Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has decided to come out of international retirement to support the national team in their upcoming FIFA friendly matches this month, the country’s football governing body announced on Thursday. At 40, Chhetri makes his return to the squad after leading India for over a decade.
“Sunil Chhetri is back. The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March,” the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on their official ‘X’ platform.
Chhetri, who debuted internationally in 2005 and retired as India’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, has been named in coach Manolo Marquez’s 26-man squad for the March FIFA international window.
His return comes less than a year after he bid farewell to the game, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and a void yet to be filled.
Having competed at the highest level until the age of 39 and finishing his career with an impressive 94 international goals, Chhetri’s retirement made global headlines, with FIFA leading the tributes to the Indian football icon.
In 2022, FIFA had honored Chhetri’s legacy with a three-part documentary titled ‘Captain Fantastic’, covering different phases of his journey – kick off, mid-game and extra time.
Chhetri remains the fourth-highest goalscorer in men’s international football, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei.
He announced his retirement after India’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6 last year.
The Blue Tigers will face Maldives in a friendly on March 19 as part of their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round, where they will take on Bangladesh in their opening match on March 25.
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.”
Since retiring from international football, Chhetri has continued playing for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, where he has netted 12 goals in 23 matches this season, making him the league’s highest Indian goal-scorer.
Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host the Indian senior men’s team’s two matches during this month’s FIFA international window.
India has been drawn alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore in the Asian Cup qualifiers. In the previous edition of the tournament, India endured a disappointing campaign, failing to advance beyond the group stage after losing all their matches.
India’s 26-member 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, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh.
