Sunil Chhetri’s Impact on Indian Football: Records, Achievements, and Legacy
Sunil Chhetri, born on August 3, 1984, into a Pahari Kshatriya family, is a renowned Indian professional footballer who excels as both a striker and winger. He captains Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League as well as the Indian national team. Widely celebrated as “Captain Fantastic,” Chhetri ranks third among active players for the most goals scored in international matches, trailing only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Sunil Chhetri is both the most capped player and the leading international goalscorer for India, having netted 72 goals in 112 appearances. On his 34th birthday, he was honored as an ‘Asian Icon’ by the AFC.
Chhetri began his professional career with Mohun Bagan in 2002 before transferring to JCT, where he scored 21 goals in 48 matches.In 2010, Sunil Chhetri signed with the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer, becoming the third player from the Indian subcontinent to play abroad. However, his time in the United States was brief, and he soon returned to the I-League in India, playing for Chirag United and Mohun Bagan. Later, he moved abroad again, this time joining Primeira Liga’s Sporting Clube de Portugal, where he played for the club’s reserve team.
Sunil Chhetri played a crucial role in India’s victories at the 2007, 2009, and 2012 Nehru Cups, as well as the 2011 SAFF Championship. He was among India’s standout players in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, where India triumphed and secured their first AFC Asian Cup qualification in 27 years. Chhetri also led the national team during their 2011 AFC Asian Cup campaign, scoring two goals. He has been honored as the All India Football Federation Player of the Year six times, in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018–19.
Early Life
Sunil Chhetri was born on August 3, 1984, to Nepali parents in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh. His passion for football was influenced by his mother and two sisters, who played for the Nepal women’s team. Despite his father’s frequent transfers as a Gorkha soldier in the Indian Army, Sunil’s enthusiasm for football remained undeterred, and he became deeply passionate about the sport from a young age.
Professional Life
Sunil Chhetri began his football career at the age of 17 in Delhi in 2001. Just a year later, his talent caught the eye of Mohun Bagan, and they promptly included him in their team. This marked the beginning of his professional football career, and he has never looked back since.
Chhetri has played for both the junior and senior Indian teams and currently serves as the captain of the Indian national team. His two goals against Cambodia in 2007 catapulted him to overnight fame. His talent was recognized globally when he scored three goals against Tajikistan in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, helping India qualify for the Asia Cup after 27 years.
Following his success, Chhetri received offers to play abroad. Although there were rumors of him joining the English Premier League, he ultimately played in Major League Soccer for Kansas City in 2010, becoming the third Indian to play outside India. In 2012, he joined the reserve team of Sporting Clube de Portugal, where he continued to impress with his performance. After his contract with Sporting ended, he signed with Bengaluru FC, where he is currently the captain, leading the team to the top of the I-League.
Chhetri has scored 41 goals in 72 matches for the Indian team, making him the highest-scoring Indian player in history. He has led India to win the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009, and 2012, and helped the team qualify for the Asia Cup in 2008. His exceptional talent has earned him numerous awards, including the Arjuna Award, the NDTV India Player of the Year in 2007, and the AIFF Player of the Year award three times.
In 2021, Chhetri made history by scoring a goal against Nepal in the SAFF Football Championship, equaling the legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé with 77 international goals. Later that year, he surpassed Argentine superstar Lionel Messi to become the second-highest active international goal-scorer.
Sunil Chhetri’s achievements and accolades highlight his exceptional talent and his significant contributions to Indian football. He continues to elevate India’s presence in the global football arena.
Chhetri started his professional football career with Mohun Bagan in the National Football League. He signed his first pro contract after a week-long trial. In his debut season in 2002-03, Chhetri scored four goals as Mohun Bagan ended up in seventh place. The following season, he scored two goals – one against Sporting Goa and the other against Indian Bank. Mohun Bagan finished ninth that season. In the 2004-05 season, Chhetri scored a hattrick against Tollygunge Agragami in a 4-0 win as a substitute. Mohun Bagan finished eighth that season and stayed in the National Football League based on goal difference.
In 2005, Sunil Chhetri signed with JCT and scored three goals during his debut season. He showcased his skill with two hat-tricks for Delhi in the Santosh Trophy, although Delhi was eliminated in the pre-quarterfinal round. The following season, Chhetri made a significant impact by scoring twelve goals for JCT, delivering standout performances against Mohun Bagan and Dempo. He marked his I-League debut with a victory over Mohun Bagan and concluded the season with seven goals. Chhetri’s exceptional achievements led to him being named the AIFF Player of the Year in December 2007.
In the 2005-06 season, Sunil Chhetri joined JCT and scored three goals, including two against Salgaocar and one against Sporting Goa. JCT ended the season in sixth place. During the Santosh Trophy, Chhetri showcased his prowess with two hat-tricks for Delhi against Orissa and Railways in the group stages. However, despite his efforts, Delhi was knocked out in the pre-quarterfinal round after a 1-0 loss to Tamil Nadu in extra time.
In the following 2006-07 season, Chhetri had a prolific spell, scoring twelve goals for JCT, contributing significantly to the team’s second-place finish. He notably shined against former club Mohun Bagan and Dempo, scoring braces in both encounters. Chhetri made his I-League debut on November 26, 2007, securing a notable 2-1 victory over Mohun Bagan. Throughout the inaugural I-League season, he netted seven goals as JCT secured a third-place finish. His standout performance included a brace against Salgaocar in the season’s final match.
Recognizing his exceptional achievements, Sunil Chhetri was honored as the AIFF Player of the Year in December 2007.