Former India defender Prabir Das announces retirement from professional football

Prabir Das featured for multiple ISL clubs during his professional playing career.

Former India defender Prabir Das confirmed his retirement from football at the age of 32 on Tuesday (15 September 2026). The Indian defender’s last club saw him share a short stint with Inter Kashi, as he played a part in helping them earn promotion to the Indian Super League in the previous campaign.

Prabir Das is most prominently recognized for his stints with Mohun Bagan (from 2015-2017 & 2020-2022), while he also had a few enjoyable years with ATK in the Indian Super League (ISL).

The energetic full-back has recently dealt with some health issues, which caused him to step away from the beautiful game at what is still a relatively young age to retire from professional football.

Prabir Das pens an emotional letter after retirement

Das confirmed his retirement on his social media platforms on Tuesday, penning a lengthy letter where he detailed his time at every club he played for.

That included his initial years playing for the likes of Pailan Arrows (2012-2013), Dempo SC (2013-2015), before going onto gain prominence at the likes of ATK, Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City and Kerala Blasters.

He wrote: “I honestly do not know where to begin, because I never thought it would be this difficult to put into words. Every footballer knows this day will come, but somehow, you are never truly ready for it. Today, with a heart full of emotions and gratitude, I officially announce my retirement from professional football. Football has been my life for as long as I can remember. The fun, the fights, the wins, the losses, the laughter, the tears and all the memories that have shaped who I am today.”

“My football journey began at SAIL Academy, where I took my first steps and started believing that the dream of becoming a professional footballer could become a reality. I left home as a young boy with nothing but a dream, and that journey took me through Pailan Arrows, Dempo, FC Goa and Delhi Dynamos before eventually bringing me back home to Kolkata and Mohun Bagan. Everyone knows how emotional I am about Mohun Bagan. It will always be my mother club. It was there that I truly found my identity as a footballer, and the love I received from the club and its supporters will stay with me forever.”

“ATK was another defining chapter of my career. Championships, unforgettable memories and also one of my biggest setbacks. Fighting back from a serious ACL injury and returning to win again taught me what it really means to never give up. I was then fortunate enough to be part of Mohun Bagan SG again in the ISL, which remains one of the most memorable moments of my career. My journey then continued with Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City and finally Inter Kashi.”

“Every club, coach, teammate and dressing room added something to my journey, and I carry those memories with me. People have always known me as someone full of energy, always smiling and giving everything on the pitch. But life sometimes gives you battles much bigger than football.”

Reason for Prabir Das’ early retirement from football

Prabir has also confirmed that it was a nerve condition on the left side of his body that badly impacted his football career and caused him to take the step for retirement.

He explained: “For the first time, I want to share something that happened during Kerala Blasters’ pre-season in Thailand. I started experiencing numbness, tingling sensations and problems with balance on the left side of my body. What followed was one of the toughest periods of my life as I dealt with a severe nerve condition.”

“For the first time, my biggest fight was not about getting back onto a football pitch. It was about my health and getting back to being myself. And to Geetshree (my wife), I do not know if a lifetime is enough to thank you. You stood by me through the darkest phase of my life, and I truly believe I would not be here today without you.”

“With the support of my family, friends, doctors, clubs and everyone close to me, I fought my way back and was fortunate enough to return to the game and continue doing what I loved. This has not been an easy decision. Football has been my life and my passion, but after a lot of thought, I know that the time has come. To every club, coach, teammate, staff member and supporter who has been part of this journey, thank you.”

“To my family and friends, thank you for standing beside me through everything. And a special thank you to my team at World1 Sports for being with me through thick and thin. I may be retiring from playing, but I am not saying goodbye to football. Indian football has given me everything, and I hope to continue supporting and contributing to the game in whatever way I can,” he concluded with.

Prabir Das won the I-League and Federation Cup in his first stint with Mohun Bagan, before going onto win two ISL titles with ATK.

He would also be a part of the Durand Cup-winning squad of Bengaluru FC in 2022. Das was able to make 229 appearances in his domestic career, out of which 112 were in the ISL – where he provided five assists. He played in 13 ISL play-off ties as well as 11 AFC Cup matches as well. Prabir earned two international caps with India, also representing the national side at the under-23 and under-19 level.

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