Bengaluru FC Clinch Third RFDL Title with 1-0 Victory Over FC Goa in Final

Bengaluru FC defeated FC Goa 1-0 in the final of the Reliance Foundation Development League 2025-26 season at the Bambolim Stadium. The winning goal came late in the match from Haobam Ricky Meetei, securing Bengaluru's status as the most successful team in the U-21 competition. The season featured 54 teams and 261 matches, providing crucial development opportunities for young talent. Individual season awards were given to Konsam Sanathoi Singh, Tanbir Dey, and Priyansh Dubey.

Key Points: Bengaluru FC Wins RFDL 2025-26, Beats FC Goa 1-0 in Final

  • Bengaluru FC wins third RFDL title
  • 1-0 victory over FC Goa in final
  • Late goal by Haobam Ricky Meetei
  • 261 matches played in season
  • Golden Ball, Boot, and Glove awards announced
2 min read

RFDL 2025-26: Bengaluru beat FC Goa in final to clinch third title

Bengaluru FC defeats FC Goa 1-0 to win their third Reliance Foundation Development League title. Recap the final match highlights and season awards.

"Ricky, who was in the right place at the right time, drove into the bottom right corner to put Bengaluru in the driver's seat. - Match Report"

Panaji, April 18

In a highly anticipated final of the 2025-26 season of the Reliance Foundation Development League, Bengaluru FC defeated FC Goa 1-0 at the Bambolim Stadium in Goa on Saturday.

Winning their third RFDL title, Bengaluru maintained their position as the most successful team in India's premier U-21 competition, according to a press release from RFDL.

In the 41st minute, Asher Rodrigues intercepted the ball in the final third and passed it to Shaikh Mohamad Ismail on the right wing. The winger delightfully dribbled through two Bengaluru defenders and pulled a shot; however, it was saved comfortably by the Blues' goalkeeper.

Following the restart, in the 54th minute, Bengaluru FC came inches close to scoring when Haobam Ricky Meetei picked out Taorem Kelvin Singh from distance. The latter's scuffed attempt, however, scraped the wrong side of the left post.

The Blues finally found a breakthrough late into the game. Kelvin's cross from the left wing caused a melee inside the box. Ricky, who was in the right place at the right time, drove into the bottom right corner to put Bengaluru in the driver's seat.

FC Goa's attempts to find an equaliser were successfully cleared off by the young Blues as they held on to their slender lead till the full-time whistle.

By the end of the season, the league completed 261 matches, with the teams reaching the National Championship getting 22 highly competitive matches each. With 54 teams across 9 football hotbed regions of the country in the fifth season, RFDL continues to contribute towards the development of youth football by providing valuable game time to the best young talent in India.

Golden Ball: Konsam Sanathoi Singh (Punjab FC)

Golden Boot: Tanbir Dey (NorthEast United FC)

Golden Gloves: Priyansh Dubey (Mohun Bagan Super Giant).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartbreak for FC Goa, they played so well! That Ismail chance in the first half... just needed a bit more composure. But full credit to Bengaluru for being clinical. Konsam Sanathoi Singh winning Golden Ball for Punjab FC is a great story too!
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Rohit P
54 teams across 9 regions! This is exactly the kind of grassroots expansion we need. More game time for these youngsters is priceless. Hope the ISL clubs actually give these RFDL stars a proper chance in the senior team now.
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Michael C
As a neutral fan, the quality seems to be improving every season. The description of the match was tense! A 1-0 final is always a nail-biter. Congrats to all the award winners, especially Priyansh Dubey – a goalkeeper's clean sheet in a final is massive.
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Shreya B
While the league is doing great work, I wish the broadcasting was better. These are our future stars, but most fans can't watch the games easily. Reliance has the resources, they should make it more accessible on TV or streaming. Just a respectful suggestion!
K
Karthik V
NorthEast United's Tanbir Dey with the Golden Boot! Great to see talent emerging from the Northeast as always. The region is a football factory. Bengaluru's dynasty continues, but the competition is getting tougher. Well done, Blues! 🏆

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