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| Sunil chetri as ISL BFC |
Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has once again found himself in the spotlight—this time not for a goal or record, but for an emotional revelation. Speaking ahead of the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, Chhetri hinted that this might be his final professional season. The Bengaluru FC captain, who has been the face of Indian football for nearly two decades, suggested that his time on the field may be nearing an end.
In a recent interview with The Times of India, Chhetri said that while his passion for the game remains undiminished, his body is starting to signal that it might be time to step away. He also mentioned setting personal goals for the upcoming season—hinting at one last big push before potentially hanging up his boots.
Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has once again found himself in the spotlight—this time not for a goal or record, but for an emotional revelation. Speaking ahead of the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, Chhetri hinted that this might be his final professional season. The Bengaluru FC captain, who has been the face of Indian football for nearly two decades, suggested that his time on the field may be nearing an end.
In a recent interview with The Times of India, Chhetri said that while his passion for the game remains undiminished, his body is starting to signal that it might be time to step away. He also mentioned setting personal goals for the upcoming season—hinting at one last big push before potentially hanging up his boots.
Chhetri reportedly told his Bengaluru FC teammates that 2025–26 will be a decisive season in his career. The forward mentioned that he wants to finish on a strong note, targeting 15 goals this season and helping his team reach continental qualification. If those goals are achieved, he said, it might be the perfect moment to step aside and let the next generation take over.
“At 42, it’s not easy,” Chhetri admitted, acknowledging the physical and mental demands of elite football. “I want to give everything this season, but I also have to be realistic about the future.”
The statement has sent shockwaves through the Indian football community. Fans who have grown up watching Chhetri lead the national team and Bengaluru FC are now preparing themselves for a possible farewell season.
Born on August 3, 1984, Sunil Chhetri began his professional journey in 2002 with Mohun Bagan. Over the years, he became India’s most celebrated footballer, rewriting records and leading the nation with unmatched passion.
His career highlights are monumental:
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Top scorer for India with over 94 international goals, placing him among the top five active goal scorers globally.
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Most-capped Indian player, having represented the country for more than 140 international matches.
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Played pivotal roles for Bengaluru FC, Dempo, Sporting CP B, and Mumbai City FC during his club career.
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Guided India to multiple SAFF Championships, Intercontinental Cups, and Nehru Cup victories.
Even in his late thirties, Chhetri remained a crucial player for Bengaluru FC, scoring 12 goals in the 2024–25 ISL season and proving that age is just a number when discipline and dedication lead the way.
🏟️ Bengaluru FC’s Heartbeat — On and Off the Field
At Bengaluru FC, Chhetri is more than just a captain. He is a mentor, motivator, and emotional leader. His influence extends far beyond the pitch, shaping the culture of professionalism and resilience within the club.
With this new hint about retirement, Bengaluru FC faces a major transition period. Finding a successor to Chhetri’s leadership, scoring ability, and marketability will be an enormous challenge.
Club sources have revealed that Bengaluru FC plans to celebrate the 2025–26 season as Chhetri’s Farewell Tour, organizing special matches, merchandise, and fan events to honor his two-decade-long service to Indian football.
🇮🇳 Impact on Indian Football and the National Team
Sunil Chhetri’s retirement will create a massive void in Indian football. After Bhaichung Bhutia’s exit, Chhetri took up the mantle and transformed Indian football’s global image. Now, as he approaches the end of his playing career, the question arises: Who will carry forward his legacy?
Indian football has struggled to produce consistent strikers of Chhetri’s caliber. While players like Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, and Ishan Pandita show promise, none have yet reached his consistency or leadership.
Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia commented earlier this year that while Chhetri’s return from international retirement in 2025 was inspiring, India must focus on grooming the next generation. His statement now seems prophetic.
🔍 Why the Decision Makes Sense
At 42, Chhetri’s continued participation at the top level is already extraordinary. Very few players in the world maintain elite form at such an age. Despite his incredible fitness, Chhetri himself acknowledges that every season takes a heavier toll.
His decision seems to be guided by wisdom rather than weariness — he wants to leave when he is still performing at a high level, not when he becomes a shadow of his former self.
“I want to retire when people still want me to play, not when they are asking me to stop,” Chhetri said in a previous interaction — a sentiment that defines his humility and professionalism.
📊 Chhetri’s Career by the Numbers
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total International Goals | 94 |
| International Caps | 145+ |
| Club Goals | 200+ |
| ISL Goals (Till 2024–25) | 67 |
| SAFF Titles | 3 |
| AIFF Player of the Year Awards | 7 |
| Major Clubs Played For | Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Sporting CP B, Mumbai City FC, Dempo SC |
These numbers only tell part of the story. Beyond statistics, Chhetri’s leadership, humility, and passion have inspired millions across India to take up the sport.
🧠 Beyond Football: The Mentor and Motivator
Chhetri’s contribution to Indian football goes far beyond his goals. He has been a vocal advocate for fitness, professionalism, and youth development. His famous 2019 social media appeal urging fans to attend India’s matches remains a historic moment that changed how football is perceived in the country.
Post-retirement, it’s widely believed that Chhetri will continue to be involved in football — possibly as a coach, mentor, or sports ambassador. His deep understanding of the game and leadership qualities make him an ideal figure for shaping India’s next footballing generation.
