Youssef Ezzajari and Miguel—one the recipient of the Golden Boot, the other of the Golden Ball. Miguel dazzled throughout the entire tournament, while Ezzajari scored goal after goal. Amidst this brilliance, it would be no exaggeration to say that their futures remain shrouded in darkness. No contracts have yet been signed for the upcoming season. A single question lingers: where will they play next season? Will these two stars be seen once again at Kolkata’s iconic, historic club? And what, for that matter, is the fate of the ISL itself in the coming season? Carrying these very questions with them, Miguel and Ezzajari are now departing the city of Kolkata. They have experienced the roar of the Red-and-Gold galleries, the waves of applause, the tears, and the warmth of the fans' hearts. This once-unfamiliar city has become their home. Yet, at this moment, it remains unknown whether they will ever return to that home. And all the while, their deepest desire is to continue playing in the Red-and-Gold jersey.
Perhaps this is the cruel beauty of football. Here, winning trophies may be easy, but securing one's future is not. Nevertheless—through this city, these galleries, and these emotions—a silent truth seems to be etched somewhere: some players do not merely switch teams; they carve a permanent place for themselves within the very memories of a city.
Ezzajari and Miguel have become intertwined with the very pulse of this city. The East Bengal supporters yearn to see them play for their beloved club once again in the upcoming season. However, whether they stay or go—only time will tell.