In Kolkata, football is not just a game, it is a feeling that flows through the streets, homes and spectacles. At the core of it all is the great battle, Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal. The Kolkata Derby is not merely a contest; it is a drama of social and cultural impact and emotional behaviour that has been a part of Indian football for over a hundred years.
Table of Contents
Origins: More Than Just a Game
- First Encounter: 8 August 1921 (Cooch Behar Cup semifinal)
- Replay: Mohun Bagan 3–0 East Bengal
- Rivalry Formalised: 1925 Calcutta Football League (CFL)
What Sets the Rivalry Apart?
The derby personifies a societal split:
- East Bengal: Represents the “Bangals” (immigrants from present-day Bangladesh)
- Mohun Bagan: Symbolises the “Ghotis” (native West Bengalis)
What started as a football competition has become a cultural movement, leading to discussions, expressions and generational divides.
Rivals at a Glance (As of July 2025)
| Metric | Mohun Bagan | East Bengal |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches (All-Time) | 401 | 401 |
| Wins | 135 | 137 |
| Draws | 129 | 129 |
| Titles (Overall) | 101 | 129 |
| ISL Derby Wins (Since 2020) | 8 | 0 |
| Most Recent Winner | – | East Bengal (3–2, CFL ‘25) |
Recent Derby Battles
| Date | Competition | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | CFL | East Bengal 3–2 Mohun Bagan | East Bengal |
| Jan 2025 | ISL | Mohun Bagan 1–0 East Bengal | Mohun Bagan |
| 2024 | ISL | Mohun Bagan 2–0 East Bengal | Mohun Bagan |
| 2023 | ISL | Mohun Bagan 2–2 East Bengal | Draw |
| 2022 | ISL | Mohun Bagan 3–1 East Bengal | Mohun Bagan |
In recent years, Mohun Bagan has led in the national ISL, while East Bengal is striking back locally in the CFL.
Derby Legends and Modern Heroes
| Era | Mohun Bagan | East Bengal |
|---|---|---|
| Past Icons | – Jose Ramirez Barreto | – Bhaichung Bhutia |
| – Shibdas Bhaduri & Gostha Pal | – Krishanu Dey, Majid Bishkar | |
| – Subrata Bhattacharya | – Subhash Bhowmick | |
| ISL Era | – Dimitrios Petratos | – Cleiton Silva |
| Key Acts | – Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh | – Dimitrios Diamantakos |
| – Jason Cummings, Maclaren | – Vishnu Puthiya |
Iconic Derby Moments: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal
- 1975: Mohun Bagan stunned East Bengal 5–0 (IFA Shield), the most significant margin in Derby history.
- 1997: Bhaichung Bhutia’s hat-trick (4–1 for East Bengal) at Salt Lake roared before 131,000 fans.
- 2004 Durand Cup Final: Chandan Das’s brace secured East Bengal a thriller.
- 2025 CFL: East Bengal’s 3–2 comeback at Kalyani ignited wild celebrations despite a red card.
Passion’s Dark Side
- 16 August 1980: Eden Gardens stampede claimed 16 lives after fan unrest, a tragedy still mourned annually by supporters of both clubs.
- The Derby’s emotional weight is so immense that it has even led to personal tragedies—a reminder of the deep connection fans have with the outcome.
Cultural Impact
The Derby transcends football:
- Neighbourhoods split by loyalties
- Culinary rivalries (Hilsa vs. Prawns debates)
- Giant tifos, murals, street sagas, club anthems
- Family feuds and generational stories
- For many, winning the Derby outweighs a league title
Where the Derby Plays Out
- Indian Super League (ISL)
- Calcutta Football League (CFL)
- Durand Cup
- IFA Shield
- Federation Cup / Super Cup
- I-League / NFL
Why the Kolkata Derby Endures
- More than a match, it’s identity and legacy.
- Two of India’s most decorated clubs.
- A festival carrying the spirit of Kolkata.
- Symbolises how sport can mirror society, connect generations, and keep memories alive.
The Kolkata Derby remains the beating heart of Indian football: a contest where history breathes, passions clash, and new legends are born.
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