Indian women's football team custodian Aditi Chauhan calls time on stellar career

Aditi Chauhan was the first Indian woman to play in the English League.

Aditi Chauhan, one of India’s greatest women footballers and a mainstay for over a decade, has announced her retirement. Her journey was much more than just about football — she broke barriers, made history, and inspired many young girls to believe in their dreams.

From being the first Indian woman to play in an English league to winning trophies for India and her clubs, Aditi’s career was filled with achievements. She wasn’t just a player; she became a role model for women’s football in the country.

“Football is a game of two halves. I gave it everything in the first half, but I’ve still got plenty left in the tank. I’m not done yet. Thank you, football – for shaping me, testing me, and carrying me through. After 17 unforgettable years, I’m retiring from professional football with deep gratitude and pride, ” wrote Aditi.

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A look at Aditi Chauhan’s storied career

Aditi didn’t always want to be a footballer. She started with basketball and javelin before she found her place as a goalkeeper. She began playing in Delhi’s youth system and quickly rose to the national team in her early twenties.

Aditi made her international debut at the age of 17, and her senior national debut came during the 2011 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Olympic qualifiers. She was a part of the Indian senior team that won the 2012 SAFF Women’s Championship in Sri Lanka.

In 2015, she made headlines by joining West Ham United Ladies, becoming the first Indian woman to play in the English league system. It was a proud moment not just for her but for the whole country.

At home, she starred for Gokulam Kerala FC, one of India’s top women’s clubs. With them, she won several Indian Women’s League titles and played in the AFC Women’s Club Championship, competing against the best in Asia.

Even after suffering two serious ACL injuries, Aditi never gave up and made strong comebacks each time — proving her resilience and love for the game.

Aditi Chauhan’s achievements at a glance

Aditi’s career is full of milestones that changed the face of Indian women’s football:

• First Indian Woman in English League: She made history by playing for West Ham United Ladies in 2015, the first Indian woman to do so.
• Asian Woman Footballer of the Year: She was honoured with this title in 2015 and became the first one to do so.
• National Team Success: Aditi earned over 50 caps for India. She was pivotal in winning three SAFF Championships (2012, 2016, 2019) and two South Asian Games gold medals (2016, 2019).
• IWL Triumphs with Gokulam Kerala: She led her club to three Indian Women’s League titles — 2019-20, 2021-22, and 2022-23 — and represented them at the AFC Women’s Club Championship.
• International Recognition: She was also featured in the India UK Achievers Honours list, recognising her contributions to sport.

Off the field: mentoring and advocacy

Aditi’s work didn’t stop on the pitch. She founded She Kicks Football, a platform to mentor young girls and promote women’s football in India.

Lately, she has also become a familiar voice on TV, offering expert analysis and commentary during football matches, bringing more attention to the women’s game.

As she steps away from playing, Aditi Chauhan leaves behind not just records but a legacy of breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.

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