Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Sunil Chhetri Considers Retirement After ISL 2025-2026 Season
Sunil Chhetri, a famous 41-year-old Indian soccer player, is thinking about ending his professional soccer career after the next season, which ends in 2026.
He had already said goodbye to playing for the Indian national team in June 2024, but he came back for some important games in March 2025 because the coach asked him to.
Unfortunately, India did not do well in those games and won't be in the Asian Cup.
Now, Sunil says his big goal for the upcoming season with his team, Bengaluru FC, is to score 15 goals.
He also hopes to win the league with his team so he can play in one more international club competition before he stops playing altogether.
He knows that at 41, playing is getting harder, but he wants to finish strong.
Veteran Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri, aged 41, is considering retiring from professional football after the 2025-2026 ISL season.
His goal is to score 15 goals in the upcoming ISL season and potentially win the league with Bengaluru FC.
Chhetri had previously retired from international football in June 2024 but returned in March 2025 for AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
India failed to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 following a poor performance in the qualifiers.
Chhetri indicated that winning the ISL could allow him to play in continental tournaments again before retiring.
- Who
- Veteran Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri
- What
- Is considering retiring from professional football after the 2025-2026 ISL season, aiming to score 15 goals and potentially win the ISL with Bengaluru FC.
- When
- After the 2025-2026 ISL season, having previously retired in June 2024 and returned in March 2025.
- Where
- India, with his club Bengaluru FC.
- Why
- He has reversed his international retirement to play in AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers and now aims to end his career with a specific goal tally and potentially a championship win with his club.
Previously Announced Retirement
Returned for Qualifiers
Retirement Decision
Previously Announced Retirement
Sunil Chhetri initially announced his retirement from international football in June 2024 after the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Returned for Qualifiers
He reversed this decision in March 2025 at the request of former India head coach Manolo Marquez to play in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
Performance After Return
Previously Announced Retirement
Despite returning, Chhetri did not make a significant impact in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Returned for Qualifiers
India as a team failed to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 due to poor performance in the qualifiers.
- Player
- Sunil Chhetri
- Age
- 41 (as of article)
- International Career End
- Confirmed, after AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers (previously retired June 2024, returned March 2025)
- Professional Career Goal
- Score 15 goals in the 2025-2026 ISL season and then retire.
- Club
- Bengaluru FC
- Potential Trigger for Next Level
- Winning the ISL with Bengaluru FC would allow him to play in continental tournaments again.
