Goa
FC Goa
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Football Club Goa is an Indian professional football club based in Fatorda, Goa, that competes in the Indian Super League (ISL), the top tier of Indian football. The club was established on 26 August 2014. [4][5] Nicknamed as Gaurs, the club plays their home matches at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao.[6] FC Goa is one of the most successful clubs in the ISL history, being the first ISL Club to qualify for AFC Champions League Elite.

Key Information

Brazilian coach Zico was the first manager of the club. Their marquee players for their first two seasons were French winger Robert Pires and Brazilian defender Lúcio, respectively. The team finished the league stage in the second position in their first season. In the end-of-season play-offs, they lost via a penalty shootout against Atlético de Kolkata in the semi-finals after a goalless draw. The next year, the team came first in the league stage, then lost the final 3–2 to Chennaiyin at home.

In the 2018–19 season, they reached their second final in the league where they lost 1–0 to Bengaluru. In the same season, they beat Chennaiyin FC 2–1 in the 2019 Indian Super Cup to win their first national trophy. In the 2019–20 season, FC Goa topped the league stage, winning the first ISL League Winners Shield and directly qualifying for the AFC Champions League group stage. The club changed from blue shirts and shorts to an orange colour scheme in 2018 which has been used ever since.

History

[edit]

Foundation

[edit]

One of the traditional regional powerhouses of Indian football, Goa was bound to be one of the cities to participate in the Indian Super League from its inception.[7] In early 2014, it was announced that the All India Football Federation, the national federation for football in India, and IMG-Reliance would be accepting bids for ownership of eight of nine selected cities for the upcoming Indian Super League, an eight-team franchise league modelled along the lines of the Indian Premier League and Major League Soccer in the United States.[8] On 13 April 2014, it was announced that Venugopal Dhoot had won the bidding for the Goa franchise along with Dattaraj Salgaocar and Shrinivas Dempo.[9] The club was officially launched on 26 August 2014 at a well-attended ceremony at the Goa Marriott Resort and Spa in Miramar.[10] The club represents Goa, the only state to declare football as its official sport. The logo of the club represents Goa's state animal the Gaur, while the colours blue and orange symbolizes the Goan coastline and sunrise.

On 23 September 2014, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli was unveiled as one of the co-owners.[11] Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan was chosen as the brand ambassador of the club.[12] FC Goa is the first Indian sports club to launch a satellite TV channel – FC Goa TV on Videocon D2H.[12]

Zico era (2014–2016)

[edit]
Robert Pires, the club's first marquee signing in the 2014 season.

Brazilian footballer Zico signed as the club's head coach on 2 September 2014. On 20 September 2014, FC Goa officially confirmed Premier League winner and former Arsenal footballer Robert Pires as their first marquee player.[13] On 15 October 2014, FC Goa played their first Indian Super League match against Chennaiyin FC at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa. FC Goa lost four out of their first six matches but came back strongly in the second half of the tournament with five victories from their last eight encounters keeping five clean sheets in their 14 matches. Overall, Zico has done a remarkable job with six wins, four defeats and four draws, which took them to the second spot of the standings with 22 points.[14] By finishing second in the league, the club qualified for the end-of-season play-offs, where they lost via a penalty shootout against Atlético de Kolkata in the semi-finals after a goalless draw.[15] Particularly encouraging from the first season was the arrival of Romeo Fernandes on the national footballing scene. The Goan's consistent displays on the pitch quickly turned him into a fan favourite and attracted interest from lands as far as Brazil. His performances culminated in him being loaned out to Atletico Paranaense from parent club Dempo SC, where he became the first Indian to play professionally at the senior level in South America.[16]

Zico, Goa's first head coach led them to the finals in the 2015 Indian Super League season.

FC Goa enjoyed a stellar 2015 season in the Indian Super League.[17] Head coach Zico continued as the head coach of the franchise for a second successive year.[citation needed] After a good run in the 2014 season, much was expected from the team. Zico lined up an impressive team ahead of the season with veteran players like Leonardo Moura, Reinaldo Oliveira, and former La Masia youth product, Joffre Mateu who won the first season of the ISL with Atletico de Kolkata joining the ranks.[citation needed] Frenchman, Gregory Arnolin was the only international player retained from the first season with the club. The Indian contingent had familiar faces in Goan wingers Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Dessai and goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani.[citation needed] FC Goa started the season in superb fashion with a commanding 2–0 victory over Delhi Dynamos and that set the tone for the season ahead. Under Zico's tutelage, FC Goa played an attacking brand of football and set the league alight as they finished the league stage of the campaign on top of the standings with 25 points, two clear of the second placed team with 7 victories along the way.[citation needed] In the process, FC Goa scored the most goals in the league stage, having netted 29 times.[citation needed] En route to the semi-finals, the Gaurs earned the record of having attained the highest margin of victory when they beat Mumbai City FC 7–0 in Fatorda. This victory included two players scoring hat-tricks (Dudu Omagbemi and T. Haokip) which was a first in the history of the league. After a 1–0 loss in the first leg of the semi-finals against Delhi Dynamos, FC Goa turned the tie on its head with a dominating 3–0 win at home. This provided them with a chance to win the ISL title at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda in front of the home fans. In the finals, a late surge by Chennaiyin FC saw FC Goa lose out on the title after a well contested match.[citation needed]

On 23 July 2016, Salgaocar and Dempo stepped down from the ownership of FC Goa.[18] On 5 August 2016, new owner Jaydev Mody brought a 65% stake in the FC Goa team.[19] Head coach Zico continued as the head coach of the franchise for his third and final season. FC Goa had a poor 2016 season after finishing last in the table and picking up only four victories throughout the season. They ended the disappointing season with 14 points and finished last in the table. Zico primarily blamed late preparations for FC Goa's failure which was caused due to the incoming of new owners just a few months before the start of the new season. His 3-year contract with FC Goa ended and did not renew it with the club.[citation needed]

Success under Lobera (2017–2020)

[edit]

In the 2017–18 season, FC Goa won their first match of the 2017–18 Indian Super League 2–3 away against Chennaiyin, this was also their first competitive match under new coach Sergio Lobera, they later went on to lose against Chennayin FC in the semi-finals.[20] Lobera in his second season led Goa to their second final against Bengaluru FC which they lost 0–1 after a late goal from Rahul Bheke in the second half of extra time.[21] In the same season, Goa beat Chennaiyin FC 2–1 in the finals of the 2019 Indian Super Cup to win their first trophy.[22] On 1 February 2020, Goa announced they mutually parted ways with head coach Sergio Lobera and his coaching staff after playing 15 games in the third season.[23] Goa later went on to win the remaining three league games and topped the group stage and won the ISL League Winners Shield, they also became the first Indian club to qualify for AFC Champions League group stage in its current format.[6] However, their 5–6 defeat on aggregate to Chennaiyin FC in the playoffs ended their chance of winning the elusive ISL trophy.[24]

Recent history (2020–2021)

[edit]

On 30 April 2020, Goa appointed Juan Ferrando as their head coach ahead of the new season.[25] The club also announced their partnership with RB Leipzig for the youth development. The club had an impressive stint in the first year under coach Juan until they bowed in the semi-finals of 2020–21 Indian Super League season.

