Kolkata : Former Indian Defender Prabir Das has announced retirement from Professional Football after dealing with health issues.
The 32-year-old brings to a close a career which has seen him represent various teams across the country, including Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City among others.
“I honestly do not know where to begin, because I never thought it would be this difficult to put into words. Every footballer knows this day will come, but somehow, you are never truly ready for it,” Prabir wrote on social media.
“Today, with a heart full of emotions and gratitude, I officially announce my retirement from professional football,” he added.
He began his career at SAIL Academy and went on to represent Pailan Arrows, Dempo, FC Goa and Delhi Dynamos before joining Mohun Bagan in 2015. He made 87 appearances for the club (including ATK Mohun Bagan), recording one goal and four assists in that time.
He won the Indian Super League twice, with Atletico de Kolkata in 2016 and 2020.
“Everyone knows how emotional I am about Mohun Bagan. It will always be my mother club. It was there that I truly found my identity as a footballer, and the love I received from the club and its supporters will stay with me forever. ATK was another defining chapter of my career. Championships, unforgettable memories and also one of my biggest setbacks,” he wrote.
“Fighting back from a serious ACL injury and returning to win again taught me what it really means to never give up. I was then fortunate enough to be part of Mohun Bagan SG again in the ISL, which remains one of the most memorable moments of my career,” Prabir added.
He noted that he started experiencing health issues during his stint with Kerala Blasters (2023-2025) and described it as one of the “toughest periods” of his life.
“For the first time, I want to share something that happened during Kerala Blasters’ pre-season in Thailand. I started experiencing numbness, tingling sensations and problems with balance on the left side of my body,” he explained.
“For the first time, my biggest fight was not about getting back onto a football pitch. It was about my health and getting back to being myself. With the support of my family, friends, doctors, clubs and everyone close to me, I fought my way back and was fortunate enough to return to the game and continue doing what I loved,” he added.
“This has not been an easy decision. Football has been my life and my passion, but after a lot of thought, I know that the time has come,” Prabir said.
Prabir in his career represented Pailan Arrows, Dempo SC, FC Goa, Delhi Dynamos, Atletico de Kolkata, Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC and a short stint at Inter Kashi where he played a part to earn them ISL 2025 promotion.
He made his debut for the India U19s on 31 October 2011 during the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers against Turkmenistan in which he also scored in the 82nd minute to confirm India’s 3–1 victory to open the qualifiers. In 2015, he made made his debut for India U23 against Syria in AFC U23 Championship Qualifier.
Besides winning twin ISL titles for Atletico de Kolkata, he won I-League 2014-15 and Federation Cup 2015-16 for Mohun Bagan, Durand Cup 2022 for Bengaluru FC.
In his career, Prabir made 229 appearances in his domestic including 112 in ISL. He played in 13 ISL play-off games as well as 11 AFC Cup matches.
