Indian Football Legend Comes Out of Retirement for Asia Cup 2027

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has announced his return to the national team at the age of 40, reversing his decision to retire last year. The former captain, who is the fourth-highest men’s international goal scorer of all time, last played for India in June 2024 during a World Cup qualifier.

Chhetri had previously stated that his match against Kuwait would be his final appearance, bowing out in front of nearly 59,000 fans in Kolkata. At that time, he expressed that “instinct” told him it was the right moment to hang up his boots. However, the allure of representing his country once more has proven too strong to resist.

On Thursday, India’s head coach Manolo Marquez confirmed Chhetri’s return for the upcoming March international window. “The qualification for the Asian Cup is very crucial for us. Given the importance of the tournament and the matches ahead, I discussed with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the national team,” Marquez stated in a release from the All India Football Federation. “He agreed, and so we have included him in the squad.”

India is currently out of the running for the 2026 World Cup but is now focusing its efforts on qualifying for the Asian Cup 2027. The team will play a friendly against the Maldives on March 19, followed by an Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25. It remains to be seen if Chhetri’s return proves to be a success or a flop.