Sunil Chhetri To Hang Up His Boots After World Cup Qualifier Against Kuwait

Legendary Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri announced on Thursday his retirement after an illustrious career spanning 19 years. The FIFA World Cup qualification match against Kuwait on June 6 will be his last.

Since his debut in 2005, Chhetri has scored 94 goals playing for India. He ranks third in the list of top goal scorers among active players, behind Cristiano Ronaldo (128 goals in 205 matches) and Lionel Messi (106 goals in 180 matches). He will leave the scene as India's all-time top scorer and most-capped player.

"The match against Kuwait is the last," the 39-year-old striker posted on X.

Chhetri made his 150th appearance for India against Afghanistan in March in Guwahati, scoring a penalty goal in the 38th minute of the game. India, though, lost that game 1-2.

Going into the match against Kuwait, India are currently second in Group A with four points, behind leaders Qatar.