Islamabad, Mar 07, 2025: Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has made a surprising return to the national team at the age of 40, reversing his retirement decision from last year.
The former captain, ranked fourth among the highest men’s international goalscorers, had played his last match for India in June 2024 during a World Cup qualifier.
At the time, he cited instinct as the reason for stepping away, making an emotional exit in front of nearly 59,000 fans in Kolkata.
However, on Thursday, India head coach Manolo Marquez confirmed Chhetri’s return for the upcoming March international window.
With India already out of contention for the 2026 World Cup, the focus has now shifted to qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Marquez revealed that the decision was made after discussions with Chhetri about strengthening the squad for the crucial tournament. The veteran striker agreed to rejoin, leading to his inclusion in the squad.
India will face the Maldives in a friendly on March 19, followed by an Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25.
Despite football’s struggles to gain popularity in cricket-dominated India, Chhetri remains a revered sporting figure. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter had once described India as a “sleeping giant” of world football.
Chhetri, who debuted against Pakistan in 2005, had brief stints in Portugal and the United States but spent most of his career in India. In 2009, a move to England’s Queens Park Rangers fell through due to work permit issues.
