Aditi Chauhan, Indian women’s football pioneer, retires after 17 years

Aditi Chauhan, a pioneer in Indian women’s football, announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday, bringing down the curtains on an illustrious career spanning 17 years.

The former Indian national team goalkeeper, now 32 years old, holds the distinction of being the first-ever player from India to play club football in Europe.

Having already been capped by India at the U19 and senior level, Aditi Chauhan's first taste of football abroad came with Loughborough University, whom she represented while pursuing a Master’s degree in Sports Management.

Her performances caught the attention of Women’s Super League outfit West Ham United Ladies and she signed for the west Londoners in 2015, She was a part of the Irons for four years.

“Thank you, football — for shaping me, testing me, and carrying me through,” Aditi said on a social media post. “After 17 unforgettable years, I’m retiring from professional football with deep gratitude and pride. 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."

She returned to India in 2018 and joined India Rush SC for one season before joining Gokulam Kerala, with whom she won the Indian Women's League (IWL) twice.

Aditi Chauhan also finished third with Gokulam Kerala in the AFC Women's Club Championship in 2021.

She also represented Iceland’s Hamar Hveragerði in 2021 and called time on her career after one last stint with Sreebhumi FC in 2025.

On the international stage, Aditi earned 57 caps with the Indian women’s football team between 2011 and 2023, winning the SAFF Women's Championship thrice - in 2012, 2016 and 2019.

She also boasts two South Asian Games gold medals, won in 2016 and 2019.

Aditi also revealed her intentions to stay connected with football in a different capacity.

“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,” Aditi said.

After Aditi Chauhan paved the way for India’s women footballers in Europe, Bala Devi became the first outfield player in Europe after joining Scottish outfit Rangers in 2020.

India recently qualified for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 after 22 years after winning its qualification group.

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