FC Goa celebrated the best of the 2024-25 season at a glittering Awards Night held on Tuesday. The evening was one of recognition, reflection, and revelry as players and staff across the club’s senior and youth teams were felicitated for their exceptional performances, commitment, and embodiment of the Gaur spirit.
The highlight of the night was the announcement of the FC Goa Club Player of the Season 2024-25, awarded to India international Sandesh Jhingan. The commanding centre-back led from the front with an imperious defensive record – clocking 1739 minutes in 20 matches, and registering 85% passing accuracy, 64 duels won, 107 clearances, and a goal to cap off a season of true leadership.
Brison Fernandes emerged as the undisputed star among the Gaurs, sweeping multiple honours. The midfielder won the Fans’ Player of the Season, the Players’ Player of the Season, and the Club Young Player of the Season awards. With 7 goals, 2 assists and the title of ISL Emerging Player of the Season, Brison’s impact was felt in every third of the pitch, and he was duly celebrated by fans and teammates alike.
A landmark moment in the evening came with the presentation of the first-ever Coro Medal, introduced this season in honour of Ferran Corominas, one of the greatest forwards to ever don the FC Goa jersey. The Coro Medal, named after the club’s all-time top scorer, is the first award instituted by FC Goa to be named after a player, commemorating legacy and excellence in front of goal. This year’s recipient was Iker Guarrotxena, whose return to the club proved magical. With 10 goals and 3 assists in 22 matches, Iker was instrumental to the Gaurs’ attacking prowess. The award was announced by Coro himself via a heartfelt video message, marking a symbolic passing of the torch.
One of the most touching moments of the night was the presentation of the FC Goa Lucas Cardozo Memorial Award, instituted in memory of Lucas Cardozo – a beloved former colleague who served the club for six years before his passing earlier this year.
The inaugural award, recognising exemplary service to the Club, went to Chandan Kundaikar, the Kit and Equipment Manager who has been a part of the FC Goa family since 2018.
In line with the Club’s philosophy of development, respect, and unity, the youth team awards – selected through team-wide polls – highlighted values beyond stats. The winners were:
● U13 Player of the Season: Kurtson Menezes
● U15 Player of the Season: Crossley Dias
● U17 Player of the Season: Sangam Shetye
● Development Team Player of the Season: Sitroy Carvalho
Each of them was chosen for demonstrating discipline, kindness, hard work, and commitment to the team ethos.
A special honour – the Youth Pathway Award – was presented to Prachit Gaonkar, who became the first FC Goa player and only the second in ISL history to rise through every rung of the Club’s youth ladder (U13, U15, U17, U19, Dev Team) and make his
debut in the ISL this season.
The FC Goa Gaur Spirit Award was awarded to the Club’s Medical Team, whose tireless work saw five players successfully return from ACL injuries and several others recover from short-term setbacks, playing a pivotal role in the team’s campaign.
Hrithik Tiwari was honoured with the Breakthrough Season Award for his grit and perseverance. From waiting in the wings to becoming a mainstay between the sticks, Hrithik made 23 appearances, kept 8 clean sheets, and made 52 saves – including a decisive penalty stop against Odisha FC that helped secure three crucial points.
The Iron Man Award went to Boris Singh, whose relentless energy and consistency saw him clock 2192 minutes across competitions – more than any other FC Goa player. Boris featured in 25 of 26 ISL matches, starting each one and scoring a memorable winner against Kerala Blasters.
Meanwhile, Borja Herrera won Goal of the Season for his stunning strike in the second leg of the ISL 2024-25 semi-finals against Bengaluru FC that captured the imagination of the fans and added to a season tally of 48 goals from 13 different players.
The Awards Night was not just a celebration of statistics and silverware but of the values and people that make FC Goa what it is. From players to backroom staff, each award symbolised dedication, unity, and belief in the club’s vision – a night to remember, and a standard to build upon.
Full List of Award Winners:
•U13 Player of the Season: Kurtson Menezes
•U15 Player of the Season: Crossley Dias
•U17 Player of the Season: Sangam Shetye
•Development Team Player of the Season: Sitroy Carvalho
•Youth Pathway Award: Prachit Gaonkar
•Gaur Spirit Award: FC Goa Medical Team
•Lucas Cardozo Memorial Award: Chandan Kundaikar
•Breakthrough Season Award: Hrithik Tiwari
•Iron Man Award: Boris Singh
•Goal of the Season: Borja Herrera
•Coro Medal (Top Goal-scorer): Iker Guarrotxena
•Fans’ Player of the Season: Brison Fernandes
•Players’ Player of the Season: Brison Fernandes
•Club Young Player of the Season: Brison Fernandes
•Club Player of the Season: Sandesh Jhingan.
