Sunil Chhetri extends stay with Bengaluru FC ahead of ISL 2026-27
Sunil Chhetri signs one-year contract extension with Bengaluru FC
Bengaluru FC have officially announced that the club captain Sunil Chhetri has signed a one-year contract extension, committing his future to the Blues until the end of the 2026-27 season.
Chhetri first joined Bengaluru FC ahead of the Club’s inaugural campaign in 2013 and has gone on to become a defining figure in the Blues’ history.
Over the last 13 years, the 41-year-old has led Bengaluru FC through every chapter of their journey – from lifting the I-League title in the Club’s debut season, to captaining Bengaluru FC to the AFC Cup Final, guiding the side through its transition into the Indian Super League, and playing a central role in every major trophy won by the club.
A legend leading by example
As Bengaluru FC’s captain, Chhetri has consistently led by example, combining elite performances on the pitch with the professionalism, leadership and commitment that have become synonymous with BFC’s identity over the years.
His influence has extended beyond results, helping establish a culture that has inspired teammates, supporters and aspiring footballers across the country.
Since making his debut for the Blues, Chhetri has made a club-record 318 appearances, scoring a record 134 goals and registering 26 assists across all competitions.
He has captained Bengaluru FC to seven major trophies – two I-League titles, two Federation Cups, one Indian Super League title, one Super Cup and one Durand Cup – while also leading the Blues to the 2016 AFC Cup Final, the furthest an Indian club has progressed in Asian club football in over a decade.
The first reactions to Chhetri’s extension
Head coach of Bengaluru FC, Pep Muñoz shared his excitement and praised Sunil Chhetri.
Pep Muñoz said, “When I arrived in Bengaluru, I knew about Sunil Chhetri because of everything he has achieved for Indian football. But when you work with him every day, you quickly understand that his greatest quality is not just what he does in matches, but how he prepares, how he trains and the example he sets for everyone around him. Players like Sunil are very rare. When your most experienced player is also one of your hardest workers, it sets a tone that the whole squad follows, and I am delighted that we will continue working together this season.”
Sunil Chhetri reflected on his remarkable journey with the club. Having spent over a decade in Bengaluru, the Indian football icon spoke about the deep bond he shares with the club, the city, and its supporters, expressing his gratitude and unwavering commitment as he embarks on another chapter in blue.
Chettri said, “Bengaluru FC has been home for me from the very first day I walked into this club. Over the last thirteen years, this city, this club and these fans have given me so much more than I could ever have imagined. We’ve shared incredible highs, overcome disappointments together and built something that means a great deal to all of us. Every time I step onto the pitch in front of our fans, I feel the same sense of pride and responsibility that I did all those years ago.”
“There was never really a question in my mind. As long as I felt I could continue contributing to the team, I wanted that journey to be here, wearing the Bengaluru FC badge. Football has given me everything, and this club has been such a big part of that journey. I remain as motivated as ever to work hard every single day, help this team in every way I can and continue chasing success with a group of players, staff and supporters who mean so much to me. I’m grateful for the trust the club continues to place in me, and I can’t wait to get back out there at the Kanteerava in front of our people once again”, he concluded with.
Bengaluru FC’s owner Parth Jindal also shared his reactions to the club legend Sunil Chhetri’s extension.
“When we started Bengaluru FC in 2013, one of the first and most important decisions we made was bringing Sunil to this football club. Looking back today, I don’t think we could have asked for a better captain, leader or human being to build this club with.”
“Over the years, Sunil has become much more than our greatest player. He has become the heart of Bengaluru FC. He has carried our badge with humility, inspired generations of young footballers and represented our city with incredible pride. For everyone associated with this club, he is family. He is BFC.”
“I am very happy that Sunil’s journey with Bengaluru FC continues. His story and the club’s story have grown together for over a decade, and it is difficult to imagine one without the other. On behalf of everyone at Bengaluru FC, I want to thank him for everything he has done and continues to do for this club. We are excited to create many more memories together.”
What is the duration of the contract extension of Sunil Chhetri at Bengaluru FC?
Sunil Chhetri extends his stay with Bengaluru FC on a one-year deal.
Who is the head coach of Bengaluru FC?
Pep Munoz is the head coach of Bengaluru FC.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.