Scoring goals in football is often considered one of the sport’s most difficult achievements. It demands not only individual skill but also cohesive teamwork, strategic planning, and the right combination of players working in unison.
From crafting intricate build-up play to executing clinical finishes, teams must meticulously plan their approach to penetrate the opposition’s defense and score. Since its inception in 2014, the Indian Super League (ISL) has been a showcase of footballing excellence in India.
In a league where goals can be scarce, certain teams have stood out for their attacking flair, relentless ambition, and exceptional ability to convert chances into goals. These teams have not only thrilled fans with their goal-scoring exploits but have also made a significant mark in ISL history with their impressive performances.
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Top Scoring Teams From Every Indian Super League (ISL) Season
10. Chennaiyin FC (2014): 27 Goals
Chennaiyin FC emerged as the highest-scoring team in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League, tallying 27 goals during the league stage. Under the guidance of head coach Marco Materazzi, Chennaiyin FC displayed a formidable attacking lineup characterized by flair, creativity, and clinical finishing.
With standout performances from players like Elano Blumer and Stiven Mendoza, Chennaiyin FC’s attacking strength was crucial in their journey to the semi-finals.
9. FC Goa (2015): 34 Goals
In the 2015 ISL season, FC Goa demonstrated their attacking prowess by scoring the most goals. Under head coach Zico, FC Goa played an aggressive and attacking style of football. Their creative midfield trio of Leo Moura, Jonathan Lucca, and Jofre Mateu orchestrated dynamic movements, while the potent strike partnership of Reinaldo and Dudu Omagbemi terrorized defenses with their strength and clinical finishing.
Although they narrowly missed out on the ISL Cup title, losing to Chennaiyin FC in the final, they were arguably the most formidable team in the league that season.
8. Delhi Dynamos FC (2016): 27 Goals
In the 2016 ISL season, Delhi Dynamos FC emerged as the most potent attacking force, scoring the highest number of goals that campaign. Under head coach Gianluca Zambrotta, Delhi Dynamos FC played an electrifying brand of football characterized by rapid counter-attacks and decisive movements. With players like Florent Malouda and Marcelinho leading the midfield, the team orchestrated creative plays with precision.
Up front, Richard Gadze provided the finishing touch, combining physicality with goal-scoring prowess. Their attacking strength saw them qualify for the playoffs, but they were eventually knocked out in the semi-finals by Kerala Blasters FC.
7. FC Goa (2017-18): 43 Goals
FC Goa maintained their attacking dominance in the 2017-18 ISL season, scoring an impressive 43 goals throughout the campaign. Under head coach Sergio Lobera, FC Goa’s attacking force was virtually unstoppable, showcasing a breathtaking style of football marked by fluid passing, ball possession dominance, and clinical finishing.
The prolific strike partnership of Ferran Corominas and Manuel Lanzarote, who combined for 31 goals, terrorized opposition defenses, leading FC Goa to the top of the league table.
6. FC Goa (2018-19): 41 Goals
FC Goa continued to dominate as the highest-scoring team in the ISL during the 2018-19 season, amassing an impressive 41 goals, nearly matching their previous season’s tally. Under head coach Sergio Lobera, FC Goa once again captivated fans with their dominant attacking style.
Led by Ferran Corominas, who won the Golden Boot for the second consecutive season with 16 goals, FC Goa’s attacking trio of Coro, Edu Bedia, and Jackichand Singh proved formidable for opposition defenses. Although they fell short in the final, FC Goa’s attacking prowess earned widespread acclaim and reaffirmed their status as one of the league’s most exciting teams.
5. FC Goa (2019-20): 51 Goals
In the 2019-20 ISL season, FC Goa continued their reign as the most prolific attacking force, amassing a remarkable 51 goals. Under the guidance of head coach Sergio Lobera, who was in his third season with the club, FC Goa’s attacking prowess was virtually unstoppable, making them the first team to lift the League Shield. While Ferran Corominas missed out on winning the Golden Boot, he remained the club’s top scorer.
The contribution of Hugo Boumous was also vital, as the attacking midfielder registered 10 goals and as many assists, playing a crucial role in the team’s success. FC Goa became the first team in the league to score over 50 goals in a single season. Despite parting ways with Lobera ahead of the playoffs, their journey eventually came to an end in the semi-finals. However, their record-breaking goal-scoring exploits during the season left a lasting impression on the league.
4. Mumbai City FC (2020-21): 39 Goals
Mumbai City FC emerged as the highest-scoring team in the 2020-21 ISL season, netting a total of 39 goals in a historic campaign where they clinched both the League Shield and the ISL Cup. Managed by former FC Goa head coach Sergio Lobera, Mumbai City FC illuminated the league with their attacking prowess, blending creativity, precision, and ruthlessness in front of goal.
With lethal attackers like Bartholomew Ogbeche and Adam Le Fondre leading the line, Mumbai City FC’s attacking force was a spectacle for fans. Hugo Boumous orchestrated the midfield, while Bipin Singh provided width and penetration on the flanks, allowing Mumbai City FC’s attacking quartet to wreak havoc on opposition defenses.
3. Hyderabad FC (2021-22): 47 Goals
Hyderabad FC had a remarkable season under head coach Manolo Marquez, finding the back of the net 47 times throughout the league campaign and eventually clinching the ISL Cup championship.
The team showcased a midfield filled with flair and creativity, led by Joao Victor, Mohammad Yasir, and Hitesh Sharma, while striker Bartholomew Ogbeche spearheaded the attack. Ogbeche’s outstanding performance earned him the Golden Boot award for the season, with 18 goals to his name. Despite limited playing time, Javier Siverio also made significant contributions, bagging seven goals and aiding in the team’s success.
2. Mumbai City FC (2022-23): 54 Goals
Mumbai City FC proved to be the team to beat during the 2022-23 season, establishing themselves as an unstoppable force under head coach Des Buckingham. The Islanders made history by scripting multiple records, firing an impressive 54 goals during the league stage, breaking FC Goa’s previous record for the most goals in the league stage. Their attacking prowess was undeniable, leading them to lift the League Shield for the second time in history.
Despite their dominant performance throughout the season, Mumbai City FC couldn’t replicate their attacking prowess in the semi-final, as they were eventually knocked out by Bengaluru FC.
1. Mohun Bagan Super Giant (2023-24): 47 Goals
Mohun Bagan Super Giant had a memorable campaign in the recently concluded 2023-24 season, lifting the League Shield and narrowly missing out on the ISL Cup. Despite a challenging period marked by three consecutive defeats, new head coach Antonio Habas turned the season around. Habas not only got the Mariners back on track but also transformed them into one of the most potent attacking sides in the league. Their dynamic attacking style, characterized by swift counter-attacks and intricate play, made them difficult for opposition defenses to handle.
Spearheaded by the attacking trio of Jason Cummings, Dimitrios Petratos, and Armando Sadiku, Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s offensive firepower was pivotal in their journey to clinching the League Shield. Their impressive tally of 47 goals underscored their attacking prowess throughout the season.