Under the guidance of Ferrando, FC Goa scripted history after scoring their first goal in the AFC Champions League on 20 April against Persepolis FC through a header by Edu Bedia.[26][27] They finished third in Group E with 3 points ahead of Al Rayyan. In the competition, Dheeraj Singh made a whopping 26 saves in five matches to top the goalkeeping chart of the West Zone group stage.[28]

The line-up of 2021 Durand Cup final between FC Goa and Mohammedan Sporting

Goa participated in the 130th edition of Durand Cup and reached to the final, defeating Bengaluru FC 7–6 in sudden death.[29] On 3 October 2021, they clinched their first Durand Cup title defeating Mohammedan Sporting 1–0.[30] On 19 December 2021, club president Akshay Tandon announced that head coach Juan Ferrando had triggered his release clause to join ISL club ATK Mohun Bagan.[31] On 21 December 2021, Derrick Pereira was appointed as the head coach.[32]

Carlos Pena Era (2022–2023)

[edit]

On 16 April 2022, FC Goa appointed Carlos Pena as the head coach. He played his first match as manager against East Bengal and won his first game as the manager. FC Goa failed to qualify ISL playoffs as well as Super Cup Semi Final. After the end of 2022–23 season Carlos Pena & Team management parted away.

Manolo Marquez Era (2023–present)

[edit]

After a lackluster season under Carlos Peña, FC Goa appointed former Hyderabad FC head man Manolo Marquez as their next head coach.[33] Marquez had seen great prior success in Hyderabad, guiding the Nizams to their maiden ISL title in 2021–22 season[34] and back to back second place finishes in the league stage in 2021–22 and 2022–23. Under Marquez, FC Goa opened the 2023–24 season with a 12 game unbeaten run, sitting on top of the table at the winter international break.[35][36] This impressive run had Goa in the driver's seat to the league stage title, until a 3 game collapse saw the Gaurs tumble down the table. Marquez commented on the team's "lack of spirit" down the stretch, even going as far as to say the Gaurs were not deserving of the title after their recent performances.[37] The team, however, bounced back, going unbeaten once again for the rest of the season with 5 wins in their last 7.[38] Marquez lauded the team's effort and the Gaurs' turnaround following the losing spell, as they climbed as high as second in the table by the final matchday.[39] Despite their late heroics however, Goa ended the league stage third in the table, narrowly missing out on the first-round bye and hosting Chennaiyin FC at home in the playoffs.[40]

Goa took part in 2024 Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy, made headlines defeating A-League Men Brisbane Roar by 1–0 in a group stage match, in which Armando Sadiku scored the winner.[41] Later, FC Goa defeated the Jamshedpur FC 3–0 in the 2025 Indian Super Cup - April edition final to win their second national cup title.[42][43][44][45] As the winners, Goa have qualified for the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two preliminary stage, where they beat Al-Seeb 2–1 to enter group stage.

Stadium

[edit]

The Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, better known as The Fatorda is the home stadium of Goa.[46] The stadium has hosted many international games, including India national team's qualifiers for both the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup.[47] It was also one of the six host venues for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in India.

The stadium opened in 1989. In 2014, it has been refurbished and upgraded according to the latest FIFA specifications to host the Lusofonia Games in 2014. It is designed with a 20,000 seating capacity.[2] With a roof covering 100 percent of the seating area, the stadium complex provides two levels of fans seating arrangement along with a VIP area.[48]

Supporters

[edit]
Fans of FC Goa on a matchday at the Fatorda stadium in Margao.

Fans in the state spend the night outside the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda in the hope of grabbing a couple of tickets for FC Goa's home matches.[49] Streets were painted blue, music was played and some people painted their car bonnets with the crest of the team, during the ISL.[50] FC Goa Fan Club and East Lower Army are the officially recognized supporters clubs of FC Goa.[51] FC Goa celebrity supporters include Anushka Sharma,[52] Sonakshi Sinha,[53] Zayed Khan,[54] and Raveena Tandon.[55]

Club crest and kits

[edit]

The official mascot, the first of its kind in the ISL, is named "Philly the Gaur". He's a Gaur, which happens to be the state animal. FC Goa were the first out of the 10 clubs to have a mascot. There are also two other unofficial mascots namely "Gaurreddo", introduced by FC Goa Fan Club in 2014, followed by "Gaurdinho" in 2015, launched by a general football group TFDO.[56]

Colours

[edit]

During the early years, the club wore an all blue kit with orange colour coming lightly on the sides. The all blue kit were used until 2017-18 season, when the club adopted the all orange kit.[57]

Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors

[edit]
Period Kit manufacturer Main shirt sponsor Back sponsor Chest sponsor Sleeve sponsor
2014–15 Adidas[58] Videocon d2h Usha Pond's Men Gadre
2015–16 FC Prime Markets[59] DSK Dream City Qnet
2016–17 Umbro[60] Deltin Goa Tourism ForcaGoa.com DSK Dream City
2017–18 Piranha Kingfisher Jio[61]
2018–19 Sqad Gear Xiaomi[62] Colors Adda52
2019–20 T10 Sports Adda52 Deltin
2020–21 SIX5SIX[63] Indinews[64] Paytm First Games[65] Oaksmith Gold Kingfisher[66]
2021–22 Reyaur[67] 1XNews[68] Punch Deltin
2022–23 T10 Sports Parimatch News Deltin Adda52 Dream11
2023–24 SIX5SIX[69] FC Goa Football Schools
2024–25 Wolf777 News Kingfisher Deltin Adda52
2025–26

Kit evolution

[edit]
2014–16[70]
2016–17[71]
2017–18[72]
2018–19[57]
2019–20[73]
2020–21[74]
2021–22[76]
2022–23
2023–24
2024–25

FC Goa in the media

[edit]

FC Goa TV is the dedicated official channel for FC Goa.[12] The channel first launched on 10 October 2014 on Videocon D2H channel 100. FC Goa TV includes buildup to matches, post-match shows, exclusive interviews with players and staff besides an interactive section which gives fans the chance to get some answers from first team players.[77]

FC Goa launched its magazine Forca Goa at Fatorda Stadium, on 1 November 2014. The magazine was unveiled by All India Football Federation President Praful Patel in the presence of brand ambassador of FC Goa Varun Dhawan, supporter Sonu Nigam and co-owners Venugopal Dhoot, Anirudh Dhoot, Dattaraj V. Salgaocar and Shrinivas V. Dempo.[78]

Ownership

[edit]

The club is owned by Goan Football Club Pvt. Ltd. which used to consist of Dattaraj Salgaocar (37% stake) and Shrinivas Dempo (37% stake), S. Edifices LLP (15%) which in 2016 was bought by Jaydev Mody (65% stake), Venugopal Dhoot (23% stake) and Virat Kohli (12% stake).[79][80]

Current owners

[edit]
  • Jaydev Mody is the Chairman of Delta Corp Limited, the company focused in gaming (casinos) and hospitality mainly in Goa.
  • Virat Kohli, Indian national men's cricket team former captain, is also one of the co-owners.[11]
  • Akshay Tandon is an entrepreneur who took over FC Goa in August 2016 as the President and Co-Owner of the club. Since the took over, he has built a youth program, set up the Forca Goa Foundation addressing the challenges with grassroots football in the state of Goa and established a style of play.

Former owners

[edit]
  • Shrinivas Dempo served as the President of Dempo Sports Club Private Limited. The club was owned and sponsored by the Dempo group of companies. He has been named amongst the 50 most influential people in Indian sports in the annual Sports Illustrated Power list.[81]
  • Dattaraj Salgaocar is the Managing Director of VM Salgaocar Corporation. Salgaocar FC is owned and managed by VM Salgaocar and Company to give a platform to the Goan youth to showcase their talent to the country and to the world.[82]
  • Venugopal Dhoot is the Chairman of Videocon, and has been its Managing Director since 2005.
  • S. Edifices LLP held 15% stake in the original consortium that was transferred for equity swap with Tandon Inc.

