The Indian Super League or ISL began in 2014 with a league and knockout format. The top four sides used to qualify for the playoffs and only the ISL trophy for the winners in the final was recognized. The team finishing first at the end of the league stage was not presented with a title. It remained so for the first five seasons but the debate of crowning the league winners ignited after the conclusion of the 2017-18 season. In that campaign, Bengaluru FC topped the league chart finishing well ahead of second-placed Chennaiyin FC but lost to them in the playoff final.
Although the Blues went on to lift the ISL trophy the next season and also topped the league, ISL aligning with AFC introduced the Winners Shield trophy for league winners from the 2019-20 season. The ISL trophy holders got a slot in the AFC Cup qualifying playoffs but the Shield winners received a direct group stage berth to the AFC Champions League after the league got top-tier status. Currently, the league toppers win a slot in the AFC Champions League 2 group stage while the Super Cup winners have to battle through qualifiers. There is no continental berth for the ISL trophy holders.
Here's the list of teams that have clinched the ISL Shield in all five seasons so far:
FC Goa - 39 points (2019/20 season)
The inaugural champions of the ISL Winners’ Shield were FC Goa who topped the league for the second time. Therefore, the Gaurs made history by becoming the first Indian club to play in the AFC Champions League group stage. The team led by Sergio Lobera finished on 39 points after 18 matches with 12 wins in the bag and 46 goals scored. FC Goa finished five points ahead of now-defunct club ATK who went on to lift the ISL trophy instead.
Mumbai City - 40 points (2020/21 season)
The 2020-21 season for Mumbai City was memorable in the sense that they became the first club in history to win the ISL Shield and the trophy in the same season. Lobera was the architect behind the glory for back-to-back times with a different club now. The Islanders were in a close fight with Mohun Bagan for the league honour and ended on the same points at last. However, Mumbai City won the Shield for a superior head-to-head over the Mariners whom they also beat in the ISL final. The achievements also came straightway after the club was acquired by the City Football Group (CFG).
Jamshedpur FC - 43 points (2021/22 season)
Jamshedpur FC’s Shield triumph under now Chennaiyin FC coach Owen Coyle was special in the sense that the club failed to replicate the achievement again. The Men of Steels finished ahead of sides like Hyderabad FC, Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City with a five-point lead at the top. They scored 42 goals and had the best defence by conceding just 21 goals in 20 matches. The bulk of the goal contribution came from Greg Stewart who provided unprecedented numbers by scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists.
Mumbai City FC - 46 points (2022/23 season)
Mohun Bagan Super Giant - 48 (2023/24)
The first Shield title for Mohun Bagan scripted a remarkable tale not only for the club but also in the league history. The Mariners overturned their disappointment of not getting the Shield in their maiden ISL season by taking revenge on the winners then, Mumbai City in the decider. The side full of stars failed to meet the expectations under Juan Ferrando but things changed under Antonio Habas who ultimately helped the team fulfil their long-standing desire to lift the Shield. It was a record-breaking season for Mohun Bagan as they reached the highest points tally in the ISL and club history. They also became the only club to win all three top-flight titles in Indian football history i.e. National Football League, I-League and now the ISL Shield.
