Aditi Chauhan, first Indian woman to play professional football in Europe, retires at 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 age 32.The former Indian national team goalkeeper aims to focus on developing better opportunities for future generations in football.“Thank you, football — for shaping me, testing me, and carrying me through. After 17 unforgettable years, I’m retiring from professional football with deep gratitude and pride,” Aditi wrote in a social media post on Thursday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“This game gave me more than just a career; it gave me an identity. From chasing a dream in Delhi to carving out my own path all the way to the UK, where I pursued my Master’s in Sports Management and played for West Ham United – I walked a road with no clear map.“I never had to choose between education and passion. I fought hard to do both, and that balance has defined me.”Aditi represented India 57 times and was part of three SAFF Women’s Championship winning teams in 2012, 2016, and 2019.“I gave everything to the game — my focus, my fire, my body — all in pursuit of that No. 1 jersey for India. But behind the highlights were the quiet battles: the fear of the unknown, the pressure to justify that my path was valid, and the persistent question from society – ‘How would you possibly make a living playing football?'” She further wrote.“And then, the injuries. Coming back not once, but twice from ACL injuries, I believe I set an example for other players that one could overcome anything with mental courage. The pain, the doubt, the silence – it was a battle I had to win from within.”Her European journey included two seasons with West Ham before she returned to India in 2018.She later joined Gokulam Kerala FC, winning two Indian Women’s League titles in 2019-20 and 2021-22.“What I’m most proud of as a professional athlete is the consistency. Across 17 years, I kept coming back, through setbacks, through injuries, through every doubt, and earned the No. 1 spot time and again.”“My parents stood by me, picked me up when I needed, pushed me when I slacked a bit. Everything that I am, the things I’ve been able to achieve have been possible because of my mom, who’s quietly just ridden this crazy ride with me and I can’t thank god enough for giving her as my mom.”In her final season, she played for Sribhumi FC, helping the Kolkata team secure third place in the IWL.“As I now step into life beyond the pitch, I carry that belief with me – not as a player anymore, but as someone committed to building a stronger pathway 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, believe in yourself, and put in the work.”