Players

[edit]

First-team squad

[edit]
As of 17 September 2025[83]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
3 DF  IND Sandesh Jhingan (Captain)
4 DF  ESP Pol Moreno
9 FW  ESP Javier Siverio
10 MF  IND Mohammad Yasir
13 GK  IND Lara Sharma
14 MF  IND Ayush Chhetri
15 MF  IND Sahil Tavora
17 MF  IND Boris Singh Thangjam
18 DF  IND Jerry Lalrinzuala
20 DF  IND Seriton Fernandes
21 MF  IND Udanta Singh Kumam
22 MF  IND Prachit Naik Gaonkar
23 MF  IND Harsh Patre
No. Pos. Nation Player
24 MF  ESP David Timor
26 MF  ESP Borja Herrera
27 DF  IND Aakash Sangwan
30 DF  IND Nim Dorjee Tamang
34 FW  ESP Iker Guarrotxena
35 DF  IND Ronney Willson Kharbudon
42 MF  IND Brison Fernandes
44 MF  IND Muhammed Nemil
45 GK  IND Bob Jackson
55 GK  IND Hrithik Tiwari
71 FW  SRB Dejan Dražić
77 FW  IND Abdul Rabeeh

Out on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player

Reserves and youth

[edit]

Youth football

[edit]

FC Goa has a reserve side which is fielded in the I-League 2nd Division. It also has a women's team which was announced on 28 July 2018.[84] It also has youth teams for various age group football tournaments and Youth I-League.

Grassroots

[edit]

FC Goa's grassroots development programme which commenced in February 2015, saw FC Goa reaching out to over 20,000 children. FC Goa has a robust grassroots development programme. Over 1500 children between the age groups of 6 to 14 are currently being groomed by FC Goa. The U-14 team, the Junior Gaurs are doing excellently well. FC Goa assigned coach Gavin Araujo, an AFC A license coach as its Head of the youth development and Katz Naidoo as the program's Technical Director. The adopted 16 schools include St Anthony's High School (Duler), St Anthony's HS (Guirim), Saraswat HS (Mapusa), St Britto's HS (Mapusa), Assagao Union School, St Joseph's HS (Calangute), Pilar Central School, and St Lawrence HS (Agassaim) in the North. Our Lady of Poor HS (Tilamol), Our Lady of Fatima HS (Rivona), St Joseph HS (Chandor), Assumpta HS (Sarzora), Fr Agnel Ashram HS (Verna), St Rita HS (Maina), St Rock HS (Velim), and St Xavier HS (Velim) are the schools which have been adopted by FC Goa from the South.[85]

Reserves Squad

[edit]
As of 25 January 2021[86]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF  IND Deeshank Kunkalikar
3 MF  IND Versly Paes
5 DF  IND Rayan Menezes
9 FW  IND Aaren D'Silva
14 MF  IND Kapil Hoble
17 MF  IND Delton Colaco
21 DF  IND Brian Faria
22 FW  IND Vasim Inamdar
24 MF  IND Ivon Costa
25 MF  IND Manushawn Joel Fernandes
26 MF  IND Kunal Kundaikar
No. Pos. Nation Player
29 DF  IND Lesly Rebello
31 GK  IND Hansel Coelho
40 DF  IND Alister Fernandes
42 MF  IND Brison Fernandes
43 DF  IND Malsawmtluanga Ralte
46 FW  IND Joybert Almeida
47 FW  IND Omkar Landge
51 GK  IND Viddhesh Bhonsle
55 GK  IND Hrithik Tiwari
DF  IND Lalhmangaih Sanga
DF  IND Rollin Fernandes

Personnel

[edit]

Current technical staff

[edit]
Role Name Refs.
Head coach Spain Manolo Márquez [87]
Assistant coach Argentina Benito Montalvo
India Gouramangi Singh [88]
Goalkeeping coach Spain Marc Gamon
Strength & conditioning coach
Head of performance analysis India Joy Gabriel M.

Management

[edit]
Position Name
CEO India Ravi Puskur
Head of technical operations India Jonathan D'Souza
Technical director India Derrick Pereira
Team manager India Dion Pinto

Records and statistics

[edit]

Notable wins against foreign teams

[edit]
As of matches played 13 August 2025
Competition Round Year Opposition Score Venue City Ref
Pre-season friendly Exhibition 2015 United Arab Emirates Al Shabab Al Arabi 2–1 Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium Dubai [89]
Pre-season friendly Exhibition 2016 Brazil CR Flamengo 1–0 Centro de Treinamento George Helal Rio de Janeiro [90]
Pre-season friendly Exhibition 2017 Spain Deportiva Minera 3–0 La Manga Club Football Stadium Murcia [91]
Pre-season friendly Exhibition 2017 Spain Deportivo Algar 3–1 La Manga Club Football Stadium Murcia [91]
Pre-season friendly Exhibition 2017 Spain Cartagena B 4–2 La Manga Club Football Stadium Murcia [92]
Pre-season friendly Exhibition 2018 Spain Deportiva Minera 3–0 La Manga Club Football Stadium Murcia [93]
Pre-season friendly Exhibition 2018 Spain Cartagena B 20–0 La Manga Club Football Stadium Murcia [94]
Pre-season friendly Exhibition 2018 Spain Cartagena 3–2 La Manga Club Football Stadium Murcia [95]
Pre-season friendly Exhibition 2018 Spain Racing Mar Menor 2–1 La Manga Club Football Stadium Murcia [96]
Durand Cup Group stage 2024 Nepal Tribhuvan Army 2–1 Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Shillong [97]
Bandodkar Trophy Group stage 2024 Australia Brisbane Roar 1–0 Fatorda Stadium Margao [41]
Bandodkar Trophy Semi-final 2024 Argentina Defensa y Justicia 1–0 Fatorda Stadium Margao [98]
AFC Champions League Two Qualifying play-off 2025 Oman Al-Seeb 2–1 Fatorda Stadium Margao [99]

Continental record

[edit]
Season Competition Round Club Home Away Position Source
2021 AFC Champions League Group E Qatar Al Rayyan 0–0 1–1 3rd [100]
United Arab Emirates Al Wahda 0–2 0–0
Iran Persepolis 0–4 1–2
2025–26 AFC Champions League Two Play-off round Oman Al-Seeb 2–1 [101]
Group D Saudi Arabia Al Nassr 1–2 0–4
Iraq Al-Zawraa 0–2
Tajikistan Istiklol 0–2

Statistics by AFC competitions

[edit]
Competition Apps Pld W L D GF GA GD Win%
Champions League Elite 1 6 0 3 3 2 9 –7 0.00%
Champions League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0%
Total 1 6 0 3 3 2 9 –7 0%

Affiliated clubs

[edit]

The following club is currently affiliated with FC Goa:

The following clubs were affiliated with FC Goa:

Honours

[edit]

Domestic

[edit]

League

[edit]

Cup

[edit]

Regional

[edit]

AFC club ranking

[edit]
As of 12 June 2022[110]
Rank Team Points
255 India Rajasthan United 1,252
256 India ONGC 1,251
257 India Goa 1,251
258 Indonesia Persikabo 1973 1,251
259 Jordan Shabab Al-Aqaba Club 1,250

eSports

[edit]

The organizers of ISL introduced eISL,[111] a FIFA video game tournament, for the ISL playing clubs, each represented by two players. FC Goa hosted a series of qualifying games for all the participants wanting to represent the club in eISL. On 20 November the club announced the signing of the two players.

