Indian Football Team Players 2025 : Complete Squad, Captain & Salary Details

In India, one of the most loved sports is football. The India national football team players have in time become well known for their skills, never-give-up attitude, and passion. The team plays under the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and takes part in international football tournaments, friendly matches, and qualifiers.

The Indian Football team players as well as the legends from the past have been a great source of pride for millions of fans. Supporters are constantly on the lookout for the Indian football team players list, their positions, pay, photos, and their achievements.

Footballers of the senior men’s national team represent various states of the country. A good number of them are active in the Indian Super League and I-League, the premier football competitions in India. The team is a healthy blend of seasoned and youthful players.

If you are a football fan or someone interested in football betting, this article will give you a clear picture of the Indian team football players and their journey in international football.

Indian National Football Team Players Overview: Current Squad Analysis 2025

The India national football team players come from different parts of the country. Many of them play in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League, which are the top football leagues in India. The squad is a good mix of experienced players and young talent.

The number of players in an Indian football team is usually 23 for a tournament, but the extended squad may go up to 26 or 27. Out of these, only 11 players play on the field at a time, while the rest sit on the bench as substitutes.

The team is always divided into four main groups:

• Goalkeepers
• Defenders
• Midfielders
• Forwards

The Indian football team players 2025 have shown more fitness, speed, and tactical awareness compared to past squads. Many of them train abroad during off-seasons, which has improved their match performance. Fans following the players of Indian football team also note that the side looks more competitive in Asian qualifiers.

The 2025 India football squad highlights the emergence of a fresh and ambitious generation, with new leaders and a competitive mix of experience and youth. Selection for the CAFA Nations Cup and upcoming FIFA World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers reflects the new era in Indian football team members. The team is managed by the first Indian head coach in over a decade, Khalid Jamil, symbolizing a new chapter for the Indian football team roster.

2025 Indian Football Team Players List (CAFA Nations Cup Final Squad)

Head Coach: Khalid Jamil

Key Trends and Facts

• Inclusion of dynamic youngsters like Hrithik Tiwari and Nikhil Prabhu
• Return of senior defenders Sandesh Jhingan and Rahul Bheke for stability
• New attacking faces, notably Irfan Yadwad and Jithin MS, offering speed options
• The Indian national football team players are majorly ISL top performers; a sign of the league’s impact on the national setup.
• Extended squad (27+) continues training and backup roles, as observed by the national selectors.

At 96.com, ongoing player stats and live match updates keep fans at the forefront of the latest India national football team squad developments.

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Current Captain of India National Football Team 2025

The current captain of India national football team 2025 remains Sunil Chhetri. Even though he is in the final stages of his career, his leadership is unmatched. Chhetri continues to inspire the Indian football team members, guiding youngsters on and off the pitch. His international experience and scoring ability make him the heartbeat of the squad.

However, the federation is also preparing for leadership succession. Players like Sandesh Jhingan and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu are often discussed as future captains. This shows that the India football squad is preparing for life after Chhetri while maintaining stability.

• Vice-captain role may rotate among defenders Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, and senior mids, reflecting the approach under Coach Khalid Jamil.
• Sunil Chhetri returned for short FIFA windows but has not been the standing team captain since 2024.
• Gurpreet’s style: Organizes from the back, high communication, and outstanding composure in critical moments.

Top 10 Indian Football Team Players: Skills, Stats & Achievements

A new generation is mixing with experienced stars in 2025. Here are the standout football India players with their roles and recent stats:

96.com’s coverage delves into form, injuries, and match context for all Indian football team players 2025.

Indian Football Team Best Players by Position: Who Leads Each Role?

The India football team players have improved a lot over the last decade, thanks to the growth of the Indian Super League (ISL) and better training facilities. Young stars are now getting international exposure, which is helping them perform better in national matches. Fans closely follow the performance of these India football team players during tournaments like the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, where their energy and teamwork make a real difference. With more focus on fitness and strategy, the team looks stronger than ever before. Here are the best players by position:

Best Indian Goalkeeper: Current & Backup Options

• Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Starter, Captain)
  • Consistent shot-stopper, strong leader
• Amrinder Singh (Senior backup)
  • Experienced, reliable for qualifiers and friendly matches
• Hrithik Tiwari (Young backup)
  • New inclusion for depth and long-term prospects

Top Indian Defenders: Central Defense & Full-backs

• Central Defense: Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali
  • Both are tall, aggressive, excellent organizers
• Full-Backs: Rahul Bheke (right), Naorem Roshan Singh (left)
  • Fast, solid positioning, support in overlapping attacks

Sunil Chhetri Salary: Highest Paid Indian Footballer

• While Chhetri returned for special matches in 2025, his football player salary in India remains a reference point: historically ₹8–9 crore a year at peak, with added earnings from media and brand deals.
• He is not a fixture in the current squad for ongoing tournaments but may still appear for select international windows.

This Indian football team all players name with positions gives fans and bettors a full view of how the team is set up. Fans regularly check the Football Tournament in India to see how the team is performing in international tournaments.

Indian Football Team Players Captain and Leadership

The captain of the Indian football team plays a key role in guiding the squad. The current Indian football team players captain is Sunil Chhetri, who has led the side for over a decade.

