One of the attractions of association football is that a casual game can be played with only minimal equipment – a basic game can be played on almost any open area of reasonable size with just a ball and items to mark the positions of two sets of goalposts. Such games can often have team sizes that vary considerably from eleven-a-side, use a limited or modified subset of the official rules, and are likely to be self-officiated by the players.
Trophy Room
Awards
2023–24
I-League Champion
14 times
Calcutta Football League Champion
6 times
IFA Shield Champion
2 Times
Durand Cup Champion
2 Times
Federation Cup Champion
2020
I-LEAGUE Qualifiers CHAMPIONS
TIMELINE
Foundation and Early Triumphs
Founded in 1891, Mohammedan SC quickly rose to prominence after its formation in 1891. The club made history by winning its first Calcutta Football League (CFL) title in 1934, becoming the first Indian club to break British dominance. They continued this success by securing five consecutive CFL titles until 1938. Additionally, they won the IFA Shield in 1936.
Key Wins:
- Calcutta Football League (CFL): 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938
- IFA Shield: 1936
- Du Mont Morency Cup: 1939
- Cooch Behar Cup: 1902, 1906, 1909
Mohammedan SC, the first native Indian team to win the league.
Post-Independence Glory and International Success
Key Wins:
- Calcutta Football League (CFL): 1940, 1941, 1948, 1957
- Durand Cup: 1940
- IFA Shield: 1941
- Aga Khan Gold Cup: 1960
- IFA Shield: 1942, 1957
- Rovers Cup: 1940, 1956, 1959
- DCM Trophy: 1958
- Cooch Behar Cup: 1947, 1952
The 1940s and 1950s were golden decades for Mohammedan SC. A key event in this period was their first Durand Cup win in 1940. In 1941, 1948, 1957 the club secured its Calcutta Football League Cup. A major milestone came in 1960 when Mohammedan SC became the first Indian club to win a trophy on foreign soil by clinching the Aga Khan Gold Cup in Dhaka. Other notable victories include the IFA Shield in 1942 and 1957 and multiple Rovers Cup wins in 1940, 1956, and 1959.
1940 CFL winning team.
Sustaining Success
Key Wins:
- Calcutta Football League (CFL): 1967
- IFA Shield: 1971
- Rovers Cup: 1980
- Sait Nagjee Trophy: 1971
- Independence Day Cup: 1969, 1971, 1972
- Stafford Challenge Cup: 1968, 1970
- Sri Krishna Gold Cup: 1965, 1966
- DCM Trophy: 1961, 1964, 1980
- Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup: 1980
- Kalinga Cup: 1964
During the 1960s and 1970s, Mohammedan SC maintained its competitive edge. They won the CFL in 1967, remaining unbeaten throughout the season, and secured the IFA Shield in 1971 without conceding a goal. In 1981, they won another CFL title, followed by their first Federation Cup victory in 1983. The club also won the Rovers Cup in 1980 and 1984, and the Nizam Gold Cup in 1983.
The Team from 1971
Challenges and Resilience
The late 20th century saw Mohammedan SC facing various challenges but still achieving notable successes. They won the Federation Cup twice, in 1983 and 1984, and also secured multiple trophies like the Rovers Cup (1980, 1984, 1987) and the DCM Trophy (1961, 1964, 1980). Despite the evolving competitive landscape, these victories demonstrated the club’s resilience and continued significance in Indian football.
Key Wins:
- Federation Cup: 1983–84, 1984–85
- Rovers Cup: 1984, 1987
- Sait Nagjee Trophy: 1984, 1991, 1992
- All Airlines Gold Cup: 1986, 1996
- Independence Day Cup: 1988
- Kalinga Cup: 1991
- Darjeeling Gold Cup: 1984
- Stafford Challenge Cup: 1981, 1991
- Nizam Gold Cup: 1983
Mohammedan Sporting Club Football team, Dhaka (1987)
Revival and New Milestones
The new millennium brought both challenges and triumphs for Mohammedan SC. A significant achievement came in the 2013-14 season when the club won both the Durand Cup and the IFA Shield, marking a major resurgence. The club also won the I-League 2nd Division in the 2019-20 season. These victories highlighted the club’s enduring spirit and capability to compete at the highest levels.
Key Wins:
- Durand Cup: 2013
- IFA Shield: 2014
- I-League 2nd Division: 2019-20
- NFL 2nd Division: 2004–05
- Steel Express Cup: 2001, 2011, 2018
- Bodoland Martyrs Gold Cup: 2004, 2018
- All Airlines Gold Cup: 2010
- Kalinga Cup: 2012
- Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup: 2016, 2019
- Independence Day Cup: 2007
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh introduced with Mohammedan players in 2006–07 NFL
Recent Achievements and Future Aspirations
Key Wins:
- I-League: 2023-24
- Calcutta Football League (CFL): 2021, 2022, 2023
- Durand Cup: Runners-up (2021)
- Banga Bibhushan: 2022
In recent years, Mohammedan SC has continued to make strides in Indian football. They won the I-League in the 2023-24 season, securing promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL). This historic achievement marks a new chapter for the club, poised to compete among the elite in Indian football. They also won the Calcutta Football League consecutively in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Key events in this period include the leadership change in 2016 and the I-League victory, which have set the stage for a promising future.