Roster

[edit]
FCGoa eSports FIFA roster
Players Coaches
Handle Name Nationality
V--Sharma10 Vanshaj Sharma India
Afnanameen10 Afnan Ameen Khan India
Head coach

Stuart Curwen @stucurwen (2023 season)


Legend:
  • (I) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • Substitute player Substitute
  • Injured Injury / Illness
  

Latest roster transaction: 19 November 2021.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
FC Goa is an Indian professional football club based in Fatorda, Goa, that competes in the (ISL), the top tier of Indian football. Nicknamed the Gaurs after the Indian gaur, the club was founded on 26 August 2014 and plays its home matches at the 19,000-seat Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Co-owned by entrepreneur Jaydev Mody, investor Akshay Tandon, and cricketer , FC Goa is renowned for its vibrant orange and blue kits, symbolizing the spirit of Goan culture and energy. Since its inception as one of the inaugural ISL franchises, FC Goa has established itself as one of the league's most consistent performers, qualifying for the eight times and reaching the semi-finals six times in its first eleven seasons. The club holds ISL records for the most goals scored and the joint-most Golden Boot winners, reflecting its attacking prowess and development of talent. In 2019–20, FC Goa became the first team to win the inaugural ISL League Winners' Shield by topping the regular season table, earning direct qualification to the group stage of the AFC Champions League—the first Indian club to achieve this milestone. FC Goa's trophy cabinet includes the Super Cup titles in 2019 and 2025, making it the only club to win the competition twice, with the latter secured via a 3–0 victory over in the final. Additionally, the club claimed its maiden in 2021 with a 1–0 win against Mohammedan Sporting in the final, further cementing its status in Indian football. Beyond senior success, FC Goa invests heavily in youth development, maintaining academy teams from U-13 to U-19 levels and a developmental squad that has won the Goa Professional League and Goa Police Cup. These efforts underscore the club's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and promoting football in .

History

Foundation

FC Goa was established in 2014 as one of the eight inaugural franchises of the (ISL), India's premier professional football league launched to elevate the sport's standards. The franchise rights for were secured through a competitive bidding process by a consortium of private investors, including chairman , V.M. Salgaocar Group managing director Dattaraj Salgaocar, and chairman Shrinivas Dempo, with the winners announced on April 12, 2014. The club was officially launched on August 26, 2014, at a ceremony presided over by , marking the formal entry of professional football into the state. The initial investment encompassed a of approximately $25 million for a 10-year term, enabling the setup of club operations, including administrative headquarters and training infrastructure in to foster local talent development and team preparation. FC Goa assembled its inaugural squad by recruiting a blend of domestic players and international talent via the ISL's centralized and draft mechanisms, which allocated foreign players to franchises to enhance competitive quality. Notable early signings included experienced forwards and midfielders from abroad, complementing Indian players scouted from national leagues. Brazilian football icon Zico was appointed as the club's first to guide the team. During the 2014 ISL season, FC Goa competed in 14 matches, securing second place in the regular season standings with 6 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses, accumulating 22 points. Key highlights included a strong home record at Fatorda Stadium and a semi-final playoff run, ended by a loss to Atlético de Kolkata after a 0-0 aggregate draw. The club rapidly built fan engagement, drawing passionate crowds from Goa's football-loving community and generating excitement through community events and sold-out inaugural home games.

Zico era (2014–2016)

Brazilian football legend Arthur Antunes Coimbra, known as Zico, was appointed as the head coach of FC Goa on September 2, 2014, ahead of the inaugural (ISL) season. Zico, a former international with 71 caps, brought his renowned of attacking, flair-filled football—often characterized by fluid passing, creativity, and an emphasis on offensive play inspired by Brazilian traditions—to the fledgling club. This approach, which prioritized winning through core principles of professionalism and an aggressive mindset, aimed to instill a winning culture in the team from the outset. In the 2014 ISL season, FC Goa, under Zico's guidance, adopted an attacking style that propelled them to a second-place finish in the league stage with 22 points from 14 matches. Key players such as Czech forward Miroslav Slepička, who led the team with five goals, alongside Indian talents Romeo Fernandes and Brazilian André Santos, exemplified the philosophy through dynamic performances. The team advanced to the semi-finals against Atlético de Kolkata, tying 0–0 on aggregate before losing 2–4 on penalties. Zico's tenure quickly boosted fan engagement, with attendance surging and supporters embracing the club's vibrant identity, leading to increased spending on tickets, jerseys, and merchandise. The 2015 ISL season saw FC Goa build on this foundation, finishing second in the league with 26 points from 14 matches and reaching their first final, where they fell 2-3 to despite a strong campaign marked by high-scoring games. However, the 2016 season presented significant challenges, including an injury crisis that sidelined key defenders like Gregory Arnolin and Luciano Sabrosa, contributing to a tenth-place finish with just nine points and no playoff qualification. Despite these setbacks, Zico's emphasis on attacking play persisted, fostering continued fan growth and loyalty in , where football's popularity deepened through the club's entertaining style. Zico departed the club in January 2017 after three seasons, with the mutual separation attributed to the poor 2016 results and logistical demands of the expanding ISL schedule.

Lobera era (2017–2019)

Sergio Lobera was appointed head coach of FC Goa in June 2017, succeeding Zico after a disappointing 2016–17 season where the team finished last in the Indian Super League (ISL). Influenced by his experience as an assistant at FC Barcelona, Lobera introduced a possession-based style of play emphasizing ball control, quick passing, and attacking flair, marking a shift from the more direct approach of previous years. This tactical overhaul built on the attacking foundation established under Zico, focusing on high pressing and fluid movement to dominate matches. In the 2017–18 ISL season, Lobera's implementation led FC Goa to top the league stage with 39 points from 18 matches, including 11 wins and a league-high 46 goals scored, showcasing their offensive prowess under the new philosophy. However, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by with a 3–2 aggregate defeat, while in the subsequent , they reached the semi-finals but lost 1–0 to . Key contributors included forward Ferran Corominas (Coro), who claimed the Golden Boot with 22 goals, highlighting the team's reliance on clinical finishing. The 2018–19 season represented the pinnacle of Lobera's tenure, as FC Goa finished second in the ISL league stage with 34 points from 18 matches (10 wins, 4 draws), advancing to the final where they fell 1–0 to in extra time. Complementing this, they achieved their first major silverware by winning the 2019 2–1 against , securing a domestic double of sorts through consistent league contention and cup success. Standout performers included Coro, who scored 15 goals to earn another Golden Boot, and midfielder , whose creativity and 7 assists drove the midfield engine. This triumph qualified FC Goa for the 2019–20 AFC Cup group stage, where they made their continental debut, finishing second in Group F with 9 points from 6 matches, including a notable 2–1 win over Vietnamese side Becamex Bình Dương.

