A Derby Day Demolition
The Kolkata Derby final was a tale of first-half brilliance from East Bengal. The Red and Gold Brigade stunned the Mariners with a breathtaking offensive onslaught at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Bipin Singh opened the floodgates in the 10th
minute, followed swiftly by a phenomenal hat-trick from Edmund Lalrindika before halftime. Despite a lone goal from Mohun Bagan's Manvir Singh, the damage was done. Coach Antonio Habas's side employed a disciplined defensive strategy in the second half to see out the historic 4-1 win, securing their 17th Durand Cup title and drawing level with Mohun Bagan as the most successful team in the competition's history.
Placing the Win in Historical Context
This victory is monumental for East Bengal, marking their first Durand Cup since 2004. But while the Kolkata giants celebrated their return to glory, their win adds another fascinating chapter to the recent history of the tournament. The question posed by the headline—who has dominated the last 15 years?—reveals a landscape far more competitive and varied than the historical duopoly of the two Kolkata giants might suggest. The period from 2011 to 2025 was not ruled by one or two teams, but saw a diverse cast of champions from across the country lift the prestigious trophy.
The Goan Powerhouse: Churchill Brothers
Looking back to 2011, the decade began with a strong Goan influence. Churchill Brothers kicked off the period by winning the 2011 Durand Cup, their third title in five years, having also won in 2007 and 2009. Their victory against Prayag United in 2011 cemented a brief but potent era of dominance for the Goan club, showcasing the strength of teams from the region in India's national competitions. This run interrupted the traditional dominance of Kolkata and established Churchill as a modern force in the historic tournament.
A Spread of Silverware
The years following Churchill's win saw no single team establish a dynasty. Instead, the trophy was shared among a host of different clubs. The winners list from 2012 to 2022 reads like a who's who of Indian football clubs, each having their moment of glory. Air India (2012), Mohammedan SC (2013), Salgaocar FC (2014), Army Green (2016), Gokulam Kerala (2019), FC Goa (2021), and Bengaluru FC (2022) all lifted the cup. This pattern highlights a period of intense competition and demonstrates that dominance was fleeting and hard-won.
The Rise of New Challengers
In the most recent years leading up to 2026, new power players emerged. Mohun Bagan themselves ended a 23-year title drought by winning in 2023. Following that, NorthEast United FC announced their arrival on the big stage by winning back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025, a rare feat in the modern era. This shows that just before East Bengal's spectacular 2026 victory, the new dominant force seemed to be emerging from the Northeast. This context makes East Bengal’s triumph even more significant, as they not only defeated their rivals but also disrupted a new emerging trend.
