Sunil Chhetri Makes Sensational Comeback to Indian National Football Team
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Sunil Chhetri's comeback to the Indian national football team |
| Age at Comeback | 40 years old |
| Retirement Reversed | Retired in June 2024 after a World Cup qualifier against Kuwait |
| Coach | Manolo Marquez (head coach of Indian national team) |
| Reason for Comeback | To aid India's qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup |
| Key Matches | Maldives (March 19), Bangladesh (March 25) |
| Career Highlights | - Debut: 2005 vs Pakistan, scored India's only goal |
| - Most-capped Indian player: Over 140 appearances | |
| - Fourth-highest international goal scorer (men's): Over 90 goals | |
| Club Career | Kansas City Wizards (USA), Sporting CP B (Portugal), Bengaluru FC (India) |
| Almost joined Queens Park Rangers (England) in 2009 (denied work permit) | |
| Challenges for Indian Football | - Struggles to gain prominence in cricket-dominated India |
| - Described as a "sleeping giant" by former FIFA President Sepp Blatter | |
| - Lack of participation in major global tournaments |