Set to hang boots as India's all-time top scorer and most-capped player, scoring 94 goals for the country
PANAJI
Sunil Chhetri's legacy in Indian football is unforgettable. Back in 2018, he captured the hearts of football fans nationwide with an emotional plea urging support for the national team. Fans responded emphatically, rallying behind their beloved captain during the Intercontinental Cup in June. Known affectionately as Captain Fantastic, Chhetri's retirement announcement comes on the heels of his landmark 150th appearance for the Indian national team, where he showcased his scoring prowess with a goal against Afghanistan.
With his final international match set for the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6, Chhetri's departure marks the end of an era.
With an impressive tally of 94 goals, Chhetri leaves a lasting legacy as India's all-time leading goal scorer and most-capped player. Chhetri said "I never thought individually that these are the many games that I play for the country. This would have done good or bad. But now I did it. This last one and a half, two months, I did it. And it was very strange."
With India currently vying for qualification in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Chhetri's impending retirement adds a poignant dimension to the upcoming match against Kuwait. As the Indian team strives for victory on the pitch, fans and football enthusiasts alike will come together to celebrate the illustrious career of a true icon of Indian football.
Why is Sunil Chhetri known as a legend of Indian Football?
Chhetri’s Career:
Born on August 3, 1984, Chhetri embarked on his professional football journey with Mohun Bagan in 2002, subsequently representing esteemed clubs like JCT, East Bengal, Mumbai City FC, and Bengaluru FC, where he showcased his prolific goal-scoring abilities with over 140 goals. He also ventured abroad, playing for Kansas City Wizards in the US and Portuguese giants Sporting CP.
Making his international debut in 2005, Chhetri quickly emerged as a prolific goal-scorer, etching his name in the annals of Indian football history. With 94 goals in 150 matches, he holds the record for being India's all-time top scorer and most-capped player. In 2022, FIFA World Cup shared an intriguing insight: "You know all about Ronaldo and Messi, now get the definitive story of the third highest scoring active men's international." This statement accompanied the unveiling of a documentary titled "Captain Fantastic," a three-part exploration into the life and career of Sunil Chhetri.
Message to his fans:
In his farewell message, Chhetri expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout his 19-year-long career as he prepares to hang up his boots.
He said "When the instinct came that it should be my last game, then I thought about it a lot. And, eventually, I came to this decision. Every training that I do with the national team, I just go in joy. I can feel that. I don't feel the pressure. I don't think I know any player who has got more love, affection, adulation from the fans in a holistic manner in my country than me”.
"One last game against Kuwait. For all our sakes, let's do let's do a good game. Let's win the game, and we can depart happily," he concluded.
Chhetri leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of Indian footballers.
NATIONAL CAREER
Debut on June 12, 2005: vs Pakistan (Quetta)
Matches played: 150 (captain in 87 matches)
Goals scored: 94 (Top goalscorer for India)
TROPHIES WON
Jawaharlal Nehru Cup (2007, 2009 and 2012); AFC Challenge Cup (2008); Hero Intercontinental Cup (2018 and 2023); Hero Tri-Nation Cup (2017 and 2023); SAFF Cup (2011, 2015, 2021 and 2023)
ACHIEVEMENTS
First Indian to score 50 international goals
Scored four hat-tricks for India. Vs Tajikistan in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup Final at New Delhi; Vs Vietnam in 2010 Friendly at Pune; Vs Chinese Taipei in 2018 Intercontinental Cup at Mumbai; Vs Pakistan in 2023 SAFF Cup
Only Indian to score a hat-trick in the final of an International Tournament AFC Challenge Cup at New Delhi 2008
Scored in three finals of the SAFF Cup 2011, 2015-16 and 2021
Scored at least one goal in his first, 25th, 50th, 75th, 100th, 125th and 150th matches
AWARDS
Arjuna Award (2011); Padma Shri (2019); Khel Ratna (2021); Asian Icon by the AFC (2018); AIFF Player of the Year (2007, 2011, 2013,2014, 2017, 2019); FPAI Player of the Year (2009, 2018); AFC Challenge Cup Most Valuable Player (2008); SAFF Player of the Tournament (2011); Hero of the Intercontinental Cup (2018)
