Aditi Chauhan, the first Indian woman to play professional football in Europe, retired on 32. Football news
Aditi Chauhan, the first Indian woman to play professional football in Europe, has announced her retirement after a 17 -year career at the age of 32.The goalkeeper of the former Indian national team aims to focus on developing better opportunities for generations coming into football.“Thank you, football – to shape me, test me and take me. After 17 unforgettable years, I am retired with deep gratitude and pride from professional football,” Aditi wrote in a social media post on Thursday.Go beyond the border with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!“The game gave me more than just one career, it gave me an identity. From chasing a dream in Delhi to carving my entire path for the UK, where I chased my master in sports management and played for West Ham United – I went on a road without a clear map.“I never had to choose between education and passion. I worked hard to do both, and that balance has defined me.”Aditi represented India 57 times and was part of the three SAFF Women’s Championships winning teams in 2012, 2016 and 2019.“I gave everything to the game – my attention, my fire, my body – all in search of that number 1 jersey for India. But there was a quiet battle behind the highlights: the fear of the unknown, it was the pressure to justify that my path was valid, and the constant question from the society – ‘How would you probably make a living football?”“And then, injuries. Not once, but returning twice from ACL injuries, I believe that I have set an example for other players that anyone can overcome anything with mental courage. Pain, doubt, silence – it was a fight that I had to win from within.”His European visit before returning to India in 2018 included two sessions with West Ham.She later joined Gokulam Kerala FC, won two Indian women’s league titles in 2019–20 and 2021-22.“I have the most pride as a professional athlete. This is continuity. During 17 years, I continued to return through failures, through every doubt, through injuries, and the number 1 spot earned repeatedly.”“My parents were standing by me, I was raised when I needed, pushed me when I was a little sluggish. Whatever I am, what I am achieving, is possible because of my mother, who is quietly riding this crazy ride with me and I can’t thank God for giving her as my mother.”In his final season, he played for SRIBHUMI FC, helping the Kolkata team secure third place in IWL.“As I now step into life beyond the pitch, I take that belief with me – not now as a player, but as someone has committed to create a strong path and ecosystem for the next generation.“My second half is about giving back to the game that gave me everything.“The formula remains the same: dream big, trust yourself, and put it in work.”