💬 Reactions from Fans and the Football Community
As soon as news of Chhetri’s statement surfaced, social media platforms flooded with emotional tributes.
Fans expressed both sadness and gratitude, celebrating the career of a man who put Indian football on the global map.
Fellow players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan also posted messages praising their captain’s dedication, calling him “the heartbeat of Indian football.”
Sports analysts suggest that if Chhetri does retire after 2025–26, it will mark the official end of an era and possibly the beginning of a new chapter for Indian football.
🪙 A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Sunil Chhetri’s journey is a masterclass in consistency, discipline, and humility. From playing in front of empty stands to leading India in packed stadiums, his career mirrors the evolution of Indian football itself.
For every aspiring footballer, his story proves that greatness doesn’t come from background or fame — it comes from relentless hard work and passion. His influence will continue long after his retirement, shaping the nation’s football culture and inspiring countless young players.
🎯 What Lies Ahead: The Final Season
The 2025–26 ISL season promises to be emotional and historic. For Chhetri, it’s one last dance — a season of reflection, determination, and gratitude. For Bengaluru FC, it’s about honoring their captain while building for the future.
Fans across India are already preparing banners and tributes, hoping to witness the legend one last time in action. The atmosphere at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium is expected to be electric throughout the season, with every goal and appearance treated as part of his farewell journey.
🕊️ Conclusion: The End of an Era, The Start of a Legacy
As the curtain slowly begins to fall on Sunil Chhetri’s legendary career, Indian football stands at a turning point. His retirement, whenever it officially happens, will not be an ending but a new beginning — one where his teachings, values, and legacy will continue to guide the sport.
For a generation that grew up chanting his name, Chhetri will remain the embodiment of Indian football’s rise from obscurity to respectability. The 2025–26 season may mark his final chapter as a player, but his story will continue to inspire forever.
📢 KV Sports News Online Verdict
As one of India’s most respected football portals, KV Sports News Online salutes Sunil Chhetri — the captain, the leader, the legend.
Whether or not this is truly his final season, his journey will remain
etched in golden letters in the history of Indian sports.
“Legends don’t retire; they simply pass the torch.”
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AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 — Complete Fixtures & Live Telecast Info
🏟️ About KV Sports News Online
KV Sports News Online is one of India’s fastest-growing independent digital sports media platforms, dedicated to bringing real-time sports updates, analytical articles, live match coverage, and exclusive stories to fans across the world. Established with a vision to deliver authentic, fast, and engaging sports journalism, KV Sports News has become a trusted destination for football, cricket, athletics, and other sporting news.
🎯 Our Aim and Vision
At KV Sports News Online, our mission is clear —
“To deliver the pulse of sports to every fan, every second.”
The platform aims to:
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Provide instant match news, exclusive interviews, and data-driven insights.
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Promote Indian sports talent and create a platform that bridges the gap between players and fans.
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Expand the reach of grassroots football and regional tournaments, ensuring every athlete’s story gets heard.
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Empower the next generation of sports journalists and digital creators through ethical, fact-checked reporting.
The motto that drives us forward is —
“The Complete Sports Hub.”
🧠 Who Founded KV Sports News Online?
KV Sports News Online was founded by Anas Ikka, a passionate sports media entrepreneur who envisioned a platform where Indian sports stories could be told with global standards of journalism.
Anas Ikka’s deep involvement in both broadcast media and digital storytelling led to the creation of KV Sports News — a network that combines news precision, creative visuals, and real-time audience engagement.🏢 Parent Company — Kummanoden Broadcasting Company
Behind KV Sports News Online stands its parent organization, Kummanoden Broadcasting Company Limited, a next-generation media and digital broadcasting firm.
Headquartered in India and operating globally, Kummanoden Broadcasting Company focuses on sports broadcasting, digital content creation, and cross-platform news syndication.It powers KV Sports News with:
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Technical broadcasting infrastructure
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Live streaming capabilities
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Production support for KV Sports News Live (the official streaming segment)
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Branding and digital marketing expertise
Kummanoden Broadcasting Company is known for its tagline:
“Powering the Future of Digital Media.”
🌐 Our Coverage and Reach
KV Sports News Online covers:
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Domestic Cricket & Global Sports Events
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Official website: https://kvsportsnewsonline.blogspot.com
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Email: kvsportsindia@gmail.com
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Broadcast Division: kummanodenbroadcastingcompany@uk@gmail.com
💪 Our Core Values
Value Description Integrity Committed to transparent and fact-based journalism Speed Delivering real-time updates faster than traditional media Passion Every story is driven by love for the game Innovation Merging media, AI , and audience interaction Community Building a loyal, interactive sports fanbase 📰 Our Future Goals
Looking ahead, KV Sports News aims to:
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Launch a dedicated live sports app and AI-powered news portal.
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Partner with sports academies to showcase young talents.
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Expand regional coverage in Malayalam, Hindi, and English.
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Build an interactive sports forum for fans and journalists.
⚡ Tagline
KV Sports News Online — P owered by Kummanoden Broadcasting Company
“The Complete Sports Hub.”-
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