Sandesh Jhingan’s international career is now more than 11 years old, with him having worn the India jersey 72 times. During that time, Sandesh, who recently lifted the Super Cup with FC Goa, has also played 144 matches in the Indian Super League (ISL). Now, with Indian football yet to start its domestic season, the national team captain spoke exclusively to Boria Majumdar about an uncertain future and the impact on players and club staff, especially after a week that saw the country open its heart, and purse strings, for Lionel Messi.
Boria: While we spend money and celebrate global stars, what about our football? For that matter, we don’t have clarity on the ISL or the I-League, and it is becoming a dark reality. What would you say to that?
Sandesh: I think I share the same thoughts as you. Nothing against the tour – it’s actually great if people get to meet the greatest player, Lionel Messi, to have played this sport. I do understand the business behind it and how it works. Everyone has the right to make money, and I was, in fact, happy to see the crowd, the familiar faces, everyone who came to celebrate Messi. But while all of these thoughts were crossing my mind, another thought took over – the uncertainty of our own situation. Whether or not we will have a league after we play the match on the 24th, whether at my club we will wear the same jersey again, whether we will come back from this break after the 24th – these questions just left me speechless. We don’t know what comes next.
Boria: As a fan, analyst, and supporter of football, when I compare Messi with Indian football, I feel very let down. As a footballer, you have achieved a lot, but what about the youngsters? What about their mental health? What do you feel about this?
Sandesh: Yes, it is a very tough situation for them. It’s like you being a journalist and suddenly being deprived of a platform to share your views anymore – that’s how it feels. A footballer, unlike people from other professions, cannot play until they are 70. Each year for us is equivalent to three to five years. So, taking away one or two seasons from our journey makes us question a lot of things. Everyone is celebrating Brison Fernandes right now. He joined us when he was seven or eight and is now representing the country. He even won Emerging Player of the Year for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024–25 season – that’s the beauty of an ecosystem around football.
A parent would lose motivation to send their child to a football school if they see leagues and clubs shutting down all of a sudden. They would rather choose another sport, and that breaks my heart. What’s even sadder is that other footballers and I will somehow still survive after this – we will find some other club or some other means of employment. But at my club, what about the grounds men whose children go to school because of the salary they earn from FC Goa?
The staff and officials associated with FC Goa, even the canteen workers who are part of that ecosystem, will be badly impacted. They must have EMIs, rent, and other expenses depending on their salary from FC Goa. I am very involved with my club. I know the value of every single rupee and how much it means to every family.
Boria: It pains me that while we do Messi [events], our football should also continue. If it doesn’t, then there is a problem with our society.
Sandesh: That’s what I wanted to convey through my post, which I really had no plan to put out in the first place. But something triggered me and pushed me into a thought that came out as that post. I really want everyone who loves football, in one way or another, to reflect calmly on whatever has happened over the past one and a half years. You will start questioning many things yourself.
The twitter post by Sandesh Jhingan, in question
— Sandesh Jhingan (@SandeshJhingan) December 17, 2025
Boria: I know it has been a tough period. I know this conversation has been an uncomfortable one. But all I would say is that we are all here with every footballer and everyone in the ecosystem. We will do whatever is possible as part of the journalists’ fraternity. Thank you for joining me.
Sandesh: I hope it all works out. Hope for the best. God bless.
Listen to the full interview here
#SandeshJhingan Exclusive
“Personally, I have no grudge against the Messi event, and the videos showed that we as a country love football. But what struck me was that we don’t know when we’re gonna play next” – @SandeshJhingan on the #GOATIndiaTour.@BoriaMajumdar @ssen_co… pic.twitter.com/n3oIkDOW6K
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) December 19, 2025
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