48-year old Jamil becomes first Indian Head Coach in 13 years
Khalid Jamil has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Senior India Men’s National Football Team by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on August 1, 2025. This marks a historic moment for Indian football, as Jamil becomes the first Indian coach to hold the role in 13 years, succeeding Spaniard Manolo Marquez, who stepped down last month following a challenging period for the team.
Historic Appointment
First Indian Head Coach Since 2012: Khalid Jamil is the first Indian to take charge of the national men’s team since Savio Medeira’s tenure ended in 2012. The AIFF Executive Committee selected him from a shortlist that included former India boss Stephen Constantine and Slovakian coach Stefan Tarkovic. The Technical Committee was led by legendary Indian striker IM Vijayan during the process.
The AIFF Executive Committee, in the presence of the Technical Committee, has approved the appointment of Khalid Jamil as the new head coach of the Senior India Men's National Team.#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/R1FQ61pyr4
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) August 1, 2025
Track Record
At 48, Jamil brings vast experience as both a player and a coach. He is celebrated for leading Aizawl FC to a stunning I-League title in 2017, as well as managing several Indian Super League (ISL) teams, most recently Jamshedpur FC. He was the first Indian coach in the ISL and the first to take a team to the playoffs, notably with NorthEast United in 2021.
First Assignment
His first assignment will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup, taking place in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from August 29, 2025. These matches will be vital preparation ahead of must-win AFC Asian Cup qualifying games in October, with India seeking a turnaround after a period of disappointing results.
#BlueTigers ✈️ Central Asia! 👀
The Indian senior men’s team will take part in the #CAFANationsCup next month in Tajikistan 🐯
🇮🇳🆚🇹🇯🇮🇷🇦🇫
More details 🔗 https://t.co/d1H6n2eEtM#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/CggEuOLY72
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 30, 2025
Expectations
Jamil arrives with high expectations, having received the AIFF Men’s Coach of the Year award for both 2023–24 and 2024–25. His appointment signals renewed faith in Indian coaches and hopes for a more consistent and culturally attuned approach to team management.