2019–20 season

Following the mutual parting of ways with and his assistants on January 31, 2020, FC Goa promoted assistant coach to the role of interim on February 3, 2020. This change came amid the team's strong position in the (ISL), inheriting a squad built on Lobera's attacking philosophy that emphasized possession, quick transitions, and high pressing. Under Miranda's guidance, FC Goa maintained continuity and momentum, securing victories in all four remaining league fixtures, including a 4-1 win against Hyderabad FC on February 5 and a 5-0 rout of on February 28. The team finished atop the 2019–20 ISL table with 39 points from 18 matches (12 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses), scoring a league-record 50 goals while conceding 22, to claim the inaugural League Winners' Shield and direct qualification for the group stage. This top-four finish (in fact, first place) came despite the mid-season coaching transition, showcasing the squad's resilience and depth. FC Goa had earlier competed in the 2019 in January 2020 under Lobera, advancing to the semi-finals with wins over (2-1) and Mohun Bagan (5-1 on penalties after 1-1 draw) before a 1-3 defeat to . The planned 2020 , scheduled for March, faced significant challenges due to the emerging , ultimately being postponed indefinitely and not held that year, disrupting post-season momentum and international qualification pathways for ISL teams. The ISL playoffs proceeded without suspension, with FC Goa advancing to the semi-finals but losing 2-5 on aggregate to (1-4 first leg, 1-1 second leg). Miranda's tenure focused on tactical stability, preserving the 4-2-3-1 formation with fluid rotations in midfield to maximize creative outlets like (11 goals, 10 assists) and Ferran Corominas (14 goals). This approach fostered player development, particularly among young talents such as Princeton Rebello, who debuted and scored twice in limited minutes, and , whose set-piece expertise earned him a senior national team call-up later that year. Mohammad Yasir also impressed with consistent performances, leading to his inclusion in the national squad for the 2022 . These contributions highlighted the period's emphasis on nurturing domestic talent amid the league's growing competitiveness.

Transitional period (2020–2022)

In April 2020, ahead of the upcoming campaign, the club appointed as head coach to steer the team through the challenges ahead. This transition coincided with the global , which profoundly disrupted operations and led to the (ISL) season being entirely hosted in Goa within strict bio-secure bubbles. The league's start was delayed until November 20, 2020, with all matches played behind closed doors to mitigate health risks, including multiple instances of players testing positive before entering the bubbles. Under Ferrando's guidance, FC Goa showed resilience in the pandemic-affected 2020–21 season, finishing fourth in the league standings and securing playoff qualification. The team advanced to the semi-finals but suffered a narrow exit, losing to Mumbai City FC 6–5 on penalties after a 2–2 aggregate draw across two legs. During this season, FC Goa also won their maiden Durand Cup in 2021 with a 1–0 victory against Mohammedan Sporting in the final. The season's bio-bubble environment, while enabling play, contributed to mental and logistical strains on players, with simulated crowd noise used to replicate home support in empty stadiums. Off the pitch, fan frustrations emerged early in 2020 when the club imposed a ban on posters and banners at home games, prompting backlash from supporters who viewed it as a restriction on their expression of loyalty. The instability intensified in the 2021–22 season amid ongoing coaching changes, as Ferrando departed in December 2021 to join ATK Mohun Bagan, invoking a in his . Derrick Pereira, the club's , stepped in as interim for the remainder of the campaign, marking yet another shift in leadership. The team struggled for consistency, ultimately finishing ninth with 19 points from 20 matches and missing the for the first time since 2018–19. challenges compounded the difficulties, particularly the high rental fees for —reportedly over ₹1.2 for the season excluding additional costs—which strained the club's finances and highlighted broader issues in venue accessibility post-pandemic.

Carlos Peña era (2022–2023)

In April 2022, FC Goa appointed as head coach, promoting him from his roles as assistant coach and head of the club's youth teams, where he had contributed to developing young talent since retiring as a player in 2020. The Spaniard, who had previously played as a left-back for the club during the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons, replaced interim coach Derrick Pereira amid ongoing transitional challenges from the prior year. Peña's appointment aimed to instill a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair, drawing on his familiarity with the club's culture and Indian football. During the 2022–23 Indian Super League season, FC Goa under achieved a mid-table finish, ending seventh with 27 points from 20 matches, including eight wins, three draws, and nine losses, which excluded them from the . The team netted 36 goals but conceded 35, exposing persistent defensive vulnerabilities despite efforts to shore up the backline with signings like Syrian defender and Spanish centre-back Marc Valiente. Key acquisitions also included Spanish forward , who emerged as a prolific scorer with multiple goals in crucial games, and veteran Indian midfielder for midfield stability. Tactically, experimented with a 5-3-2 formation to emphasize width and counter-attacks, though inconsistencies in transitions often left the defense exposed against high-pressing opponents. Notable matches highlighted the era's potential and pitfalls, such as a commanding 3-0 home victory over ATK Mohun Bagan in November 2022, where FC Goa's organized pressing overwhelmed the league leaders, and a 4-2 thriller against in January 2023 that briefly propelled them into playoff contention. However, heavy defeats, including a 0-1 loss to Hyderabad FC early in the season and a late 0-5 thrashing by , underscored tactical frailties and a dip in form. A string of poor results toward the campaign's end, coupled with an underwhelming performance, led to Peña's mutual departure from the club on 23 April 2023, along with his assistants.

Manolo Márquez's return (2023–present)

In June 2023, returned to FC Goa as head coach on a multi-year contract, marking his second stint with the club after a successful period at Hyderabad FC. Drawing on tactical discipline from his previous experience, Márquez emphasized a balanced approach combining defensive solidity with quick transitions. During the 2023–24 Indian Super League (ISL) season, FC Goa under mounted a strong playoff push, finishing third in the league table with 42 points from 22 matches, including a 12-game unbeaten streak that highlighted their improved consistency. The team advanced to the ISL semi-finals after defeating 2–1 in the eliminators but were eliminated by with a 2–5 aggregate loss. In the preceding Kalinga 2024, FC Goa exited the group stage after securing one win and two draws, failing to progress further. Márquez's dual role intensified in July 2024 when he was appointed of the Indian national team alongside his club duties, a that continued through the 2024–25 season to allow overlap in preparation for international fixtures. In the 2024–25 ISL campaign, FC Goa elevated their performance to finish second with 48 points, qualifying directly for the semi-finals where they fell to on a 2–3 aggregate. However, the season culminated in triumph at the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, where FC Goa defeated 3–1 in the semi-finals before securing the title with a 3–0 victory over in the final on May 3, 2025, earning qualification for continental competition. Following his resignation from the national team role in July 2025 due to scheduling conflicts, recommitted fully to FC Goa with a contract extension through the 2025–26 season. The Gaurs' success in the propelled them into the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two, where they compete in Group D alongside Al-Nassr, , and . Early group stage results included a narrow 1–2 home defeat to Al-Nassr in October 2025, followed by a 0–4 away loss to the Saudi side on November 5, 2025, testing the team's resilience against high-caliber opposition. Domestically, FC Goa qualified for the semi-finals of the AIFF 2025–26 after topping with victories including a 3–0 win over Inter Kashi on October 29, 2025, setting up a against .

Club identity

Stadium

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, commonly known as Fatorda Stadium, has served as the primary home venue for FC Goa since the club's inaugural (ISL) season in 2014. Located in , , the was established in 1989 and renovated in 2014 to meet standards ahead of the and the launch of the ISL, enhancing its infrastructure for international-level football. It boasts a of 19,000 spectators and features a natural turf pitch upgraded to a hybrid surface in 2022, which combines 95% natural grass with 5% synthetic fibers for improved durability and player safety. The stadium complex includes modern facilities such as players' dressing rooms, referees' rooms, medical centers, a gymnasium, doping control areas, broadcast rooms, a TV studio, and corporate boxes, supporting both matchdays and training activities. Adjacent training pitches within the premises allow FC Goa to conduct sessions efficiently, contributing to the club's operational needs. During the 2020-21 ISL season, amid the , Fatorda was one of three Goa-based venues designated as a bio-secure hub, hosting matches for multiple teams including FC Goa, , and others in a centralized format. Fatorda Stadium holds a pivotal role in Goan football culture as the state's only international-standard venue, fostering a deep connection between the sport and local identity since FC Goa's arrival elevated its prominence. The club has consistently drawn high crowds, achieving an average home attendance of around 18,000 in its debut 2014 season—setting early ISL benchmarks—and hosting the 2015-16 ISL final with 18,477 spectators, one of the league's notable turnout figures. This passionate supporter atmosphere, often marked by vibrant chants and full stands, underscores the stadium's status as a fortress for the Gaurs.

