India captain Sunil Chhetri announced that he will retire from international football at the age of 39, concluding a remarkable career that has made him one of the most iconic figures in Indian football. Chhetri has scored 94 goals in 150 appearances for India, making him the third-highest active international goal-scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He is also India's most-capped player.

In a video message on social media platform X, Chhetri revealed that the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6 will be his final international match. He explained that his decision to retire was not due to physical fatigue but a strong personal instinct that the time was right.

India is currently second in Group A of the World Cup qualifiers, trailing Qatar. Chhetri emphasized the importance of the upcoming match against Kuwait, as a win is crucial for India's hopes of progressing to the next round. Despite the high stakes, Chhetri expressed a sense of calm about his final days with the national team.

Chhetri's overall career tally stands at 252 goals from 515 appearances across both club and country, averaging nearly a goal every two games. His most recent goal for India came from a penalty in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying loss to Afghanistan in March.

Following his retirement announcement, his Indian Super League club, Bengaluru FC, lauded Chhetri for his consistent presence and contributions to Indian football. They described him as a "giant that walked amongst men."

Despite football's struggles to gain the same foothold as cricket in India, a country with a population of 1.4 billion, Chhetri has been a beacon of hope and inspiration. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter once referred to India as a "sleeping giant" in the world of football. Currently, India is ranked 121st in the world, just below Lebanon.

Chhetri's professional journey began in 2002. He faced setbacks, such as being unable to join English Championship side Queens Park Rangers in 2009 due to a denied work permit. He later played for Kansas City Wizards in the United States in 2010 and joined Sporting CP's reserve team in Portugal in 2012.

In recognition of his contributions, FIFA released a documentary titled "Captain Fantastic" in 2022, celebrating Chhetri's impact on Indian football. India coach Igor Stimac praised Chhetri earlier this year, saying he was welcome to continue playing for as long as he desired and highlighting him as a role model for aspiring footballers in India.

Chhetri's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football, but his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.