Sunil Chhetri comes out of retirement
Photo Credit: News18

Sunil Chhetri Comes Out Of Retirement: The Legend Returns

Published on March 27, 2025
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2 Min read time

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Sunil Chhetri, the legendary footballer of India, has made a shocking yet exciting decision—he is coming out of retirement! Yes, you heard it right. The 40-year-old football icon will be back in action for the Indian national team in the FIFA International Window this March.

Sunil Chhetri comes out of retirement
Photo Credit: Sportskeeda

The Big Comeback

Sunil Chhetri is all set to once again don the blue jersey and lead India on the field. His return was announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on X (formerly Twitter), creating a wave of excitement among fans. He will play in the crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, with India facing Bangladesh on March 25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

Why Did Sunil Chhetri Retire in the First Place?

After years of glorious service to Indian football, Chhetri announced his retirement from international football in June last year. His final match before retirement was a goalless draw against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Fans were heartbroken, but he continued playing for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL).

What Makes His Return So Special?

Sunil Chhetri comes out of retirement not just as a player but as a symbol of hope and inspiration. His experience and leadership will be crucial for India, especially after a disappointing performance in the previous AFC Asian Cup, where the team failed to progress beyond the group stage.

With Chhetri back, India’s chances look much brighter. His presence on the field brings energy, motivation, and an unbeatable spirit to the team.

A Quick Look at Chhetri’s Glorious Career

Here are some of his incredible achievements:

  • Won the Nehru Cup three times (2007, 2009, 2012)
  • Led India to victory in the SAFF Championship (2011, 2015, 2021)
  • Played a major role in winning the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, securing India’s place in the AFC Asian Cup after 27 years
  • Scored an outstanding 252 goals in 515 appearances across club and country
  • Became the fourth-highest international goal scorer, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei
  • Featured in FIFA’s documentary “Captain Fantastic” in 2022, celebrating his incredible journey

What Does This Mean for Indian Football?

Sunil Chhetri comes out of retirement at a time when Indian football needs a strong leader. His return will boost the confidence of young players and inspire the next generation of footballers. It will also attract more fans to the game, making football more popular in India.

Excitement All Around

The moment AIFF announced his return, social media exploded with excitement. Fans flooded X with messages of joy and admiration. Many believe that Sunil Chhetri comes out of retirement at the perfect time to take India to new heights in international football.

What’s Next for India?

With Chhetri back, India will now focus on the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. If the team performs well, they will secure a spot in the main tournament. Indian football fans will eagerly watch as Sunil Chhetri comes out of retirement to guide the team toward victory.

A True Legend Never Bows Out

Sunil Chhetri comes out of retirement to prove that age is just a number when it comes to passion and dedication. His return is not just about football; it is about inspiring millions of Indians to dream big and work hard. Get ready to cheer for our captain, leader, and legend as he takes the field once again!

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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