Former India captain MS Dhoni turned 45 on Tuesday, 7 July 2025, with tributes pouring in from across the cricketing world and beyond — including a remarkable shoutout from the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Instagram account. The celebrations underscored just how far Dhoni's iconic status extends beyond cricket's boundaries.

FIFA World Cup joins the Thala Day celebrations

In a gesture that caught fans off guard, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Instagram account posted a graphic featuring Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland — each having scored 7 goals in the ongoing tournament — with the caption: 'Seven Goals. Thala for a reason. Happy Thala Day.' The post was a direct nod to Dhoni's iconic No. 7 jersey and the 'Thala' (meaning leader) nickname bestowed upon him by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans. The crossover moment instantly went viral, reflecting the universal reach of Dhoni's brand.

BCCI and cricket fraternity pay tribute

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla shared a photograph with Dhoni on X, writing: 'Heartiest birthday wishes to MS Dhoni, a true icon of Indian cricket whose leadership and legacy continue to inspire millions. Wishing you good health, happiness, and many more memorable years ahead.'

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also marked the occasion with a graphic on X summarising Dhoni's staggering career numbers: 538 international matches, 17,266 international runs, and 829 dismissals behind the stumps. The board described him as 'an absolute icon of the game.'

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan posted a photograph from India's 2013 Champions Trophy triumph alongside Dhoni, writing: 'Happy Birthday, @msdhoni bhai! Your calmness under pressure and the way you've led the game will always inspire cricketers around the world.' Former India batter and commentator Aakash Chopra offered perhaps the most evocative tribute: 'Some players win matches. Some win trophies. MS Dhoni won an era. Happy Birthday Maahi.'

CSK marks the moment

Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni's IPL franchise, released a video celebrating his journey with the caption: 'A hero who became a way of life. A legacy that lives through every generation.' Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL titles, cementing his status as the most successful captain in the league's history.

A career that defined an era

Dhoni made his international debut in 2004 and went on to captain India for over a decade, guiding the side to three ICC trophies — the T20 World Cup (2007), the 50-over World Cup (2011), and the Champions Trophy (2013). He retired from international cricket in 2020 but has continued to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his finishing ability and calm under pressure remain undiminished. Notably, no other Indian captain has won all three major ICC white-ball titles.

As Dhoni enters his 46th year, speculation about his IPL future continues to swirl — but Tuesday belonged entirely to celebrating the man who made seven India's most beloved number.