EDICRIC | Football | Sunil Chhetri Indian Footballer Biography, Career
Sunil Chhetri Indian Footballer Biography, Career
Sunil Chhetri is an Indian professional footballer and one of the most prominent figures in Indian football history. Born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh (now in Telangana), India, Chhetri is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian footballers of all time.
Sunil Chhetri | Club Career
Chhetri’s football journey began at a young age when he started playing for his school team. His talent quickly caught the attention of local clubs, and in 2002, he joined the Mohun Bagan Academy. He made his professional debut for Mohun Bagan in the 2002-2003 season of the National Football League (now the I-League), becoming the youngest goalscorer for the club at the time.
After successful stints with Mohun Bagan and JCT FC, Chhetri signed for Sporting Lisbon’s B team in Portugal in 2012. However, he struggled to make an impact and soon returned to India, signing with Bengaluru FC in 2013, a club that would become a major part of his career.
Sunil Chhetri | International Career
Chhetri’s career with Bengaluru FC has been highly successful, and he has been instrumental in the team’s domestic and continental achievements. He has won numerous titles with the club, including the I-League, Indian Super League, and Federation Cup. Chhetri’s goal-scoring prowess and leadership skills have made him the face of Indian football.
On the international stage, Sunil Chhetri has been an essential figure for the Indian national football team. He made his debut in 2005 and has since represented India in various international competitions. Chhetri holds the record for the most international goals scored by an active player, surpassing some of the game’s biggest names. He has also captained the national team and led them to success in the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 and the Intercontinental Cup in 2018.
Sunil Chhetri | Achievements
Chhetri’s contributions to Indian football have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous accolades, including the Arjuna Award (2011), Padma Shri (2019), and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year award multiple times. He has also been recognized globally, being named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world of sports by Time magazine in 2018.
Off the field, Chhetri is known for his humility, professionalism, and dedication to the sport. He has been vocal about the need to improve football infrastructure in India and has actively promoted the game in the country.
Sunil Chhetri’s story is an inspiration to many aspiring footballers in India. His remarkable career and achievements have helped elevate the profile of Indian football on the international stage and continue to inspire a new generation of players.
