Khalid Jamil Becomes First Indian Head Coach of Men's National Football Team Since 2012

In a significant development for Indian football, Khalid Jamil has been appointed as the head coach of the men's national team, becoming the first Indian to hold this position since 2012. His extensive experience and understanding of the local football landscape are expected to play a crucial role as the team prepares for upcoming challenges, including the CAFA Nations Cup. Jamil's appointment reflects a strategic move by the AIFF, considering both financial and developmental aspects of the sport in India. With a proven track record, he aims to lead the national team to new heights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 14:19 IST

Historic Appointment of Khalid Jamil

In a groundbreaking decision, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has named Khalid Jamil as the head coach of the Indian men's national football team. This marks the first time since Savio Medeira's tenure in 2011-12 that an Indian has taken on this role.

At 49 years old, Jamil steps in to replace Manolo Marquez, who resigned last month after a year without a victory. The AIFF officially confirmed Jamil's appointment on August 1, following a recommendation from its Technical Committee that was approved by the Executive Committee.

The Selection Process

The decision to appoint Jamil came after a thorough selection process that considered three candidates: former India coach Stephen Constantine, Slovakian manager Stefan Tarkovic, and Khalid Jamil. After discussions with national team director Subrata Pal, the Technical Committee favored Jamil, highlighting the importance of a coach who understands the cultural and developmental aspects of Indian football.

Financial considerations also influenced the decision. The AIFF's revenue decreased from Rs 137.74 crore in 2023 to Rs 110.5 crore in 2024. The federation had incurred costs of USD 400,000 to terminate Igor Stimac's contract and was paying USD 10,000 per international window for Marquez. Thus, hiring a domestic coach with extensive experience was both a practical and strategic choice.

Khalid Jamil's Accomplishments

Khalid Jamil, who was born in Kuwait, has a rich history in Indian football as both a player and a coach. He was part of the Mahindra United team that clinched the National Football League title in 2005 and famously led Aizawl FC to their first I-League championship in 2017, a remarkable achievement in Indian football.

Holding an AFC Pro License, Jamil has coached at various levels of Indian football, including the I-League, I-League 2, and the Indian Super League (ISL). His recent role with Jamshedpur FC saw him take charge midway through the 2023-24 season, leading the team to the Super Cup semifinals and a runner-up finish in the subsequent ISL season, all while managing a limited budget.

Upcoming Challenges for Jamil

Jamil's new role comes with significant challenges. India, currently ranked 133rd globally, is preparing to compete in the CAFA Nations Cup later this month, where they will face formidable opponents such as defending champions Iran and 2023 Asian Cup quarterfinalists Tajikistan.

Although the tournament occurs outside the FIFA international window, Jamil is expected to have access to most of the national squad due to a week-long break between the Durand Cup final and the tournament's start. The CAFA Cup format also allows teams to select new squads for each match-day, providing Jamil with a unique chance to evaluate a wider range of talent.

Jamil's appointment signifies a new era for Indian football, combining his familiarity with the sport and a vision for future growth. With his extensive domestic experience and understanding of the Indian football landscape, his leadership could be crucial as the national team aims to rebuild and strengthen its position in Asian football.