The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Khalid Jamil as the head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, breaking a 13-year streak of foreign leadership. Jamil replaces Manolo Marquez, whose winless tenure ended last month.
Born in Kuwait, the 49-year-old Jamil carries a rich legacy in Indian football, having clinched the top division both as a player for Mahindra United in 2005 and as a coach for Aizawl FC in 2017. His AFC Pro License and extensive experience across I-League and ISL make him a compelling choice, especially amid AIFF’s strategic pivot and budgetary challenges.
The AIFF Technical Committee, influenced by the need for cultural resonance and development-oriented leadership, selected Jamil over other contenders, including Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic. The Executive Committee ratified the appointment on August 1.
Jamil remains contracted with Jamshedpur FC until 2026, but will guide the Blue Tigers at the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup, facing tough opponents like Iran and Tajikistan. His tenure begins as India stands at 133rd in global rankings, with hopes high for renewed direction.
As Indian football navigates financial constraints and competitive ambition, Jamil’s appointment signals both pragmatic and cultural recalibration.
