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Sports India News Updated Feb 5, 2026

Mumbai City FC Signs Portuguese Defender Nuno Reis for ISL 2026 Season

Mumbai City FC has bolstered its defense by signing Portuguese centre-back Nuno Reis on a deal lasting until the end of the season. The 35-year-old defender brings extensive experience, including a previous stint with ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Islanders, who are the joint-most successful club in ISL history, will begin their new campaign on February 19 against Chennaiyin FC. The upcoming ISL season features 14 teams and kicks off next week.

ISL 2026: Nuno Reis joins Mumbai City FC until the end of the season

Mumbai, Feb 5

Mumbai City FC has strengthened their side ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League by signing the Portuguese centre-back Nuno Reis on a short-term deal, which will keep him in the club until the end of the season.

The 35-year-old comes with a lot of experience in various leagues around the world. The defender has also played for ISL champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the AIFF Super Cup 2024-25. Nuno, however, parted ways with the club last summer.

The two-time ISL champions welcomed the new star with a post on X. "We are delighted to announce the signing of Portuguese defender Nuno Reis until the end of the season," they wrote.

Reis has played his football widely in the A-League with Manchester City FC, where the defender won three A-League Premierships and the 2021 Championship before joining Mohun Bagan in 2024.

The ISL 2025 season is set to kick off next week with defending champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant hosting Kerala Blasters at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

A total of 14 teams will compete in the 12th edition of the tournament. Mumbai City FC will start its campaign in the league on February 19 with a clash against Chennaiyin FC at the Football Arena in Mumbai.

Nicknamed "The Islanders", the Mumbai FC club has dominated the ISL since its inception in 2014. They are the joint-most successful club in ISL history, along with Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Mumbai's team has won four titles, which include two League Winners Shields and two ISL Cups. They created history in March 2021, when they became the first club to lift the ISL League Shield and the ISL Trophy in one season. They finished in sixth position in the 2024-25 season with 36 points in the 24 league games. The club won only nine matches and suffered defeat in ten encounters.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Priya S

A 35-year-old defender? I'm not sure about this. We should be investing in younger Indian talent for the long term. Feels like a short-term fix. Hope I'm proven wrong!

Arjun K

His experience with Mohun Bagan in the Super Cup means he already knows the Indian conditions. That's a big plus. Excited for the season to start! Mumbai vs Chennaiyin will be a cracker.

Sarah B

Interesting move. The article says he played for Manchester City FC? I think they mean Melbourne City FC in the A-League. Good pedigree though. The ISL is getting more competitive every year.

Vikram M

As a Mumbaikar, I just want the Islanders to dominate again! Sixth place last season was not acceptable. This signing shows intent. Let's go for that fifth title! 💪

Karthik V

The real test is on February 19th. Chennaiyin is always a tough opponent. Hope Reis settles in quickly. The league is so balanced now, every point matters from the first match.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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