Double Delight for East Bengal as They Win 41st Calcutta Football League Crown and Get 40th Trophy

Image Credit: East Bengal FC(X)

East Bengal Football Club wrote their name further into Calcutta football history on September 22, 2025, securing their historic 41st Calcutta Football League Premier Division title with a heart stopping 2-1 win over United Sports Club at the East Bengal Ground. The victory was a historic double occasion, as the Red and Gold Brigade also accepted their 40th CFL trophy on the same historic day. East Bengal scored in the 37th minute, setting the tone for what turned out to be a nail biting encounter. United SC retaliated with determination, leveling in the 88th minute to leave their fans in ecstasy and in danger of derailing East Bengal's title hopes. But the hosts displayed champion spirit by scoring the winning goal in the 89th minute, prompting frenzied celebrations from the die hard home fans. The day was made all the more special with the presentation of East Bengal's 40th CFL trophy, which was officially presented to them for the last season. The event, which was attended by Kolkata's Mayor and Minister of Urban Development, was held at the East Bengal Ground prior to the United SC game. The trophy presented was named after football legend Pradip Kumar Banerjee. Banerjee, who passed away in 2020, was a giant of Indian football who had earlier led East Bengal to numerous trophies throughout his coaching career. East Bengal's road to the title showed their strength throughout the championship stage. Following their leadership of Group A with a fine record, they advanced to the Super Six phase where only the top three in each group played for the top prize. The Red and Gold Brigade demonstrated their title winning credentials with dominant wins over United Kolkata SC (3-0) and Diamond Harbour FC (3-1) before clinching the title against United SC. East Bengal's reserve team, with head coach Bino George in charge, proved their worth against seasoned rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant as well. The team's consistent performance throughout the tournament reflected the depth and quality within the club's system, justifying their status as defending champions. This victory represents East Bengal's 41st CFL Premier Division title, extending their record as the most successful club in the competition's 127 year history. The success is especially notable as it was achieved in the tournament's present format, in which 26 teams are split into two groups before the top achieving teams move to championship and relegation stages. The victory marks East Bengal's stunning reign over Kolkata football, with the club dominating CFL titles for most of them since 1982. This new achievement further cements their status as the heralds of Bengal football, collecting another chapter in their storied history since the club's inception in 1920.