NorthEast United FC etched their name in Indian football folklore on Saturday night, becoming the first team in 34 years to defend the Durand Cup crown. The Highlanders dismantled Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, ensuring that the fabled silverware remained in their cabinet for a second straight year.
Unlike last year’s nail-biting penalty shootout against Mohun Bagan, this final was a one-sided spectacle. Diamond Harbour, who had shocked East Bengal in the semifinal, were unable to reproduce the same fight as Pedro Benali’s men ran riot under the floodlights.
“This feels amazing — you can see it on my face,” said a beaming Benali after the win. “We made history in the Durand Cup. These boys deserve everything. They’ve made our supporters smile, and I hope we can keep doing that.”
The Highlanders’ dominance was reflected not only in the scoreline but also in the awards. Alaaeddine Ajaraie walked away with both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot, while Gurmeet Singh was named the best goalkeeper. Each player received ₹3 lakh along with a brand-new Mahindra SUV.
Financially, too, the triumph was record-breaking. NorthEast pocketed ₹1.21 crore — the biggest prize for the champions in the tournament’s history — while runners-up Diamond Harbour earned ₹60 lakh.
The win put NEUFC in exalted company, joining a list of just 12 teams to have retained the Durand Cup across its 137-year history. East Bengal had last achieved the feat in 1991 with a hat-trick of titles.
For club owner John Abraham, it was a moment too emotional to contain. The Bollywood actor raced onto the pitch after the final whistle, embracing players, soaking in the roars of the stands, and obliging endless selfie requests. “John is always there for the team,” Benali remarked. “He makes decisions with the club’s best interests in mind. Hats off to him.”
The party didn’t stop on the field. In scenes reminiscent of France’s 2018 World Cup celebrations, jubilant NorthEast players stormed Benali’s post-match press conference, dousing their coach with water sprays as laughter and cheers echoed through the room.
For a club that lifted its first-ever trophy only a year ago, the back-to-back triumph signals a transformation. From underdogs to serial winners, NorthEast United FC have emerged as a force in Indian football — and the Highlanders’ Durand Cup double may just be the beginning.
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