In the high-octane world of the Indian Super League (ISL), attacking flair and thrilling goals often take the spotlight, but the backbone of every successful campaign is a world-class goalkeeper. Since the ISL’s inception in 2014, one award has quietly honored those who display calmness under pressure: the Golden Glove, given to the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in a season.
While forwards dazzle with finishes, the Golden Glove winners are the guardians of the game, the unsung heroes who make breathtaking saves, organize defenses, and grind out results that change the direction of a season. Keeping clean sheets in the ISL is no easy task, requiring focus, leadership, and impeccable shot-stopping ability against some of the fiercest attacks in Asia.
Over more than a decade, the Golden Glove list has become a hall of fame for elite goalkeepers, equal parts athleticism, strategy, and ice-cold composure. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these custodians have defined seasons and etched their names in the annals of Indian football history.
Complete ISL Golden Glove Winners List
Here is the complete ISL Golden Glove Winners table, covering every season, goalkeeper, club, matches played, and clean sheets:
| Season | Goalkeeper / Player | Club | Matches Played | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Jan Šeda | FC Goa | 14 | 7 |
| 2015 | Apoula Edel | Chennaiyin FC | 13 | 6 |
| 2016 | Amrinder Singh | Mumbai City FC | 6 | 5 |
| 2017–18 | Subrata Paul | Jamshedpur FC | 18 | 7 |
| 2018–19 | Gurpreet Singh Sandhu | Bengaluru FC | 20 | 7 |
| 2019–20 | Gurpreet Singh Sandhu | Bengaluru FC | 19 | 11 |
| 2020–21 | Arindam Bhattacharja | ATK Mohun Bagan | 23 | 10 |
| 2021–22 | Prabhsukhan Gill | Kerala Blasters FC | 20 | 7 |
| 2022–23 | Vishal Kaith | ATK Mohun Bagan | 24 | 12 |
| 2023–24 | Phurba Lachenpa | Mumbai City FC | 21 | 9 |
| 2024–25 | Vishal Kaith | ATK Mohun Bagan | 26 | 15 |
Let’s look at each in detail:
1. Jan Šeda – 2014
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | FC Goa |
| Matches | 14 |
| Clean Sheets | 7 |
In the very first ISL season, Czech goalkeeper Jan Šeda set the tone for excellence between the sticks. His commanding presence, quick reflexes, and calm decision-making helped FC Goa record seven clean sheets, the most in the league that year. Šeda’s consistency was a vital element in Goa’s competitive run during the inaugural campaign.
What made Šeda special wasn’t just the number of shutouts, but his influence on the team’s defensive shape. He marshaled his backline and contributed to an organized unit that stood toe-to-toe with some of the ISL’s best attacks, establishing him as the first-ever Golden Glove winner and a benchmark for future shot-stoppers.
2. Apoula Edel – 2015
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Chennaiyin FC |
| Matches | 13 |
| Clean Sheets | 6 |
The 2015 Golden Glove went to experienced keeper Apoula Edel, who anchored Chennaiyin FC’s defense with authority and composure. With six clean sheets, Edel demonstrated his shot-stopping expertise, leadership, and ability to make clutch saves in tight games.
Beyond statistics, Edel’s presence uplifted his defenders and provided balance to a Chennaiyin side that went on to win the ISL title. His calm temperament under pressure and vast experience made him one of the most respected keepers in the league that season.
3. Amrinder Singh – 2016
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Mumbai City FC |
| Matches | 6 |
| Clean Sheets | 5 |
Amrinder Singh burst onto the scene in 2016, showcasing his shot-stopping prowess with Mumbai City FC. Although he played only six games that season, his five clean sheets were crucial in propelling his team to the top of the league stage and marked him as a rising star in Indian goalkeeping.
Amrinder’s agile reflexes, bravery in one-on-one situations, and natural leadership helped solidify Mumbai City’s defense. His incredible impact in limited appearances highlighted his ability to seize opportunities and cemented him as one of India’s most exciting young custodians.
