In a landmark decision reverberating across the global football community, Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has declared his retirement from international football, drawing the curtains on a stellar career spanning two decades. Chhetri, who is celebrated as the nation’s most prolific scorer, disclosed his retirement plans following the World Cup qualifier announcement against Kuwait slated for June 6.
The 39-year-old forward, renowned for his indomitable spirit and unmatched contribution to Indian football, has etched his name in the annals of the sport. With a staggering tally of 94 international goals, Chhetri stands as the third-highest active international goal scorer, trailing only behind legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Chhetri articulated his decision, stating, “It was not that I was feeling tired. When the instinct came that this should be my last game, I thought about it a lot and eventually I came to this decision. Will I be sad after this? Of course … the kid inside me never wants to stop if given a chance to play for his country.”
Acknowledging the significance of the upcoming qualifier against Kuwait, Chhetri emphasized the team’s collective objective while reflecting on his impending retirement. India currently stands second in qualifying Group A, with the encounter against Kuwait poised as a pivotal moment in their campaign.
The announcement has elicited an outpouring of tributes and accolades from football aficionados and officials alike. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) lauded Chhetri’s remarkable contributions, affirming, “Your legacy on and off-the-field will always be remembered. Thank you @chetrisunil11 for your leadership, dedication and commitment to Indian football.”
Sunil Chhetri’s journey, marked by resilience and dedication, has left an indelible mark on the Indian football landscape. With 150 international appearances to his name since his debut against Pakistan in 2005, Chhetri stands as India’s most-capped player. His remarkable goal-scoring prowess extends beyond the international arena, with a tally of 252 goals from 515 appearances across club and country.
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Despite football’s uphill battle for prominence in cricket-crazed India, Chhetri’s unwavering commitment has played a pivotal role in elevating the sport’s stature. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter once dubbed India a “sleeping giant” of football, a testament to the untapped potential within the nation’s sporting landscape.
Sunil Chhetri’s illustrious career saw him traverse across continents, from stints in the United States with Kansas City Wizards to Portugal’s Sporting CP, where he plied his trade in the country’s second division. In recognition of his extraordinary achievements, FIFA honoured Chhetri with a documentary titled “Captain Fantastic” in 2022.
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