History

1996
National Football League (NFL) kicks-off.

Baichung Bhutia leads JCT Club to the title with 14 goals in the inaugural edition (1996-97) of the National Football League. Churchill Brothers finish runners-up.

1997-98
Mohun Bagan pip arch rivals East Bengal to NFL crown.
1998-99
Salgaocar finish on top, with East Bengal coming second again.
1999-00
Mohun Bagan romp to second title ahead of Churchill Brothers.
2000-01
East Bengal claim their maiden NFL title after finishing one point ahead of Mohun Bagan securing a victory on the final day of the season.
2001-02
Mohun Bagan roar back to win third NFL crown.
2002-03
The Kolkata domination continues -- East Bengal win their second NFL crown.
2003-04
East Bengal become first team to successfully defend NFL title.
2004-05
Dempo SC break Kolkata duopoly by winning their first title. Sporting Clube de Goa finish runners-up.
2005-06
Mahindra United become the 6th different side to win the NFL title.
2006-07
The last NFL season -- Dempo SC claim their second title.
2007
Inaugural edition of the I-League kicks- off as 10 clubs vie for the title. Dempo SC emerge champions.
2008-09
I-League expanded to 12 teams. Churchill Brothers go all the way to emerge champions.
2009-10
I-League expanded to 14 teams. Dempo SC win title as Odafa Okolie claims his third successive Golden Boot.
2010
Sunil Chhetri becomes first I-League export, as he signs for MLS team Kansas City Wizards.
2010
AIFF launches Indian Arrows as a developmental team. The club was formed aiming to nurture young Indian football talents.
2010-11
Salgaocar claim their first I-League title.
2011-12
Dempo SC win their third title.
2012-13
Churchill Brothers claim their second title.
2013-14
Bengaluru FC emerge champions in their debut season in Indian Football. Sunil Chhetri finishes as joint top-scorer – the first Indian to achieve the feat.
2014-15
Hero takes over as title sponsor. Mohun Bagan win their first Hero I-League title.

A late goal on the last match day gave Mohun Bagan a dramatic title as newly promoted Royal Wahingdoh from Shillong finish third. Ranty Martins scores 5 goals in one match for East Bengal against Dempo en route to winning his 4th Golden Boot.

2015-16
Aizawl FC and DSK Shivajians debut in Hero I-League.

Bengaluru FC win their second Hero I-League title in three years.

2016-17
Aizawl FC script a fairy tale.

Reinstated into the League post their relegation, Aizawl clinched the title on the last day to become the first team from the North East to emerge as Champions of India.

2017-18
Minerva Punjab emerge champion.

Minerva Punjab finish on top with newly promoted Manipur-based side NEROCA making a big impression as they finish runners-up. Indian Arrows make a return to the League.

2018-19
The trend continues -- Chennai City FC win title.

Chennai City FC surprised all, and emerge champions. Newly promoted Real Kashmir FC finish third.

2019-20
Mohun Bagan declared winners of Covid-hit season.

A prolific Mohun Bagan, having an unassailable lead, declared champions in the pandemic hit season. Debut season for Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) FC.

2020-21
Gokulam create bio bubble history.

Gokulam Kerala became the first club from Kerala to win the Hero I-League title as AIFF successfully conducted competition in a secured bio bubble.

2021-22
Malabarians create more history

Gokulam Kerala become the first club to successfully defend their title in the I-League era.

2022-23
Punjab FC secure historic promotion

Punjab FC win the I-League with a massive 10-point margin and become the first team ever to be promoted to the Indian Super League.

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