Sunil Chhetri to Return from Retirement for Indian Football Team in March 2025
20 days ago | 5 Views
Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has made the decision to return from retirement in order to assist the national team during the forthcoming FIFA international window, which is set to commence in March 2025, as announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on X that the captain, leader, and legend will make his return to the Indian national team during the FIFA International Window in March.
Sunil Chhetri is expected to don the Indian jersey once again in the third round of qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, facing Bangladesh on March 25.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong will serve as the venue for the two matches that the Indian senior men's team will play during this month's FIFA international window.
India has been drawn into a qualifying group with Bangladesh, Hong Kong (China), and Singapore for the Asian Cup. In the previous edition of the tournament, India experienced a disappointing campaign, failing to advance beyond the group stage after losing all their matches.
Chhetri, who is the all-time leading goal-scorer for India, had declared his retirement from international football in June of the previous year following a goalless draw against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
At 40 years old, he ranks just behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei on the all-time leading goal-scorers list in men's football, while continuing to play for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League.
Chhetri's legacy in India football
Chhetri has played a pivotal role in securing victories for India in the Nehru Cup during the years 2007, 2009, and 2012, as well as in the SAFF Championship in 2011, 2015, and 2021. Notably, his significant contribution to India's triumph in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup marked the nation's first appearance in the AFC Asian Cup in 27 years.
Making his international debut in 2005, Chhetri scored his inaugural goal against Pakistan. A landmark achievement occurred during the 2011 SAFF Championship when he broke the record set by Indian football legend I.M. Vijayan, scoring an impressive seven goals in a single tournament, which led India to victory and established him as the national team's all-time leading scorer.
Throughout his career, both at the club and international levels, Chhetri has amassed an impressive total of 252 goals in 515 matches, averaging nearly one goal every two games. His remarkable consistency and skill have garnered recognition, culminating in FIFA producing a documentary titled "Captain Fantastic" in 2022, which highlights his remarkable journey and accomplishments.
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