Sunil Chhetri set to retire after ISL 2025-26 season

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has hinted that the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season could be his final campaign, marking the end of an extraordinary two-decade career. The Bengaluru FC captain, who has carried Indian football on his shoulders for years, said he wants to “end on a high” ideally with an ISL title.

Speaking to the media , the 42-year-old revealed, “If we win the ISL, it will give me a chance to wear the national club colours and play in international competitions again. I want to score 15 goals and retire.”

Chhetri, who retired from international football in June 2024 with a grand farewell at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, made a brief return earlier this year at coach Manolo Marquez’s request. However, following India’s early exit from the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, he confirmed his final goodbye to the national side.

“It was easy telling Khalid sir,” Chhetri said, referring to current coach Khalid Jamil. “Once we were out of contention, I was happy with my decision.”

The striker ends his international career with 95 goals, leaving behind a legacy that transformed Indian football.