PANAJI
Goan football is making waves abroad with the Goan Football Cup 2025 which concluded at Cranford Community College, London, on August 23.
The tournament has firmly established itself as the biggest Goan football tournament outside Goa.
The second edition saw a record 28 teams in the men’s category and three teams in the women’s event, making it a landmark moment for Goan sport and culture abroad.
The tournament has always been inclusive, welcoming players from across all communities, with Goan teams competing strongly against sides featuring experienced English 5-a-side players.
One of the most notable stories was the participation of Wilred United Goa, managed by Joe Vas, who travelled all the way from Goa with his team that included England 5-a-side star Kurt Hebert. While their men’s team bowed out in the quarterfinals, their women’s side featuring former India junior player Anline Fernandes created history by winning the women’s championship without conceding a goal.
In their very first tournament together, the Goan girls overcame two established West London teams to lift the trophy, making the entire community proud. Southall Athletic WFC finished runners-up after an unbeaten group stage run.
In the men’s category, Daily Ballin emerged champions, defeating Filthy Starz. In the women’s Category, Wilred United Goa were crowned champions.
The day was about more than just football “ it was a true community celebration. Families and friends gathered in large numbers to enjoy not only the matches but also delicious Goan food by Pratos De Goa, refreshing Goan Feni cocktails by GoaTails, and live entertainment from Saneev, Rochus, and singer Braga. With football, food, and music coming together, the Goan Football Cup 2025 became a vibrant festival of sport and culture.
The prize distribution was conducted by Xavier Vas, Jules Alberto Dias, Ruksana Braz and famed singer Mark Revlon, who honoured the champions and outstanding individual performers.