Crest and colours

The crest of FC Goa, introduced in upon the club's foundation, draws inspiration from Goan heritage and features a stylized depiction of the , the Indian bison that serves as Goa's state animal. Designed by Mumbai-based agency Skarma Communications, the logo incorporates the Gaur's fierce face within a shape to symbolize strength, power, attack, and defense, reflecting the resilient spirit of Goan football and the team's core fundamentals. The club's official colors are and orange, forming the foundation of its visual identity. represents the and the coastal essence integral to Goan life, while orange evokes the vibrant sunrises and sunsets along the coastline, signifying energy, awakening, and the team's rising prominence. These colors are prominently used in branding elements such as merchandise, visuals, and digital assets to reinforce the club's connection to its regional roots. Since its debut, the crest has maintained its without major alterations, ensuring consistency in the club's identity across seasons. The specific palette includes shades like (hex #070F57) for depth and Philippine Orange (hex #FD7200) for warmth, complemented by neutral tones like Isabelline (hex #F4EFEF) for accents in official materials.

Kits and sponsors

FC Goa's kits have evolved alongside the club's growth in the , reflecting its vibrant colors of orange, , and while adapting to performance needs and commercial partnerships. The club began with as its initial kit manufacturer for the inaugural 2014–15 season, producing the home kit in a base with orange and accents to embody Goa's coastal energy. This partnership continued into 2015 before transitioning to for the 2016–17 season, which introduced more dynamic designs focused on for tropical climates. From to 2020, FC Goa shifted to in-house production to customize kits more closely to team preferences, emphasizing lightweight fabrics suitable for Indian conditions. Subsequent years saw collaborations with Indian brands: SIX5SIX for 2020–21 and 2023–present, Reyaur Sports for 2021–22, and T10 Sports for 2022–23, prioritizing local manufacturing and affordability. In 2024–25, SIX5SIX continued as the supplier, launching home, away, and third kits with enhanced moisture-wicking technology. Shirt sponsorships have similarly progressed, starting modestly in the club's early years and expanding to include prominent brands that align with FC Goa's fanbase in Goa and beyond. In 2014–15, associate sponsors like and Kenstar featured on kits, with no principal shirt sponsor initially, allowing focus on kit aesthetics. By 2015–16, FC Prime Markets became the principal sponsor under a five-year deal, displaying its logo on the front of jerseys to boost visibility in international markets. Deltin Hotels took over as principal sponsor for 2016–17, renewing multiple times thereafter as an associate. The evolution continued with Adda52 as principal in 2019–20, followed by Indinews in 2020–21 and 1XNews in 2021–22, reflecting a shift toward partnerships. Tata served as principal for 2021–22, emphasizing automotive branding during the club's competitive peak. More recently, for the 2024–25 season, Wolf777 News emerged as principal sponsor, appearing on the chest of home and away kits, while Packaged Drinking Water joined as co-principal on the sleeve; associates include Deltin Hotels, Adda52.com, and . Kit designs have incorporated seasonal themes tied to Goan culture and performance innovation, with the home kit consistently featuring orange as the dominant color since to symbolize the "Gaurs" (). The 2014–15 home jersey used a predominantly shirt with horizontal orange stripes across the shoulders and vertical accents on the sides, paired with and orange socks. By 2019–20, the in-house home kit shifted to a solid orange base with subtle geometric patterns for a modern look. A notable alternate came in –21 with the "Uzzo" home kit, an all-orange jersey featuring a fiery flame pattern inspired by Goan , manufactured by SIX5SIX to celebrate the club's playoff aspirations; the away kit reversed to with orange details. Third kits have often been introduced for variety, such as the 2024–25 wine and third kit, symbolizing passion and triumph. Special editions include the limited-edition home and away kits, produced in collaboration with in-house partners, featuring minimalist orange and designs without prominent sponsor logos to honor the club's historic Asian debut. These editions were available only to players and select fans, highlighting FC Goa's commitment to memorable continental moments.
SeasonKit ManufacturerPrincipal Shirt Sponsor(s)
2014–15None (associates: , Kenstar)
2015–16FC Prime Markets
2016–17Deltin Hotels
2017–18In-HouseDeltin Hotels
2018–19Sqad Gear (front)
2019–20T10 SportsAdda52
2020–21SIX5SIXIndinews
2021–22Reyaur Sports1XNews,
2022–23T10 Sports News
2023–24SIX5SIXVarious associates (e.g., Deltin)
2024–25SIX5SIXWolf777 News, Kingfisher Water
This table summarizes the primary kit suppliers and shirt sponsors, illustrating the club's transition from global brands to domestic partnerships that support grassroots football initiatives in .

Supporters

The official supporters' club of FC Goa, known as the FC Goa Fan Club, was formed in 2014 to unite passionate fans and amplify the club's atmosphere from its inaugural season. In 2018, the club officially recognized two additional groups—East Lower Army and Gaur Army—as part of its supporter ecosystem, fostering a dedicated that occupies key sections like the East Lower Stand at Stadium in Fatorda. These groups have since grown to include thousands of members, organizing matchday experiences that blend Goan culture with football fervor. Supporters are renowned for their vibrant chants, such as "Força Goa," which echo through the to rally the team during crucial moments, and for unveiling impressive tifos to celebrate milestones, including their first major display in 2019 honoring the squad's achievements. Their presence has contributed to record-breaking crowds, exemplified by 7,372 fans attending the 2019 ISL final against at , creating an electric environment that boosted the team's performance. Another highlight was the 19,752 spectators for the 2014 home opener versus Kerala Blasters, underscoring the rapid growth of football fandom in . Beyond the pitch, these supporter groups play a pivotal role in , participating in FC Goa's outreach initiatives like youth football clinics and social drives across the state, which aim to promote the at levels. International fan chapters have emerged, with organized trips to away fixtures in , such as the 2025 AFC Champions League Two playoff in , where hundreds traveled to support the Gaurs abroad. Challenges persist for these fans, particularly the logistics of traveling to distant away games across , often requiring coordinated bus and flight arrangements for groups of 50 or more, yet they maintain strong turnout to sustain momentum. During the , supporters adapted by hosting live screenings at local venues and virtual watch parties via groups, ensuring continued unity despite stadium closures from 2020 to 2022. This resilience has solidified their influence on the club's global identity.

Governance and ownership

Ownership structure

FC Goa is owned by Goan Football Club Pvt. Ltd., a formed at the club's inception in 2014 to manage its operations as an (ISL) franchise. The major stakeholders in Goan Football Club Pvt. Ltd. include prominent Goa-based entrepreneur Jaydev Mody, who acquired a majority stake in 2016 through his gaming and hospitality firm , along with co-owners Akshay Tandon and Indian cricketer . As of 2025, Nandan Piramal holds the position of president, overseeing strategic direction while co-owners like maintain involvement in key decisions, including ties to operational management. The club's financial model is sustained primarily through sponsorship revenue, central from the ISL's and media rights, ticket , and merchandise, offset by significant costs such as annual franchise fees to the league organizers, which previously ranged from ₹12 to ₹16 per team but have been waived starting from the 2025–26 season. In anticipation of their debut in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two, FC Goa has attracted recent investments, including a new sponsorship partnership with as the official pizza partner, to bolster resources for continental participation.

