August 1, 2025 | New Delhi — The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Khalid Jamil as the head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, a historic move that ends a 13-year gap since an Indian last held the post.
Jamil, 48, becomes the first Indian head coach since Savio Medeira (2011–2012) and was selected by the AIFF Executive Committee from a strong three-man shortlist. The final candidates included former India coach Stephen Constantine and Slovakia’s ex-manager Stefan Tarkovic.
A Proven Track Record
Jamil rose to national prominence after leading Aizawl FC to an I-League title in 2017 — one of the greatest underdog stories in Indian sports. He is currently the head coach of Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), where he has earned praise for his tactical acumen and leadership.
The selection was based on recommendations by the AIFF Technical Committee headed by football legend IM Vijayan, who emphasized the importance of understanding Indian football’s cultural and developmental context.
What’s Next?
Jamil takes over from Spaniard Manolo Marquez, who parted ways with AIFF following India’s disappointing performances in recent international fixtures.
His first assignment as head coach will be the CAFA Nations Cup, to be held from August 29, 2025, across Tajikistan and Uzbekistan — a crucial platform for rebuilding team confidence and performance.
“It’s an honor to be given this responsibility. I believe in our players, our system, and what we can achieve together,” Jamil stated.
Football fans and stakeholders alike see this as a bold and hopeful step toward developing homegrown coaching talent and nurturing a distinct Indian football identity on the global stage.
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