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Key Points

NorthEast United FC have made history by defending their Durand Cup title. They dominated the final with a stunning 6-1 victory over Diamond Harbour. The team's success was powered by individual brilliance from Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Gurmeet Singh. This marks the first successful Durand Cup defense since East Bengal achieved it back in 1991.

Key Points: NorthEast United FC Defend Durand Cup Title with 6-1 Final Win

  • NorthEast United FC wins Durand Cup final 6-1 against Diamond Harbour
  • Alaaeddine Ajaraie wins Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards
  • Goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh claims Golden Glove for second year
  • Team becomes first since 1991 to defend the historic trophy
2 min read

Durand Cup 2025: Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Gurmeet Singh among award winners

NorthEast United FC successfully defend their Durand Cup title, sweeping team and individual awards with Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Gurmeet Singh starring.

"The Highlanders became the first team since East Bengal FC in 1991 to successfully defend the Durand Cup - Indian Super League Press Release"

Kolkata, August 24

NorthEast United FC defended their Durand Cup title in style with a 6-1 victory over Diamond Harbour in the final in Kolkata on Saturday.

The Highlanders became the first team since East Bengal FC in 1991 to successfully defend the Durand Cup, as per a press release from the Indian Super League (ISL).

However, the glittering trophies weren't the only prizes that went to the Highlanders' camp, Juan Pedro Benali's men also swept the individual post-tournament awards.

Here is the full list of award winners:

Golden Ball: Alaaeddine Ajaraie:

The Players of the season in the Indian Super League (ISL)'s 2024-25 season repeated the feat in the Durand Cup as they won the Golden Ball award. Scorer of eight goals and provider of three assists during the tournament, Ajaraie was the heartbeat of NorthEast United FC's attack and made all the difference for them.

Golden Boot: Alaaeddine Ajaraie:

The Moroccan was the top scorer in the tournament with eight goals, three goals ahead of Luka Majcen and Liston Colaco who scored five goals apiece. The ISL 2024-25 Golden Boot winner continued his scoring spree in the Durand Cup and was in menacing form all-around.

Golden Glove: Gurmeet Singh

The Golden Glove award, presented to the best goalkeeper of the tournament, went to NorthEast United FC's Gurmeet Singh. Benali's side kept two clean sheets in the tournament and conceded just five goals in six matches. This was the second season running that Gurmeet won the award, having won it in 2024 when NorthEast United FC won the trophy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Gurmeet Singh back-to-back Golden Glove winner! That's some consistency from our Indian goalkeeper. So proud to see local talent shining alongside international stars. 🇮🇳
A
Ashwin V
While Ajaraie deserved all the awards, I wish we had more Indian players in the individual awards list. Our domestic talent needs to step up and compete at this level.
S
Sarah B
First team since 1991 to defend the Durand Cup! That's a historic achievement. The 6-1 scoreline in the final shows their complete dominance. Congratulations to the entire team!
V
Vikram M
Benali has built something special at NorthEast United. The team plays with such cohesion and attacking flair. Looking forward to seeing them in the ISL season!
N
Nikhil C
Ajaraie winning both Golden Ball and Golden Boot - complete player! His partnership with Indian players is what makes this team special. Great for Indian football development.

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