Khalid Jamil becomes first full-time Indian head coach of National Football team after 13 years

Khalid Jamil has become the first full-time head coach of the Indian national football team in 13 years who is from India. Before him, Savio Medeira was the Indian coach from 2011 to 2012.

New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Khalid Jamil as the new head coach of the Indian National Football team.

Born in Kuwait, Jamil has represented India in 40 international matches. The technical committee, which includes Dronacharya awardee Armando Colaco and Dhyan Chand awardee Shabbir Ali, suggested that the AIFF should focus on choosing an Indian coach for the senior national team.

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

Khalid Jamil has become the first full-time head coach of the Indian national football team in 13 years who is from India. Before him, Savio Medeira was the Indian coach from 2011 to 2012.

Selected From List Of Three

The 48-year-old Jamil, a former India international and currently the manager of Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, was picked by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) executive committee from a list of three members. The other two contenders were former India head coach Stephen Constantine and Stephen Tarkovic. Stefan was previously the coach of Slovakia's national team.

The technical committee of the AIFF, headed by legendary striker IM Vijayan, had shortlisted three candidates for the final decision of the executive committee. Jamil will replace Spain's Manolo Marquez, who parted ways with the AIFF last month after India's recent struggles.

Jamil's first challenge was the last Indian to serve as the head coach of the national men's team, Savio Medeira, who held the position from 2011 to 2012. Jamil's first assignment in the new role will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup, which will be played in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from August 29.

About Khalid Jamil, His Career as a Player:

Khalid Jamil was born on 21 April 1977 in Kuwait City. He played as a midfielder. He began his senior career in 1997 with Mahindra United. Throughout his senior career, he played a total of 248 matches and scored 45 goals. Khalid Jamil played a total of 40 matches for the Indian national football team between 1998 and 2006, scoring 4 goals in the process.