Sunil Chhetri Returns from Retirement to Boost India’s FIFA Campaign

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has decided to come out of international retirement to support the national team in their upcoming FIFA International Window matches this month. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) made the announcement on Thursday, confirming that the 40-year-old will rejoin the squad to strengthen India’s campaign.  

A Surprise Comeback for March Friendlies

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on its official ‘X’ handle wrote, “Sunil Chhetri is back. The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March”.

Chhetri, will be 40 years, 7 months and 16 days old when India will play the Maldives in a friendly on March 19.

Less Than a Year After Retirement

Sunil Chhetri retired in June 2024 after leading India for nearly two decades, leaving an irreplaceable void in the squad. He remains India’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player. He is the fourth-highest goalscorer in men’s international football, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei.  

In 2022, the Football governing body released a three-part documentary titled ‘Captain Fantastic’ chronicling his journey in the sport. Chhetri’s farewell was widely acknowledged by FIFA and the global football community.  

Marquez Confirms Chhetri’s Comeback

Manolo Marquez, who is currently the head coach of Indian Super League club Goa and the India national football team emphasized the importance of Chhetri’s return, particularly with the team preparing for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round.  

Marquez said, “The qualification for the Asian Cup is very crucial for us. Given the importance of the tournament and the matches ahead, I discussed with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the national team. He agreed, and so we have included him in the squad.”

Following his retirement from international football, Chhetri continued playing for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). So far he scored 12 goals in 23 matches this season.  

India’s Upcoming Matches and Squad Announcement

India will play a friendly match against the Maldives on March 19 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. India has been drawn alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore in the qualifiers. The team struggled in the last edition of the Asian Cup, failing to progress past the group stage.  

The 26-member squad for the March FIFA International Window

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith. 

Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose. 

Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh.