Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has decided to come out of international retirement to help the national team in their upcoming FIFA friendly matches this month. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) made the announcement on Thursday, stating, "Sunil Chhetri is back. The captain, leader, and legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March."

Chhetri, now 40 years old, announced his retirement in June last year after playing his final international match against Kuwait in Kolkata. He left the national team as India's all-time top goal scorer and most-capped player. His return is seen as a major boost for Indian football as the team prepares for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

Coach Manolo Marquez included Chhetri in the 26-member squad for the March FIFA international window, recognising the need for his experience and leadership. Marquez explained, "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."

Chhetri’s impact on Indian football

Chhetri’s return is expected to provide a major morale boost to the Indian team. Having led the team for more than a decade, he is regarded as one of India's greatest footballers. His remarkable international career includes 94 goals, making him the fourth-highest goal scorer in men’s football after Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei.

His contributions to Indian football include winning the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009, and 2012, as well as leading India to SAFF Championship victories in 2011, 2015, and 2021. Most notably, he played a key role in India’s 2008 AFC Challenge Cup win, which secured the team’s first AFC Asian Cup qualification in 27 years.

Even after retiring from international football, Chhetri continued to play for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). He has been in excellent form this season, scoring 12 goals in 23 matches, making him the highest-scoring Indian player in the league. His experience and goal-scoring ability will be crucial as India prepares for their upcoming matches.

India’s upcoming matches and squad details

The Indian team will play a friendly match against the Maldives on March 19 to prepare for their opening AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round match against Bangladesh on March 25. Both matches will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

India has been placed in a qualifying group alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The team will aim to perform better than in their last AFC Asian Cup campaign, where they failed to progress past the group stage after losing all their matches.

Full 26-Member Indian Squad for March 2025 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, and Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh.

Chhetri’s legacy

Chhetri’s return is a moment of celebration for Indian football fans. FIFA, the world’s governing body for football, had earlier honoured him with a three-part documentary titled Captain Fantastic in 2022. The documentary covered his journey and contributions to Indian football.

Across his club and national career, Chhetri has scored an impressive 252 goals in 515 appearances. His consistency and leadership have made him an inspiration for young footballers in India and beyond.

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