Management personnel

The management personnel at FC Goa oversee the club's administrative, financial, and strategic operations, ensuring sustainable growth amid the evolving landscape of Indian football. Ravi Puskur serves as the , having taken up the role in September 2023 to lead day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives. Under his leadership, the club has navigated financial challenges, including concerns over inflated player salaries and league uncertainties, while emphasizing responsible investments in infrastructure and development programs. The board of directors includes key co-owners who provide governance and financial backing. Jaydev Mody, chairman of , holds the majority stake and has been instrumental in steering the club's commercial direction since its inception. Akshay Tandon, a co-owner with a significant share, transitioned from president to a more oversight-focused role in 2023, promoting operational stability post-leadership changes. Virat Kohli rounds out the prominent ownership group as a minority stakeholder, contributing to brand elevation through his influence in and entertainment. This structure, owned by Goan Football Club Pvt Ltd, has remained consistent into 2025, fostering decisions like enhanced youth development to build long-term talent pipelines. In departmental leadership, the focus has been on bolstering commercial and . The team, reporting to the CEO, has driven sponsorship renewals and fan initiatives, such as partnerships with brands like for the 2024-25 season, to increase revenue streams. Finance operations prioritize fiscal prudence, with Puskur publicly addressing the need for sustainable budgeting amid ISL uncertainties in 2025. outreach efforts, led by dedicated personnel, support grassroots programs through the FC Goa Foundation, including youth clinics and social initiatives in . Post-2023, the has prioritized key investments, such as expanding the FC Goa Football Schools with residential camps and skill-focused training in 2025, aiming to nurture local talent and integrate it into the senior setup. Stadium-related decisions have included preparations for international fixtures at Fatorda Stadium, involving coordination for upgrades to meet AFC standards for the 2025-26 Champions League Two campaign, despite broader challenges in infrastructure maintenance. These efforts underscore a commitment to holistic club development under stable ownership. The provides brief oversight to technical staff operations, ensuring alignment with goals.

Team and staff

Current squad

The 2025–26 FC Goa first-team squad comprises 28 professional players, offering balanced depth across positions to compete in the (ISL) and the AFC Champions League Two. With an average age of 26.8 years and six foreign players, the roster emphasizes a mix of experienced internationals and emerging Indian talents, enabling rotation for the dual competitions. Key signings for the 2025–26 campaign include Spanish defender Pol Moreno, midfielder , and forward Javi Siverio, who add technical prowess and goal-scoring threat, while domestic midfielder Harsh Patre provides versatile reinforcement from the youth setup. Most contracts in the squad extend through at least May 31, 2026, ensuring stability ahead of the season.

Goalkeepers

No.Player NameNationalityAgeContract Expiry
1326May 31, 2027
33Lionel Daryl Rymmei20May 31, 2026
45Bob Jackson21May 31, 2028
55Hrithik Tiwari23May 31, 2026

Defenders

No.Player NameNationalityAgeContract Expiry
332May 31, 2026
4Pol Moreno31May 31, 2026
1827May 31, 2026
27Aakash Sangwan30May 31, 2027
30Nim Dorjee Tamang30May 31, 2026
35Ronney Willson Kharbudon22May 31, 2028
41Sitroy Carvalho20May 31, 2026
-Seriton Fernandes33May 31, 2027

Midfielders

No.Player NameNationalityAgeContract Expiry
14Ayush Dev Chhetri22May 31, 2026
15Sahil Tavora30May 31, 2026
17Boris Singh25May 31, 2026
22Prachit Gaonkar19May 31, 2027
23Harsh Patre22May 31, 2028
2436May 31, 2026
2632May 31, 2026
42Brison Fernandes24May 31, 2026
44Muhammad Nemil23May 31, 2027
47Malsawmtluanga20May 31, 2026
77Abdul Rabeeh A K24May 31, 2026

Forwards

No.Player NameNationalityAgeContract Expiry
9Javi Siverio28May 31, 2026
10Mohammed Yasir27May 31, 2028
21Udanta Singh29May 31, 2026
34Iker Guarrotxena32May 31, 2026
71Dejan Drazic/30May 31, 2026

Technical staff

The technical staff of FC Goa for the 2025–26 season is headed by , who returned as head coach in June 2023 and has since led the team to a third consecutive season at the helm, overseeing 62 matches across competitions. Márquez's leadership emphasizes tactical discipline and player development, drawing from his prior experience with the club and the Indian national team. Supporting are assistant coaches Benito Montalvo and Moirangthem, both retaining their roles from previous campaigns to ensure continuity in training methodologies and team strategy implementation. The goalkeeping department is managed by Marc Gamon, a Spanish coach newly appointed for the season, who brings familiarity from collaborations with at Hyderabad FC and the Indian national team during 2020–21 and 2024–25, respectively. Fitness and conditioning are overseen by David , another fresh addition from , tasked with enhancing player physicality through programs informed by his prior work with clubs in and ; this role is pivotal for sustaining performance across the demanding ISL and continental fixtures. These recent hires, including Gamon and Ramos, were integrated specifically to bolster preparations for FC Goa's campaign in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two, where the team competes in Group D against high-caliber opponents like Al-Nassr FC. The broader technical setup includes a medical team of physiotherapists focused on and rehabilitation, alongside performance analysts who provide data-driven insights for match preparation and opponent , ensuring holistic support for the squad's on-field efforts.

Reserves and academy

FC Goa's reserves team, known as FC Goa II, competes in the Goa Professional League, the premier state-level competition organized by the Goa Football Association (GFA). This participation allows young players to gain competitive experience in a structured environment, bridging the gap between development and senior football. The team has been active in the league since at least 2019, contributing to the club's overall youth ecosystem by providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills against established local sides. The club's is structured around key age groups, including U-18 and U-16 levels, with training and matches primarily hosted at GFA facilities across . These programs emphasize technical skill-building, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning under professional coaching, led by AFC Pro Licence holders. The U-18 and U-16 squads regularly participate in GFA youth leagues and national tournaments, fostering a pathway for progression within the club. For instance, the academy has achieved in competitions like the GFA U-18 league, highlighting its role in nurturing competitive players. Notable graduates from the academy include Princeton Rebello, who was promoted to FC Goa's first team after developing through the youth ranks. Rebello's journey exemplifies the academy's impact, as he debuted professionally with the club and went on to feature in high-profile matches, including the AFC Champions League. Other products of the system have similarly transitioned to senior levels, underscoring the academy's effectiveness in talent identification and grooming. FC Goa's grassroots initiatives focus on expanding access to football through school partnerships and targeted talent scouting efforts, particularly intensified in 2025. The club launched a Community Football Project in late 2024 to engage schools statewide, providing sessions and to over 20 institutions, which continued into 2025 with expanded outreach. In September 2025, FC Goa organized a scouting festival in Navelim, attracting 120 young participants from across for trials aimed at integrating promising talents into the pipeline. These programs, supported by the FC Goa Football Schools—the largest development-focused network in —prioritize inclusivity and early skill development to build a sustainable talent base.

Achievements and records

Domestic honours

FC Goa has achieved notable success in India's domestic football competitions, particularly within the (ISL) and the AIFF , establishing itself as one of the league's most consistent performers. The club's first major national trophy came in 2019 with a victory in the , followed by the inaugural ISL League Winners' Shield in the 2019–20 season, and a second title in 2025. These accomplishments highlight FC Goa's attacking prowess and tactical discipline under influential coaches like and . In the 2019 Super Cup, held in April, FC Goa defeated 2–1 in the final at the , with goals from Ferran Corominas and securing the win under head coach . This triumph marked the club's inaugural national cup success and qualified them for continental competition, ending a period of near-misses in the ISL playoffs. The 2019–20 ISL season saw FC Goa claim the League Winners' Shield for the first time in the competition's history, finishing atop the table with points from 18 , including 12 wins. Led by Lobera, the showcased an expansive style of play, scoring 51 goals—the highest in —and earning direct qualification to the AFC Champions League group stage. Although they fell short in the , reaching the semi-finals, this regular-season dominance underscored their status as India's top that year. FC Goa's second Super Cup victory came in May 2025, when they thrashed 3–0 in the final at the in . scored a brace, with Dejan Drazic adding the third, under the guidance of long-serving coach , who departed shortly after. This result not only ended a four-year trophy drought but also secured another spot in the AFC Champions League Two playoffs, reaffirming the club's cup pedigree. Prior to the ISL era, FC Goa, founded in 2014, did not participate in the Federation Cup, which was primarily contested by clubs during that period. However, the club has since added the to its domestic honors, defeating Sporting 1–0 in the final to claim India's oldest football tournament. This victory further cemented FC Goa's reputation in knockout formats.
CompetitionAchievementsSeason(s)
ISL League Winners' ShieldWinners2019–20
AIFF Super CupWinners2019, 2025
Winners2021

Continental competitions

FC Goa made its debut in continental competition by qualifying for the 2019–20 AFC Champions League group stage after winning the League Shield, the first such honor for an Indian club. In Group E, alongside , , and Al Wahda, the team played all matches in a centralized tournament in , , due to the , finishing last with three draws and three losses for a total of three points. The club returned to Asian competition in the 2021–22 AFC Cup, qualifying as runners-up in the season. FC Goa topped Group D in the group stage before advancing to the South Zone semi-finals, where they were eliminated, marking the club's best performance in the competition to date. FC Goa's third appearance came in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two, earned through a playoff victory over Al Seeb and strong domestic showings in the . Drawn into Group D with Al Nassr, Al Zawraa, and , the team suffered defeats in all four group matches as of November 2025, including 1–2 and 0–4 losses to Al Nassr, a 0–2 defeat to , and a 0–2 loss to Al Zawraa, leaving them pointless and eliminated from knockout contention.

Club records and statistics

Ferran Corominas holds the record as FC Goa's all-time leading goalscorer with 54 goals across all competitions during his tenure from 2016 to 2019. Igor Angulo ranks among the club's most prolific foreign forwards, netting 24 goals in 41 appearances between 2020 and 2022, primarily in the Indian Super League. Other notable contributors include Noah Sadaoui with 29 goals and Iker Guarrotxena with 24 goals.
RankPlayerNationalityGoals
1Ferran Corominas54
2Noah Sadaoui/29
3Iker Guarrotxena24
4Igor Angulo24
5Ahmed Jahouh20
FC Goa's largest victory in competitive matches is a 7–0 win over in the on 17 November 2015, which remains the biggest margin in league history. The club has recorded several other dominant performances, including a 5–0 away win against in 2021 and a 6–0 triumph over in the . In continental competitions, FC Goa secured a notable 2–1 victory over Omani side Al-Seeb in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two qualifying play-offs, marking one of their significant wins against foreign opposition. The club's highest recorded attendance was 14,389 fans at the in for the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two match against Al-Nassr on 22 October 2025, highlighting strong local support for international fixtures. Earlier domestic highs include 19,752 spectators for a 2014 home game against . Average home attendances in the 2024–25 season reached 10,802, reflecting consistent fan engagement. Against rivals , FC Goa has played 21 matches since 2017, recording 5 wins, 7 losses, and 9 draws, with a of 21–26. Bengaluru holds a slight edge in this high-profile Southern Derby, but FC Goa has claimed key victories, such as a 2–1 home win in the 2024–25 season. In the 2025 AIFF final, FC Goa defeated 3–0 on 3 May 2025, with scoring a brace (23rd and 51st minutes) and Dejan Drazic adding the third goal in the 72nd minute, securing the club's second title in the competition.

Other activities

Affiliated clubs

FC Goa has established several key partnerships with external entities to enhance player development, facilitate exchanges, and expand opportunities, focusing primarily on talent pipelines. In 2020, FC Goa entered into a three-year with German club , aimed at advancing youth development, coach education, and mutual efforts. This enabled joint programs and until the concluded in June 2023. The emphasized long-term talent identification and potential player loans, strengthening FC Goa's integration into global football networks. Domestically, FC Goa announced its first feeder club partnership in June 2021 with Sporting Club of Porvorim, a local village club in Salvador do Mundo, Goa. This tie-up allows for player exchanges between the senior team and the feeder club's youth squads, which compete in Goa Football Association leagues, fostering grassroots progression to professional levels. The partnership includes infrastructure support, such as ground refurbishments, to create pathways for emerging talents from the region. Additionally, FC Goa collaborates with the on youth and grassroots initiatives since 2021, integrating community-based academies into the club's development ecosystem. This alliance supports scouting networks across and organizes joint tournaments to expose young players to competitive environments, ultimately benefiting FC Goa's reserve and academy programs through talent influx. In 2025, FC Goa participated in the (RFDL), reaching the semifinals. These affiliations collectively build a robust scouting infrastructure and promote joint events, such as inter-club tournaments, which have accelerated player loans and developmental loans since their inception.

Media presence

FC Goa's matches in the Indian Super League (ISL) are broadcast live on Star Sports channels and streamed on JioCinema and JioHotstar platforms as part of the league's 2025 broadcasting agreements. The club's participation in the 2025 Super Cup was similarly covered on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar, ensuring wide accessibility to fans across India. In 2019, the club featured in the documentary "COPA90: The Story of FC ," which explored the team's , fan culture, and impact on Indian football through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. This production highlighted the Gaurs' role in revitalizing football in and their aspirations in the ISL. FC Goa's presence has grown significantly, with the official account surpassing 500,000 followers by late 2025, driven by engaging content on matches, player updates, and fan interactions. This digital reach has amplified the club's public image, fostering stronger supporter engagement through live match highlights and initiatives. The club's 2025 Super Cup victory, a 3-0 win over in the final, garnered extensive coverage in national outlets like and Sportstar, praising the Gaurs' dominant performance and tactical discipline. International media, including , also highlighted the triumph as a milestone for Indian club football, noting its implications for continental competitions.

eSports division

FC Goa launched its involvement in competitive esports through the eISL (electronic Indian Super League), India's premier club-based football gaming tournament, which debuted in November 2020 in partnership with the and , utilizing the (now ) video game series. This initiative marked the club's entry into the growing digital gaming landscape, allowing ISL teams like FC Goa to field professional gamers in virtual matches mirroring real-world football formats. The FC Goa eSports team has competed annually in the eISL, showcasing strong performances in the league stage and playoffs. In eISL Season 2 (2023), the team achieved an unbeaten run through most of the group stage, securing 28 points from 10 matches with 9 wins and 1 draw, scoring 74 goals while conceding 47, and positioning as title favorites before playoff contention. Building on this, in eISL Season 3 (2024), FC Goa finished 4th in the 12-team group stage with 40 points from 22 matches (12 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses), advancing to the top 8 playoffs; they progressed past 2-1 in the quarterfinals but fell 0-2 to in the semifinals. As of 2025, the roster features dedicated gamers selected for their proficiency in , managed by club-appointed coordinators to align with competitive standards; specific players include representatives like those from prior seasons such as Aadizema and , who contributed key wins in earlier campaigns. The division integrates seamlessly with the main club through unified orange-and-blue branding on jerseys and digital assets, fostering fan engagement via live streams on platforms like , online tournaments, and hybrid events that bridge physical matches with virtual experiences.

References

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