Sunil Chhetri Returns: Indian Football Icon Ends Retirement at 40

The legendary Indian football star Sunil Chhetri decided to return from retirement to help the national team during FIFA international breaks in March 2025. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) officially announced on March 6, 2025 through an X post. “Sunil Chhetri is back. The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team.” This decision, less than a year after his emotional farewell in June 2024, underscores both his enduring legacy and the challenges facing Indian football. The decision marks his return less than one year following his emotional June 2024 retirement announcement which highlights both his permanent football impact and India's current challenges in football.

Chhetri ended his soccer career by retiring after the goalless draw against Kuwait in a FIFA World Cup qualifier where he finished as India’s historical top scorer with 94 international goals from 150 matches overall. Sunil Chhetri retired after 19 years of international play during which he earned position as the fourth-best international goalscorer worldwide behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and Ali Daei. The poor performance of the national team led Chhetri to come out of retirement. India will start its March schedule with a friendly match against Maldives before playing a vital AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier match against Bangladesh at Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Coach Manolo Marquez explained the critical value of upcoming matches to Sunil saying “I discussed with Sunil about making a comeback to strengthen the team,” He agreed.”

This announcement has produced conflicting feedback from different groups. The return of "Captain Fantastic" at the blue team sparks joy to supporters yet reveals the problem of identifying his suitable replacement. Chhetri’s comeback at 40 reveals how the system still lacks a player capable of replacing his void. Despite his retirement status he continues to score at a high rate for Bengaluru FC within the Indian Super League while playing 23 matches this season and netting 12 goals.

Honored with the Arjuna Award (2011), Padma Shri (2019), and Khel Ratna (2021), Chhetri’s legacy is undeniable. His return is a temporary boost, but it raises questions about the future of Indian football.