Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Indian Football Faces Turmoil in 2025
In 2025, Indian football had a tough year.
The senior men's team did poorly in important matches, like losing to Bangladesh for the first time in 22 years.
This made India's FIFA ranking drop to 142.
The Indian Super League (ISL) was suspended because the All India Football Federation couldn't find a new commercial partner.
There was also chaos during Lionel Messi's visit to India.
However, the women's team gave some hope by doing well in their tournaments.
The women's team qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time ever.
This year also marked a significant shift in societal attitudes towards women's football, with more girls being encouraged to play and participate in the sport.
The senior men's team performed poorly, losing to Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier and dropping to 142nd in FIFA rankings.
The Indian Super League (ISL) was suspended due to the All India Football Federation's failure to secure a new commercial partner.
Lionel Messi's visit to India sparked public interest but led to chaos in Kolkata.
The Indian women's team qualified directly for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 for the first time.
Social barriers for women's football have fallen, with more girls being encouraged to play and participate in the sport.
- Who
- Indian football teams and administrators
- What
- Administrative collapse, ISL suspension, performance declines, and progress in women's football
- When
- Throughout 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- Due to administrative failures, poor performance in international matches, and societal shifts
Progress in Women's Football
Decline in Men's Football
Gender Equality in Football
Progress in Women's Football
The Indian women's football team has made significant progress, qualifying directly for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 for the first time, indicating a shift in societal attitudes and increased opportunities for women in sports.
Decline in Men's Football
The senior men's team has faced a decline in performance, losing to Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier and dropping to 142nd in FIFA rankings, highlighting administrative and performance issues.
- Senior Men's Team Performance
- Lost to Bangladesh in AFC Asian Cup qualifier, dropped to 142nd in FIFA rankings
- ISL Status
- Suspended due to lack of commercial partner
- Women's Team Achievement
- Qualified directly for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026
- Lionel Messi's Visit
- Sparked public interest but led to chaos in Kolkata
- Women's Football Progress
- Social barriers have fallen, and girls are now encouraged to play football
Sources
Yearender 2025: From Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour Visit To ISL Chaos, Everything That Transpired In Indian Football This Year
Indian football: Nutmegged to humiliation amid ISL deadlock and AFC failures
‘Earlier, Girls Were Not Allowed to Play’: Why 2025 Felt Different for Indian Women’s Football | EXCLUSIVE
The Mighty Fall And The Painful Decline: India's Ongoing FIFA World Cup Dream Trapped In An 'Offside Of Collapsing Ecosystem'
Year of the Woman: How India's Sportswomen Owned 2025
