Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian football team, has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned two decades. With 94 goals in 150 appearances, Chhetri is only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the list of active international goal-scorers. He is also India’s most-capped player and has played a crucial role in the success of the national team.
Chhetri revealed in a video message on social media that his final international match will be the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6. Despite still feeling fit to play, he explained that it was an instinctive decision to retire at this time. India is currently second in their qualifying group, with a crucial match against Kuwait that could determine their progress to the next round. Chhetri expressed his feelings of both pressure and relief as he approaches his last game with the national team.
Throughout his career, Chhetri has accumulated a total of 252 goals in 515 appearances for club and country, showcasing his scoring prowess on the field. His recent goal in a World Cup qualifying match against Afghanistan highlighted his continued impact on the team. Chhetri’s contributions have been acknowledged by his Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC, who praised his consistency and leadership over the years.
Football in India has faced challenges in gaining widespread popularity compared to cricket, the nation’s dominant sport. Despite this, the potential for growth in football is evident, as indicated by former FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s description of India as a “sleeping giant” in the sport. Currently ranked 121 in the world, India has made strides in developing their football infrastructure and talent pool to compete on the global stage.
Chhetri’s football journey began in 2002 and has taken him to various clubs around the world, including stints in England, the United States, and Portugal. His achievements and impact on Indian football were recognized by FIFA in 2022 through a documentary titled “Captain Fantastic.” India’s coach Igor Stimac has praised Chhetri’s influence as a role model for aspiring young footballers in the country, emphasizing his dedication and commitment to the sport.
As Chhetri prepares for his final international match, football fans across India and beyond will celebrate the legacy of one of the country’s greatest footballers. His retirement marks the end of an era in Indian football, but his contributions and achievements will continue to inspire future generations of players. Chhetri’s decision to retire on his terms reflects his professionalism and passion for the game, leaving a lasting impact on the sport in India.
