Sunil Chhetri, considered one of the greatest players in Indian football, holds the record for most goals scored for the national team and captained it for a long time. His leadership, fitness, and consistent performance have given Indian football a new identity.
Born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, then Andhra Pradesh, Sunil Chhetri’s father, K.B. Chhetri, was in the army and was also a brilliant footballer. Sunil Chhetri’s mother, Sushila, played football for the Nepal national team. As a result, football was in Sunil’s blood.
His father was in the army, which led to frequent transfers and Sunil Chhetri’s frequent shifts between cities and schools. However, his passion for football remained unwavering. However, he never considered becoming a professional footballer. He played football solely to secure admission to a good college.
Chhetri inspires youth with his discipline, hard work, fitness, and never-say-die spirit. Despite limited resources, he consistently excelled, proving that dedication and perseverance can achieve great goals. His leadership and humble nature are also an example for other players.
When Sunil Chhetri was in 12th grade, he was included in the Indian team for the Asian Schools Championship held in Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan had recognized Chhetri’s talent and signed him to their club, after which the footballer never looked back.
Sunil Chhetri made his debut for the Indian senior team in 2005. In 2007, he played his first international tournament, scoring four goals to help the team lift the trophy for the first time since 1997. In 2008, he scored four goals in the FC Challenge Cup, including a hat-trick in the final. India won the tournament, making him the poster boy of Indian football.
Chhetri top-scored with seven goals in the 2011 SAFF Championship. This was the record for the most goals scored by any player in a single season. Chhetri’s impressive performance helped India win the title. He was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performance. He was given the captaincy of the Indian team for the first time in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers. That same year, he led India to another Nehru Cup title.
Sunil Chhetri also played for renowned clubs like JCT, East Bengal, and Dempo for nearly eight years. His impressive performances attracted foreign clubs. In 2007, Chhetri went to England for a trial with Coventry City, but was unsuccessful.
Following this, London’s Queens Park Rangers offered him a contract, but work permit issues scuttled the opportunity. In 2010, he was signed by the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer in the USA, making him the third Indian to play for a foreign football club.
In 2012, Chhetri was invited by Sporting Clube de Portugal. He was then signed by Bengaluru FC in the I-League. The Indian Super League launched in India in 2015, with Chhetri becoming the most expensive Indian player. The following year, he helped Mumbai City FC reach the playoffs.
Sunil Chhetri played his 100th international match in the 2018 Intercontinental Cup. In the same tournament, he broke Lionel Messi’s record of 64 international goals.
Sunil Chhetri has been named the All India Football Federation Player of the Year a record seven times. He won the award in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018-19, and 2021-22. For his outstanding performance in football, he was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2011, followed by the Padma Shri in 2019. In 2021, Chhetri became the first Indian footballer to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
Sunil Chhetri inspires youth with his discipline, hard work, fitness, and never-say-die spirit. His consistent excellence has proven that dedication and perseverance can achieve great goals. Chhetri’s leadership and humble nature are also an example for athletes.