Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has announced his retirement from international football, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned nearly two decades. Chhetri, who is India’s all-time leading goalscorer and most capped player, made the emotional announcement ahead of India’s World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6, 2024.
Great Indian Footballer Sunil Chhetri
Chhetri, born on 3 August 1984 in Secunderabad, India, began his professional career at Mohun Bagan in 2002 before moving to JCT, where he scored 21 goals in 48 games. He later played for clubs like Chirag United and Mohun Bagan in India’s I-League and had a stint with Sporting CP’s reserve side in Portugal’s Primeira Liga.
International Career of Sunil Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri’s international career was equally remarkable. He made his senior debut for India in 2005 and scored on his debut against arch-rivals Pakistan. He went on to lead India to several victories, including the 2007, 2009, and 2012 Nehru Cup, as well as the 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023 SAFF Championship titles. He also played a pivotal role in India’s qualification for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup after a 27-year absence, scoring twice in the final tournament.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Chhetri was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2011, the Padma Shri in 2019, and the Khel Ratna Award in 2021, becoming the first footballer to receive India’s highest sporting honor.
Sunil Chhetri Achievements
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Chhetri was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2011, the Padma Shri in 2019, and the Khel Ratna Award in 2021, becoming the first footballer to receive India’s highest sporting honor.
Sunil Chhetri’s impact on Indian Football
Sunil Chhetri’s impact on Indian football goes beyond his achievements on the field. He has been a source of inspiration for aspiring footballers and has played a crucial role in raising the profile of Indian football globally.
In a video announcing his retirement, Chhetri expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and thanked his fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. He also emphasized the importance of the upcoming match against Kuwait, stating, “One last game… for all our sakes… let’s win the game and we can depart, happily.”
I'd like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024
As Sunil Chhetri prepares to bid farewell to international football, fans and the footballing community are coming together to celebrate the legacy of a true legend of the game. Sunil Chhetri’s name will forever be etched in the annals of Indian football history as one of the greatest players to have ever graced the field.
Family and Early Life
- Born August 3, 1984 in Secunderabad, India.
- Son of K.B. Chhetri, an Indian Army officer, and Sushila Chhetri, who comes from a Nepali footballing family (both her and her twin sister played for Nepal’s national team).
- Grew up in various cities due to his father’s military service, spending time in places like Darjeeling.
- Developed a passion for football at a young age and participated in tournaments throughout his childhood.
- Multilingual – fluent in English, Hindi, Nepali, Bengali, and Kannada, with some understanding of Telugu, Marathi, and Konkani.
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