Indian defender Prabir Das has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32, bringing an end to a career that included spells with several leading clubs across the country and two Indian Super League titles.
Das revealed his decision on Tuesday, explaining that health problems involving a nerve condition played a significant role in bringing his playing career to a close.
“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.
Das started his career at SAIL Academy before representing Pailan Arrows, Dempo, FC Goa and Delhi Dynamos. He joined Mohun Bagan in 2015 and went on to make 87 appearances for the club, including ATK Mohun Bagan, scoring once and providing four assists.
He also enjoyed significant success in the ISL, winning the competition with Atletico de Kolkata in 2016 and ATK in 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.
Das also recalled recovering from a serious knee injury during his career.
“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.
His health difficulties began during his 2023-2025 spell with Kerala Blasters, which he described 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.
