Sunil Chhetri Remains Focused on His Last Mission, to Guide Bengaluru FC to Domestic Glory

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In a major development, Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has revealed his intention to retire after the 2025-26 ISL season. Fans across the country are hailing his extraordinary contribution to Indian football.

Sunil Chhetri Retirement: What We Know So Far

Chhetri had retired from international football last June, where he received a memorable farewell from the fans at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. However, he changed his decision to pull back out of retirement by then-coach Manolo Marquez to help India in the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Unfortunately, India’s elimination from the tournament led the Football icon to end his international career. Now, he will retire from club football after the 2025-26 ISL season. 

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“If we win the ISL, it will give me a chance to wear national (winning) club colours and play in international competitions again. At 42, it’s not easy. I want to score 15 goals (this season) and retire,” Chhetri said in a recent interview. 

“It was easy telling Khalid, sir, about my decision. When I joined the national team, I only had one idea in my head. I am going to be there to be as helpful as possible for the qualifiers,” he added. 

The Indian team was winless after four matches and was knocked out in the final round of the Asian Qualifiers.

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Chhetri’s Return After Retirement

Initially, Chhetri turned down Márquez’s approach in early 2025. But after an impressive ISL season where he scored 14 goals-just behind Golden Boot winner Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the veteran striker reconsidered the retirement decision. He was also encouraged by his family and friends to return for one last international campaign.

"I’m thankful to the national camp for the warmth and respect I received. It felt like rejoining family. The bitter part is that we didn’t qualify. We had the team to do it, but we fell short," he said.

Chhetri’s Regrets


Discussing his regrets, Chhetri opined that his only regret was that the team did not qualify. 

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“When I chose to go back, I knew about his possibility because I have played long enough. For me, there are no regrets. The regret is that we did not qualify. For the four games (in the qualifiers), I really gave my best,” Chhetri said.

Sunil Chhetri is widely recognised as one of India’s finest footballers with 95 goals in his international career.