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Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has joined FIFA’s Player Impact Programme, becoming its first male participant to drive social change and community development globally.
Sunil Chhetri (Picture Credit: Instagram/@chetri_sunil11)
Indian football great Sunil Chhetri is eager to translate the lessons learnt through FIFA’s Player Impact Programme into action, using his influence to bring about positive change in communities around the world.
Chhetri, who represented India in more than 150 matches between 2005 and 2025, was part of the second edition of the initiative, which aims to equip footballers with the knowledge and resources to make a difference in causes close to them.
Education, mental health and equal access to sport are among the key issues championed by players participating in the programme.
“I’m really happy that I got this opportunity,” said the 42-year-old Chhetri in a statement on FIFA’s website.
“I cannot wait to put those lessons into practice. I don’t think there is a difference (between) a man and woman here, (we are) just meeting amazing personalities, some amazing top-class players from different countries,” added the former India captain.
Chhetri’s participation reflects the programme’s expanding reach as FIFA seeks to bring players from different backgrounds together with a common goal of driving social change.
“Their influence is felt on the pitch, but the legacy they leave can reach far beyond football,” FIFA said in a statement.
Backed by world football’s governing body and the expertise of an external specialist in sport for social impact, participants receive individual guidance to help turn their ideas into concrete projects.
The initiative brought together 11 players in Boston, USA, in June, equipping them to use their profiles, platforms and resources to address social challenges.
Following the success of its women-only pilot in 2025, the programme has expanded to include male footballers, recognising the potential of players to inspire future generations and create a lasting impact beyond their careers.
Participants from last year’s edition went on to establish foundations and football academies, as well as collaborate with non-profit organisations to tackle issues they had often experienced first-hand.
This year’s group features a high-profile line-up, including Spain’s FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Alexia Putellas and Chhetri, who is the programme’s first male participant.
The next phase of the initiative is scheduled for December, when participants will meet in London and take part in virtual sessions to present their respective projects.
(With PTI Inputs)
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Ask News18The FIFA Player Impact Programme equips footballers with the knowledge and resources to drive social change in communities, focusing on key causes like education, mental health, and equal access to sport. Sunil Chhetri, the former India captain, is part of the programme’s second edition as its first male participant and is eager to put his lessons into practice.
Ask News18November 11, 2026, 08:37 IST
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