4. Subrata Paul – 2017–18
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Jamshedpur FC |
| Matches | 18 |
| Clean Sheets | 7 |
Indian goalkeeping legend Subrata Paul etched his name in ISL history in the 2017–18 season with seven clean sheets in 18 games. His remarkable reflexes and command of the box made him a fan favorite and the backbone of Jamshedpur FC’s defense in their debut campaign.
Paul’s tactical awareness and leadership were critical to organizing a defense against elite attackers. Even in tight contests, his experience shone through, keeping his side resilient and inspiring the younger defenders around him.
5. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – 2018–19 & 2019–20
| Season | Club | Clean Sheets | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | Bengaluru FC | 7 | 20 |
| 2019–20 | Bengaluru FC | 11 | 19 |
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu dominated the Golden Glove charts with back-to-back wins in 2018–19 and 2019–20. In 2018–19, he kept seven clean sheets and was instrumental in Bengaluru FC’s strong league performance.
The following season, Gurpreet elevated his game with 11 clean sheets, one of the highest tallies in ISL history, showcasing his elite shot-stopping, concentration, and consistency. His command of the penalty area and ability to thwart high-pressure attacks made him one of the top goalkeepers in the league’s history.
6. Arindam Bhattacharja – 2020–21
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | ATK Mohun Bagan |
| Matches | 23 |
| Clean Sheets | 10 |
In the 2020–21 season, veteran shot-stopper Arindam Bhattacharja stood tall for ATK Mohun Bagan, keeping ten clean sheets in 23 matches. His composure under pressure, superb positioning, and critical saves helped his team compete at the top of the table.
Arindam’s experience boosted team confidence, enabling his defenders to play with the assurance of a secure last line. His commanding presence in the box and leadership qualities were vital in tight situations, contributing to several key results throughout the season.
7. Prabhsukhan Gill – 2021–22
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Kerala Blasters FC |
| Matches | 20 |
| Clean Sheets | 7 |
Young Indian keeper Prabhsukhan Gill grabbed the spotlight in the 2021–22 season with seven clean sheets, earning the Golden Glove at just 21 years old. Thrust into the starting role due to injury, he seized his chance with maturity beyond his years.
Gill’s reflexes, composure, and quick reactions made him one of the most exciting Indian prospects in goalkeeping. His performances helped Kerala Blasters reach the ISL final and proved that the next generation of Indian shot-stoppers is in great hands.
8. Vishal Kaith – 2022–23 & 2024–25
| Season | Club | Clean Sheets | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | ATK Mohun Bagan | 12 | 24 |
| 2024–25 | ATK Mohun Bagan | 15 | 26 |
Vishal Kaith has become one of the most decorated goalkeepers in ISL history, first winning the award in 2022–23 with a remarkable 12 clean sheets and then smashing records in 2024–25 with an astounding 15 sheets. His consistency, command of the box, and game-reading ability made Mohun Bagan a fortress.
In 2024–25, Kaith’s performance was nothing short of legendary, helping Mohun Bagan win both the League Shield and the ISL Cup and setting a new clean sheet record for a single season. His leadership, reflexes, and confidence with the ball truly defined one of the greatest seasons ever by a goalkeeper in the league’s history.
9. Phurba Lachenpa – 2023–24
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Mumbai City FC |
| Matches | 21 |
| Clean Sheets | 9 |
Sikkim’s Phurba Lachenpa delivered a brilliant Golden Glove campaign for Mumbai City FC in 2023–24. With nine clean sheets, his shot-stopping performances were key to Mumbai City’s defensive solidity and their second ISL Cup triumph.
Lachenpa’s composure and confidence on the ball added a modern dimension to his game, making him one of the most trusted figures under pressure. His ability to rise to big moments and keep opposition attacks at bay marked him as one of the season’s most outstanding performers.
Conclusion: Guardians Of The Game
The ISL Golden Glove winners are among the most elite athletes in Indian football. Year after year, these goalkeepers have rewarded fans with heroic moments, breathtaking saves, and unwavering reliability.
From Jan Šeda’s early brilliance to Vishal Kaith’s record-breaking campaigns, each Golden Glove winner has balanced precision with passion, proving that clean sheets are just as thrilling as goals.
As the ISL evolves and new talents rise between the posts, the Golden Glove will remain a prestigious symbol of defensive mastery and competitive excellence in India’s premier football league.
