India’s all-time leading goal-scorer and former captain, Sunil Chhetri, has decided to come out of retirement and will represent the national team during the FIFA March international window. India is set to face Bangladesh on March 25 in the third round of qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. The 40-year-old had initially announced his retirement from international football in June 2024.
Chhetri, a football legend, had earlier ended his remarkable 19-year international career, during which he became an icon in Indian football. On May 16, 2024, he had declared that his final match would be against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. However, his return now brings fresh hope to Indian football fans.
Sunil Chhetri Comes Out of International Retirement
Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has decided to return from retirement to support the national team in the upcoming FIFA international window, which begins in March 2025. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) officially announced this decision on Thursday.
𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐇𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐈 𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊. 🇮🇳
The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March.#IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/vzSQo0Ctez
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 6, 2025AIFF shared the news on social media platform X, stating, “The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March.”
Chhetri’s comeback is expected to take place in India’s important match against Bangladesh on March 25. This match is part of the third round of qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
The 40-year-old football star had earlier announced his retirement from international football in June 2024. He had played his farewell match against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. However, after careful consideration, Chhetri has now decided to step back onto the field and contribute to India’s campaign in the upcoming tournament.
His return is great news for Indian football fans, as Chhetri has been a key player for the team for nearly two decades. With his experience, leadership, and goal-scoring ability, India’s chances of performing well in the qualifiers are expected to improve significantly.
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About Sunil Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri has had an illustrious career, setting multiple records and delivering crucial goals for India when it mattered the most. With 94 international goals, he ranks as the fourth-highest goalscorer in global football, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei.
Even after retiring from international football, the 40-year-old continues to shine in the Indian Super League (ISL) with Bengaluru FC. In the 2024-25 season, he has been in top form, scoring 12 goals and providing 2 assists, proving his enduring excellence on the field.
Sunil Chhetri has featured in 23 matches for Bengaluru FC this season, starting in 17 of them. Despite announcing his retirement, he clarified that the decision was not influenced by his physical fitness, as he still feels fit and active.
In the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, India is placed in a group alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong (China), and Singapore. The team will kick off its campaign in Shillong.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why did Sunil Chhetri come out of retirement?
Ans. Sunil Chhetri returned from retirement to help India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, bringing experience and leadership to the team.
Q.2. When is India’s match against Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers?
Ans. India will face Bangladesh on March 25, 2025, in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
Q.3. How many international goals has Sunil Chhetri scored?
Ans. Sunil Chhetri has scored 94 international goals, making him the fourth-highest goalscorer in world football.
Q.4. Is Sunil Chhetri still playing in the Indian Super League (ISL)?
Ans. Yes, Chhetri continues to play for Bengaluru FC in the ISL, where he has scored 12 goals in the 2024-25 season.
Q.5. Which teams are in India’s group for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers?
Ans. India is grouped with Bangladesh, Hong Kong (China), and Singapore in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
