Indian football icon and national team captain Sunil Chhetri has announced his decision to retire from international football on June 6. In an emotional video posted on X, Chhetri revealed that India’s World Cup qualification match against Kuwait would be his final game for the country.
“One last game… for all our sakes…let’s win the game and we can depart, happily,” Chhetri said in the video. This announcement marks the end of a remarkable 19-year international career that has seen Chhetri become one of the most celebrated and influential players in Indian football history.
Chhetri, 39, made his debut for India in 2005, scoring his first goal in that match. Over the years, he has amassed an impressive record, holding the position of the third-highest scorer of international goals among active footballers, trailing only behind legends Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.
In the nine-minute-51-second-long video, Chhetri reflected on his career’s high and low points and expressed his sadness over the decision to retire. “The kid inside will probably keep fighting to play football, but the sensible, mature player and person knows that this is it,” he said. “But it wasn’t easy,” he added.
Tributes have been pouring in on X, with many fans expressing their gratitude for Chhetri’s immense contribution to Indian football. One fan poignantly noted, “‘End of an era’ is sometimes used loosely in sport, but for Indian Football, doesn’t get truer than this. Sunil Chhetri – captain, leader, legend – announces retirement.” Another added, “An all-time legend of Indian football.”
Chhetri’s longevity in international football and his relentless work ethic are widely regarded as key factors behind his success. His commitment to the sport is evident in the numerous accolades he has received, including the Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sporting honor, and the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award.
On the global stage, Chhetri has led India to victories in several prestigious tournaments such as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup, the South Asian Football Federation Championship, and the Intercontinental Cup. His leadership and performances have been instrumental in bringing Indian football into the limelight, both nationally and internationally, in a country predominantly focused on cricket.
Chhetri, known for his strict diet and rigorous workout regimen, has often spoken about the discipline required to sustain his football career. In a previous interview with the BBC, he emphasized the importance of “small sacrifices” for maintaining peak performance. “It’s all about what I eat and how much I sleep. For the kind of good life that I have got by God’s grace, it’s not a big deal to go for the broccolis rather than the biryani – as I know there will be enough time for such indulgences once I am done with the game,” he said.
As Chhetri prepares to hang up his boots, the Indian football community faces the daunting question: “After Chhetri, who?” His departure leaves a significant void in the national team, and fans and players alike will be looking towards the next generation to step up and fill his shoes.
Sunil Chhetri’s retirement marks the conclusion of a historic chapter in Indian football. His legacy as a player who not only excelled on the field but also inspired countless young footballers will endure for years to come. As he plays his final match against Kuwait, the entire nation will undoubtedly rally behind their beloved captain one last time, hoping for a victorious send-off.
