Sunil Chhetri is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League and captains the Indian national team. He is the club and country’s all-time leading scorer. For his achievements in the country, Chhetri is primarily recognized as one of the finest Indian footballers of all time.
Early Life
Sunil Chhetri was born in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, on August 3, 1984. His father, Subhash Chhetri, was an Indian Army officer, while his mother, Sushila Chhetri, was a housewife. Because of his father’s business, Chhetri’s family travelled frequently, and he attended several schools in various places. Despite the many movements, his love for football remained unwavering, and he began playing the sport early and rapidly established himself as a talented attacker. Chhetri competed for his school and state teams and was also chosen for the India U-17 national squad.
Football Career
Chhetri began his professional career in 2002 with the Kolkata-based team Mohun Bagan. He played for the club for three seasons, scoring 14 goals in 24 games. Chhetri joined JCT FC, a Punjab-based team, in 2005. He was a three-year squad member, appearing in 48 games and scoring 21 goals. Chhetri joined East Bengal FC, another Kolkata-based squad, in 2008. He was a team member for two seasons, scoring 27 goals in 48 games. Chhetri became the third player from the subcontinent to sign with the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer in 2010. However, he returned to India after a season, signing with Chirag United in 2011. Chhetri joined Bengaluru FC in 2013 when the club debuted in the Indian Super League. He instantly became the club’s talisman, leading them to their first ISL championship in 2013-14. Since then, Chhetri has won two additional ISL titles with Bengaluru FC in 2015-16 and 2018-19.
International Career
Chhetri made his international debut for India against Pakistan in 2005. In the same game, he scored his first goal for his country. Chhetri has become the Indian national team’s all-time best goal scorer, with 92 goals in 142 matches. Chhetri has been India’s captain since 2012. He has led the team to victories in the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009, and 2012, as well as the SAFF Championships in 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023. Chhetri has represented India in the AFC Asian Cup, FIFA World Cup qualifications, and Intercontinental Cup.
Achievements
Sunil Chhetri has accomplished a lot in his football career. He is the club and country’s all-time leading goal scorer, and he has captained India to success in multiple international events. Chhetri has also received various individual trophies, including the AIFF Player of the Year award seven times in a row.
Sunil Chhetri’s most notable accomplishments
- India’s all-time leading scorer (92 goals in 142 outings)
- Bengaluru FC’s all-time top scorer (69 goals in 154 appearances).
- Champion of the Indian Super League (2013-14, 2015-16, 2018-19)
- SAFF Championship winner (2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023)
- Nehru Cup winner in 2007, 2009, and 2012.
- Champion of the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008
- Player of the Year in the AIFF (2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019)
- Padma Shri (2019) award
- 2021 Khel Ratna Award
Sunil Chhetri has had a significant influence on Indian football. His accomplishments have inspired a new generation of footballers, and his leadership off the field has boosted the sport’s profile in the country. Chhetri is the longest-serving captain in the country. He has led India to victories in several international competitions. Chhetri has also contributed significantly to India’s recent ascent in the FIFA World Rankings.
