Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri (born 3 August 1984) is an Indian former professional footballer who played as a striker. He is the captain of the Indian national football team and the all-time leading goal scorer for India with over 90 international goals. He is also the fourth-highest active international goal scorer in world football (as of 2024), behind only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Mabkhout. Born in Secunderabad, Telangana, Chhetri comes from a mixed Nepali-Sikkimese football family. His father was in the Indian Army and played football for the army team. Chhetri began his professional career with Mohun Bagan in 2002 and quickly established himself as one of India's most prolific scorers. Chhetri has played for several Indian clubs including Mohun Bagan, Dempo, East Bengal, Sporting CP (Portugal), and Bengaluru FC. With Bengaluru FC, he won the I-League (2014) and the Super Cup (2018). He is the all-time top scorer in the Indian Super League (ISL) with over 50 goals. For the Indian national team, Chhetri has been the talismanic figure. He led India to victory in the 2007 and 2009 Nehru Cup, the 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification, and the 2015 SAFF Championship. He scored crucial goals in qualifying campaigns and has been the team's most consistent performer for over 15 years. In June 2024, Chhetri announced his retirement from international football after India's World Cup qualifying campaign. His emotional farewell video went viral, receiving tributes from global football stars including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sunil's childhood idol, the Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia. His legacy as India's greatest footballer is secure.