Sunil Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri is an Indian professional footballer. He is known for his link-up play, goal scoring abilities, and leadership.[1][2] He is the third-highest international goalscorer among active players, He currently plays for Bengaluru FC.
He plays as a forward and is known for his teamwork, skill in scoring goals, and strong leadership on the field. Chhetri is the third-highest goalscorer in international football among active players, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He is the captain of the Indian national football team and also plays for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL).
Chhetri has helped India win several football tournaments like the SAFF Championship and Intercontinental Cup. He has received many awards, including the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri, which are among India’s highest honors for sportspeople.
He is respected for his discipline, fitness and dedication to Indian football, and is considered one of the greatest Indian footballers of all time. [3] [4] [5]
Sunil Chhetri Media
Sunil Chhetri
Chhetri (right) celebrating with teammates, after winning the 2007 Nehru Cup final against Syria
Chhetri celebrating after scoring in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup
Chhetri at the 2011 SAFF Championship.
Chhetri (no 11) lining up with teammates of the national team in 2012
Chhetri (centre) in a 2019 AFC Asian Cup group match against Thailand
Chhetri (left) at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik handing the 2023 Intercontinental Cup trophy to Sunil Chhetri.
Chhetri being felicitated by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at the beginning of 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in New Delhi.
Pratibha Patil, then-president of India, presenting the Arjuna Award to Chhetri in 2011.
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References
- ↑ "Six of the best Indian football players of all time: a guide to the greats". Olympics. 2 July 2020. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
- ↑ "SportMob – Best Indian football players of all time". SportMob. 12 May 2021. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
- ↑ India’s Sunil Chhetri is third‑highest active international scorer, behind only Ronaldo & Messi. SportBible. 16 May 2024. https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news/india-sunil-chhetri-cristiano-ronaldo-lionel-messi-430922-20240516. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
- ↑ Sunil Chhetri is a recipient of the Arjuna Award (2011) and Padma Shri (2019). Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/sunil-chhetri-nominated-for-khel-ratna-bala-devi-for-arjuna-award-101625055688264.html. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
- ↑ Chhetri emphasises leadership at Bengaluru FC and their aim for another ISL title. India Today. 14 September 2024. https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/indian-super-league-sunil-chhetri-bengaluru-fc-deserve-title-plans-retirement-talks-2599726-2024-09-14. Retrieved 11 June 2025.