Chandigarh, Feb 11 (NationPress) Punjab FC has revealed its 27-member squad for the forthcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26, marking their third consecutive season in India’s premier football league. The Shers will kick off their ISL journey against Jamshedpur FC on February 21 in Jamshedpur, with their first home match scheduled for March 9 against NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. Combining a robust domestic core with strategically chosen reinforcements, the Shers enter their third ISL season equipped to compete while remaining committed to player development.

Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, entering his second season with the club, has assembled a squad that strikes a balance between youth and experience. He has preserved the core from last season, alongside the team that participated in the Durand Cup and AIFF Super Cup. The squad includes foreign signings such as Dani Ramirez, Samir Zeljkovic, Nsungusi Jnr Effiong, Bede Amarachi Osuji, and Pablo Renan Dos Santos.

The squad also features seven academy players, emphasizing the significance of the youth program within the club. Muhammad Suhail F, Pramveer Singh, Manglengthang Kipgen, Vishal Yadav, and Singamayum Shami—who have already debuted with the senior team—will be joined this season by Ayush Deshwal and Thoungamba Singh Usham.

Supporting the head coach are assistant coach Konstantinos Katsaras and Indian assistant coach Sankarlal Chakraborty, along with Papaioannou Ioannis as the strength and conditioning coach and Vinay Singh as the goalkeeping coach.

The goalkeeping department welcomes Arshdeep Singh, whose experience brings leadership and assurance at the back. He is joined by Muheet Shabir and Ayush Deshwal, forming a well-rounded unit capable of meeting the demands of a lengthy and competitive season.

Defensively, the Shers have a strong and adaptable lineup. Bijoy Varghese, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer Singh, Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei, and Khaiminthang Lhungdim contribute physicality and composure, while Pablo Renan Dos Santos adds experience to the defense. Young defenders like Likmabam Rakesh Meitei, Leon Augustine, and Thoungamba Singh Usham further reinforce the defensive lineup.

In midfield, Punjab FC offers a dynamic mix of creativity, control, and energy. Dani Ramirez is expected to play a key role in driving attacking moves, while Samir Zeljkovic and Vinit Rai provide stability in the central areas. Princeton Rebello’s attacking instincts complement the industrious efforts of Ricky Shabong, Manglenthang Kipgen, Nikhil Prabhu, and Singamayum Shami.

The forward line boasts both diversity and attacking potential. Nsungusi Effiong and Bede Osuji deliver strength and finishing prowess, while emerging talents such as Ninthoi, Suhail, and Bikash Singh bring pace, movement, and unpredictability. Vishal Yadav and Ranjeet Singh Pandre complete a unit capable of penetrating opposing defenses and generating scoring chances.

Punjab FC Squad for ISL 2025-26:

Goalkeepers: Arshdeep Singh, Muheet Shabir, Ayush Deshwal

Defenders: Bijoy Varghese, Muhammed Uvais Moyikkal, Pramveer Singh, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Pablo Renan Dos Santos, Likmabam Rakesh Meitei, Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei, Leon Augustine, Thoungamba Singh Usham

Midfielders: Dani Ramirez, Samir Zeljkovic, Vinit Rai, Princeton Rebello, Ricky John Shabong, Manglenthang Kipgen, Naravi Nikhil Jayantha Prabhu, Singamayum Shami

Forwards: Nsungusi Jnr Effiong, Bede Amarachi Osuji, Ninthoinganba Meetei Khumanthem, Muhammad Suhail F, Bikash Singh Sagolsem, Vishal Yadav, Ranjeet Singh Pandre

Coaching and Support Staff:

Head Coach: Panagiotis Dilmperis

Assistant Coach: Konstantinos Katsaras

Indian Assistant Coach: Sankarlal Chakraborty

Strength & Conditioning Coach: Papaioannou Ioannis

Goalkeeping Coach: Vinay Singh

Team Doctor: Dr. Sidak Dhillon

Physiotherapist: Disharth Jain

Team Manager: Kaustuv Kashyap

Team Masseur: Gonesh Dalui