Panaji: Former India captain Sunil Chhetri has been included in the 13-member FIFA Player Impact Programme, a project that empowers professional footballers to leverage their platforms, voices, and resources for positive social change.




Chhetri is the first male participant of the FIFA initiative, which aims to build upon the success of its female-only pilot in 2025.




The India star attended the initiation session during the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America where over three days, the group of players shared their personal journeys and the goals they have set for themselves through group discussions, practical exercises and expert-led sessions.




The players will present their pet projects in London and virtually in December.




“I’m really happy that I got this opportunity,” said Chhetri. “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.”




Chhetri, 42, has been the most prolific goalscorer in Indian football with 274 goals for club and country. His career has spanned over two decades and he is currently with Bengaluru FC. The Indian idol has extensive reach beyond the football field.




According to sources, Chhetri is giving finishing touches to the social impact initiative that he chooses to pursue.




The FIFA initiative empowers players to harness their voice, platform and resources to drive positive social change. Last year's participants went on to launch foundations, establish football academies and partner with non-profit organisations to address challenges they had often faced first-hand during their careers.




“I firmly believe that sport can change lives,” said Alexia Putellas , a FIFA Women’s World Cup winner and three-time Ballon d’Or winner. “I wanted to give access to all those girls who don’t have the same opportunities I had, for example, due to financial, family or cultural problems. I wanted to target those girls to give them the opportunity to play sports, not just for the sake of playing sports, but also so that they could have those values that being on a team and playing sports instils in you, such as confidence and the sense of belonging to a group which, ultimately, I think can have an impact on their lives.”




The 13-members of FIFA Player Impact Programme include Women’s World Cup winner, Olympic gold medallist and some of the best players in the women’s game. These include Alexia Putellas (Spain), Casey Phair (South Korea), Gabi Nunes (Brazil), Hina Sugita (Japan), Jessie Fleming (Canada), Kenza Dali (France), Maria Sanchez (Mexico), Michelle Agyemang (England), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (USA), Racheal Kundananji (Zambia), Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria), Rebekah Stott (New Zealand) and Sunil Chhetri (India)