Sunil Chhetri Joins FIFA Player Impact Programme as First Male Participant

Sunil Chhetri, the former captain of the Indian men's national football team, has made history by becoming the first male participant in the FIFA Player Impact Programme. This initiative, which aims to empower athletes to drive social change, includes a diverse group of footballers from around the world. Chhetri's involvement highlights the importance of using sports as a platform for positive impact. The program focuses on education, mental health, and equitable access to sports, providing participants with the tools to create meaningful change in their communities. Chhetri's journey in this program is set to inspire many as he collaborates with other top players to make a difference beyond the pitch.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 11, 2026, 23:55 IST

Sunil Chhetri Selected for FIFA Player Impact Programme

New Delhi, November 11: Sunil Chhetri, the former captain of the Indian men's national football team, has made history by being the first male player to join the FIFA Player Impact Programme, as announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Following a successful pilot program exclusively for women in 2025, this initiative has now expanded to include 13 footballers from around the globe. In June, Chhetri and 11 other participants convened in Boston, Massachusetts, for a three-day Impact Accelerator Workshop aimed at empowering athletes to leverage their influence and resources for positive social change.

Chhetri is among notable figures in the program, which includes FIFA Women's World Cup champion Alexia Putellas from Spain, Jessie Fleming from Canada, Michelle Agyemang from England, Rasheedat Ajibade from Nigeria, and Gabi Nunes from Brazil.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the program, Chhetri stated, "I’m really happy that I got this opportunity. I cannot wait to put those lessons into practice. I don’t think there is a difference between a man and a woman here. We are just meeting amazing personalities, some amazing top-class players from different countries."

The workshop allowed participants to share their personal experiences, pinpoint causes they are passionate about, and brainstorm ways to turn their ideas into actionable projects through collaborative discussions, hands-on activities, and expert-led sessions.

The FIFA Player Impact Programme is designed to equip athletes with the necessary skills and personalized guidance to make a lasting difference in their communities. Key focus areas include education, mental health, and equitable access to sports.

Jill Ellis, FIFA's Chief Football Officer, emphasized the potential for players to make an impact beyond their athletic careers during her interaction with participants in Boston. She remarked, "As players and coaches, we spend our careers building a legacy through what we do on the pitch: the big save, the match-winning goal, the last-ditch tackle. But one of the questions we should all ask ourselves is: what legacy are we leaving beyond the game?"

Ellis further noted, "Today we have a reach that extends far beyond 90 minutes. Through social media and the platforms available to us, we have an incredible opportunity not only to connect with fans but to influence communities, create opportunities for others, and drive meaningful change. That’s the kind of impact that lasts well beyond the final whistle."

The current group of participants will reconvene in London and through virtual sessions in December to present their social impact projects and discuss their progress.

Chhetri's participation in this program highlights the role of Indian football in the global dialogue about the power of sports to foster significant change beyond the field.