Sunil Chhetri: The Star Who Made Indian Football Possible

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Sunilโ€™ Chhetriโ€™s Journey in Indian Football

When one thinks of Indian football, one name dazzles above all – Sunil Chhetri. With goal-scoring skills, determination, and leadership qualities, taking over the millions of hearts of football fans. Analyzing the impact he made over the years on Football in India, often caused him to be compared with famed international players like Messi and Ronaldo. His journey was full of hardships and victories, yet he led the way for the Indian football team on the global stage.

In this post, we will discover Sunil Chettriโ€™s exceptional career, his contributions to the4drrrt, and his impact on Indian Football. For followers of football, platforms like Cricaza are ideal for keeping track of the latest updates for today’s football match prediction, soccer games today, and more.

Early Life and Rise

Sunil Chhetri was born in 1984 in Secunderabad. His liking for football games naturally, with his mother being a former footballer and his father working in the Indian Army. His passion for the sport grew swiftly and, in 2002 he began playing with Mohun Bagan, one of the oldest Indian football clubs.ย 

His rise and path to fame didn’t come easy for him, but Chhetri’s persistence paid off. By 2005, he made his debut in the Indian Football Team. His scoring of a hat-trick against Cambodia, became a turning point in 2007, marking the beginning of his international journey. Since then, Chhetri never retreated.

Scoring and Achievements

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Year

Achievemnts

Details

2007

Nehru Cup Hat-Trick

Scored three goals against Tajikistan

2011

Arjuna Award

Awarded for outstanding performance in sports

2019

Padma Shri

One of Indiaโ€™s highest civilian awards

2021

Top Scorer in ISL

Became the top scorer in the Indian Super League

2024

All-time ISL Goal Scorer

Surpassed Ogbecheโ€™s record with 64 goals in ISL

2024

AFC Challenge Cup Winner

Led India to victory in the AFC Challenge Cup

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Chhetriโ€™s Contributions to Indian Football

For over a decade, Chhetri was the captain of the Indian football team. He brought stability, experience, and enthusiasm to the squad. His guidance on and off the track aided in shaping the present generation of players. Moreover, Sunilโ€™s leadership has been vital in achieving these milestones, inducing a notable mark on the Indian football.ย 

Sunil Chhetriโ€™s Career Milestones:

Year

Milestone

Details

2005

India Debut

Debuted for the Indian football team (at age 20 year)

2011

Captain of the Indian Team

Appointed captain of the Indian national team

2012

Nehru Cup Victory

Led India to Nehru Cup victory

2015

SAFF Championship

Guided India to SAFF Championship win

2018

ISL Title with Bengaluru FC

Led Bengaluru FC to their first ISL title with 9 goals and 3 assists

2023

AFC Challenge Cup

Led India to AFC Challenge Cup victory

2024

150 International Caps

Became one of the few players to reach 150 international caps

Record-breaking Goal Scorer

Chhetri is not just any performer but a record-breaking goal scorer. He is Indiaโ€™s all-time high scorer, and internationally, he ranks second among active players, with only Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of him.

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Top International Goal Scorer

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Players

Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo

123

Sunil Chhetri

92

Lionel Messi

88

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Impact on the Indian Super League (ISL)

The start of the Indian Super League (ISL) brought a transitory era for Indian football. Sunil joined Bengaluru FC, one of the strongest teams in the league. Likewise, his performance helped alleviate the ISLโ€™s profile domestically and internationally.

Chhetriโ€™s presence in the ISL aided in raising the level of football in India. Overall, his commitment to discipline, fitness, and skill development has laid a benchmark for young players.

The Indian Super League (ISL): Sunil Chhetriโ€™s Key Statsย 

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Club

Appearances

Goals

Bengaluru FC

158

64

Mumbai City FC

17

7

Churchill Brothers

8

4

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Challenges Faced by Indian Football

Despite Chhetriโ€™s victories, Indian football still faces substantial challenges. The growth of football in India is constantly hampered due to a lack of infrastructure, fewer international opportunities, and limited exposure to high-level competitions. However, players like Chhetri have shown that success is possible, but with consistency and hard work.

The Indian Super League is a stage to steal the spotlight, providing a platform to showcase talents. Thanks to ISL, Indian football is starting to experience better facilities, an increase in fan base, and overall improved quality of the game.

Sunil Chhetriโ€™s Influence on Young Players

Chhetriโ€™s impact is beyond measure. Apart from his goals and leadership, he has inspired many young Indian players who have the desire to attain a professional football career. His dedication, gaming strategy, and work ethic are the key uplifting factors for the next generation.

Top young players influenced by Chhetri

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Player

Club

Sahal Abdul Samad

Kerala Blasters FC

Liston Colaco

ATK Mohun Bagan

Suresh Singh Wangjam

Bengaluru FC

Future of Indian Football

With Sunil directing the way, Indian football sure shot has a promising future. The rise of the Indian Super League and Indiaโ€™s growing presence in competitions like the FIFA World Championshipย qualifiers indicate that football in India is going down the right road.
Chhetri has voiced his vision of witnessing India qualify for the FIFA World Championship. If the current scenario persists, this dream might not be that distant.ย 

Key Steps for Growth include:

  • Enhanced training facilities.
  • More openness to international football.
  • Continued development of the ISL.

Keeping up with Live Football Match, Predictions and Scores

As an Indian football fan eager to keep track of the latest matches, predictions, and live scores, stay updated with platforms like Cricaza. As it offers present-day updates on the today live football matches, soccer matches today, and football matches today IST, you will never miss out on the key moments of your favorite Indian football team.ย 

With Sunil Chhetriโ€™s incredible contributions to Indian football, his supervision, and record-breaking performances, the sport in India attained new heights. But as Indian football persists to grow, the question remains – ย who will carry along Chhetriโ€™s legacy? Will the next generation of ISL best players like Sahal Abdul Samad and Liston Colaco come to the fore to lead the Indian football team to even more outstanding triumphs?ย 

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