Sports Desk – Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has decided to come out of retirement and will once again don the national jersey in March 2025. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Thursday that Chhetri will be part of the Indian squad for the upcoming FIFA International Window.
Chhetri’s Return to the National Team
Chhetri, who had retired from international football in June 2024 after a goalless draw against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, will make his comeback in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. India will face Bangladesh on March 25 in the third round of the qualifiers. His name has been included in coach Manolo Marquez’s 26-player squad for the FIFA International Window.
“The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March,” wrote AIFF on X.
India’s matches during this window will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The team has been placed in a qualifying group alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong (China), and Singapore for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. In the previous edition of the tournament, India struggled, failing to progress past the group stage after losing all their matches.
A Look at Chhetri’s Illustrious Career
At 40 years old, Chhetri remains India’s all-time leading goal-scorer. He is fourth in the all-time list of men’s football international goal-scorers, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei. Even after retiring from international football, he continued playing for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League.
Chhetri has been a key figure in India’s victories in major tournaments like:
- Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012)
- SAFF Championship (2011, 2015, 2021)
- AFC Challenge Cup 2008, which helped India qualify for the AFC Asian Cup after 27 years.
He made his international debut in 2005 and scored his first goal against Pakistan. His performance in the 2011 SAFF Championship, where he scored seven goals, remains one of his most memorable achievements.
Across club and country, Chhetri has an outstanding record of 252 goals in 515 appearances, averaging nearly a goal every two games. His contributions to Indian football were also recognized globally when FIFA released a documentary titled “Captain Fantastic” in 2022, celebrating his journey and achievements.
What Chhetri’s Return Means for Indian Football
Chhetri’s return is a massive boost for the Indian football team, especially as they aim for AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification. With his experience and leadership, fans hope that India can put up a stronger fight this time.
As the countdown to March 2025 begins, all eyes will be on Chhetri as he makes his much-awaited comeback on the field.