Chhetri is not only the best player in Indian football team but also a great leader. He motivates teammates, maintains discipline, and represents India with pride on the global stage.

Past captains like Bhaichung Bhutia and Subrata Pal were also legendary leaders, but Chhetri’s leadership has set new standards.

At 96in, we note that when the captain is in top form, the team’s chances improve – something very important for fans who enjoy 96in sports betting.

The Indian women football team has also been making progress and inspiring young athletes across the country. This list of Indian football team players shows the full squad. For every match, the coach picks the final playing 11 depending on tactics and opposition.

Indian National Football Team Players Salary 2025: Complete Breakdown

In 2025, salary transparency is increasing in Indian football. Most of the Indian football team salary is derived from club contracts, national team match fees, performance bonuses, and endorsements. Fans often search for football player salary per month in India, which ranges widely. On average:

2025 Indian Football Team Salary (Select Players)

• Most Indian Super League regulars earn ₹70 lakh–₹2.5 crore per year, with new talent quickly commanding higher deals.
• Average monthly football player salary in India for senior national team players is ₹10–22 lakh depending on experience and club ranking. Pritam Kotal salary is around ₹1 crore per season.
• Fringe or I-League players still make less: ₹5–8 lakh per year.

96.com provides club-by-club salary comparisons.

This shows how much the game has grown in India, thanks to ISL and sponsorships. Fans also use this information in football betting on 96in.com to judge player form and value. Playing and watching football games is one of the best ways to connect with the spirit of the sport in India.

Football Player Salary in India: ISL, I-League & National Team Earnings

How Much Do Indian Footballers Earn Monthly?

• Top ISL talent (national team regulars): ₹13–20 lakh/month (₹1.6–2.5 crore/year)
• Rising ISL/I-League players: ₹3–8 lakh/month (₹40–95 lakh/year)
• National team-match fees: ₹2–5 lakh/match, increasing for competitive fixtures

Highest Paid Indian Football Players 2025

• Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, Lallianzuala Chhangte lead the charts.
• The highest ISL-paid Indian contracts exceed ₹2.5 crore per annum; average ISL starter is at ₹85 lakh–₹1.2 crore.

Indian Football Salary vs International Players

When people search for an Indian football team player name, the first that often comes up is Sunil Chhetri, the long-time captain and top goal-scorer. But apart from him, names like Sandesh Jhingan, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Lallianzuala Chhangte are also becoming very popular among fans.

Each Indian football team player name represents a unique role in the squad, whether it’s defending, scoring, or playmaking. This variety makes the team more balanced and competitive against stronger Asian nations. Let’s take a look at the comparison of their salary with international players.

While the gap remains huge, ISL and national team growth has seen steady average salary of footballer in India increases, making the sport a more viable career and attracting global attention.

First Indian Football Team Players in History: Legends & Pioneers

The first Indian football team players represented India in the 1948 London Olympics against France.

Some key names were:

• Sailen Manna (Captain) – A legendary defender.
• Mahabir Prasad
• Latif
• Raja Babu
• Tulsidas Balaram (joined later, became a legend).

This team became famous for playing barefoot. Even though India lost 2–1 to France, the performance impressed the world.

They laid the foundation for India’s golden era in the 1950s and 60s, when the team won Asian Games gold medals and produced greats like P.K. Banerjee and Chuni Goswami.

Fans also love checking Indian football team players photos with names, which are usually shared by AIFF and sports news sites. At 96in.com, we combine these updates with football betting tips, so fans know which players might perform well.

Current Trends in Indian Football Team Players

Indian football is growing fast, and the Indian football team players are changing with it.

1. Young Talent Rising – Players like Chhangte, Apuia, and Suresh Singh are the new stars.
2. Overseas Exposure – Indian players now train abroad and play against stronger teams.
3. Better Fitness – Modern training and sports science make players faster and stronger.
4. Higher Salaries – ISL has increased earnings for Indian players.
5. Fan Following & Betting – More fans now follow stats, photos, and matches on platforms like 96in sports betting.

Conclusion

The story of the India national football team players is one of growth, passion, and progress. From the barefoot heroes of 1948 to today’s stars like Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan, and Lallianzuala Chhangte, Indian football has come a long way.

We covered the Indian football team players list 2025, their names with positions, salaries, captaincy, and even the first Indian football team players in history. The squad is now stronger and more professional, and the future looks bright.

At 96in.com, we celebrate Indian football while also giving fans insights for football betting through 96in sports betting and 96betting. The rise of young stars means that the best player of Indian football team in the future could be someone who is just starting to shine today.

FAQs about Indian Football Team Players

Q1. Who is the current captain of the Indian football team?

The captain is Sunil Chhetri, India’s most successful footballer.

Q2. How many players are there in the Indian football team?

There are usually 23–26 players in the squad, but only 11 players play on the field.

Q3. Who is the best player in the Indian football team right now?

Sunil Chhetri is the best player currently, though youngsters like Chhangte and Apuia are rising.

Q4. What is the average salary of Indian football players?

Young players earn around ₹10–20 lakh, while top stars like Chhetri earn up to ₹9 crore.

Q5. Who were the first Indian football players in history?

The first Indian football team players played in the 1948 London Olympics, led by Sailen Manna.