In exciting news for Indian football, Khalid Jamil has been named the new coach of the Indian national football team. This appointment is special because he is the first Indian coach to take charge of the team in 13 years. The last Indian coach was Savio Madeira, who led the team from October 2011 to March 2012. Now, Jamil steps into this important role, bringing hope to the squad.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) picked Jamil from a list of three coaches. The other two were Stephen Constantine, a former India coach, and Stefan Tarkovic from Slovakia. After careful thought, the AIFF chose Jamil to lead the Indian national football team. This decision shows trust in an Indian coach after a long time.
A Look at Khalid Jamil’s Background
Khalid Jamil is no stranger to Indian football. First, he played as a footballer for the Indian national team. Born in Kuwait, he moved to India and joined Mahindra United, where he won the league title in 2005. After retiring as a player, he became a coach and has worked with many teams across India.
One of his biggest successes came in 2017. Jamil coached Aizawl FC and led them to win the I-League title. Many did not expect this team to win, but Jamil’s smart planning helped them succeed. This victory made him a well-known name in Indian football.
Currently, Jamil coaches Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). He has experience in different leagues, like the I-League and I-League 2. Moreover, he holds the AFC Pro License, which is the top coaching certificate in Asia. This shows he knows football very well.
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 Replaces Manolo Marquez
Jamil replaces Manolo Marquez, who was the coach before him. Marquez’s time with the Indian national football team was short and tough. The team only won one out of eight matches under him. Because of this, the AIFF and Marquez agreed to part ways. Now, Jamil takes over with a chance to improve the team.
The Indian national football team has been struggling lately. They are in danger of not qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Jamil’s appointment brings new energy. His past success with teams like Aizawl FC suggests he can help the team do better.
The AIFF’s choice to appoint Khalid Jamil is a big step. It shows they believe in Indian coaches. Jamil knows Indian football inside out, which could help the team grow. His journey from a player to a coach also makes him a strong leader for the squad.
In addition, this move might encourage other Indian coaches to aim for big roles. Jamil’s time as coach of the Indian national football team starts now, and his work will be key for the team’s future. With his skills and experience, there is hope for good results ahead.

