The AIFF announced on Thursday that Sunil Chhetri, the iconic figure of Indian football, has made the remarkable decision to step out of retirement. This comeback is set to bolster the national team during the FIFA international window in March 2025. Chhetri will don the Indian jersey once more for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifiers, with the first match against Bangladesh scheduled for March 25. His inclusion in the 26-player squad finalized by coach Manolo Marquez marks a significant boost to the team’s ambitions.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong will serve as the venue for the Indian men’s football team’s two crucial matches during this month’s FIFA international window. Drawn into a challenging qualifying group for the Asian Cup, India will face opponents such as Bangladesh, Hong Kong (China), and Singapore. In the last edition of the tournament, India’s campaign fell short as they were unable to progress beyond the group stage, losing all their matches.
Sunil Chhetri, India’s legendary forward and all-time top scorer, had previously announced his international retirement in June last year following a goalless FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Kuwait. The 40-year-old continues to shine domestically with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League. Globally, he ranks just behind icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei in the all-time leading goal-scorers tally for men’s football.
Sunil Chhetri’s Remarkable Legacy :
Sunil Chhetri has been the cornerstone of several Indian football triumphs, such as the Nehru Cup wins in 2007, 2009, and 2012, as well as multiple SAFF Championship victories in 2011, 2015, and 2021. Most notably, his role in clinching the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup paved the way for India’s return to the AFC Asian Cup after a 27-year hiatus. His international career kicked off in 2005, with his first goal scored against Pakistan. Over the years, he has shattered records, including surpassing I.M. Vijayan’s single-edition scoring record during the 2011 SAFF Championship, where his incredible seven goals secured India’s victory.
Across club and national duties, Chhetri boasts an impressive career tally of 252 goals in 515 matches, maintaining an extraordinary level of consistency. His legacy has been immortalized in FIFA’s 2022 documentary titled “Captain Fantastic,” which pays tribute to his unparalleled contributions to football.
