Sunil Chhetri is one of the most goal scorers for Indian football. Sunil Chhetri represented India in 146 matches during his career and he spent 20 years before he announced retirement in 2024 and he scored 94 goals for India. He is the professional footballer from India and no one could score the most goals for India among the Indian Footballers. He started from the bottom and became the country’s top scorer. His journey shows hard work, skill, and love for the game.In this article we are going into a dive about Sunil chhetri career and his success as a Footballer.
As the captain of the Indian team, he has taken major steps in the country to raise new levels of India history of Indian Football. He inspires young athletes and wins fans’ hearts all over India.
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Sunil Chhetri career and Net worth.
Sunil Chhetri footballer has an estimated wealth of 1 million dollars which equals to INR 8.39 Crore. He has an estimated annual income of ₹ 5 crore and he had a deal of ₹ 1.5 crore with Bengaluru F.C in the Indian Super league (ISL) annually. Besides that, Sunil Chhetri has earned worth millions through doing endorsements for several brands.(sportstiger,2024)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Sunil Chhetri |
| Net Worth (USD) | $1 Million |
| Net Worth (INR) | ₹8 Crore |
| Annual Salary (INR) | ₹5 Crore |
Key Takeaways
- Sunil Chetri is India’s most goal scorer machine for India. He is known as captain Fantastic and also known as ink-up play, goal scoring abilities, and leadership.
- Sunil Chetri is the fourth-highest international goalscorer, and is also the most-capped player and the all-time top goalscorer of the India national team.
- In 2024 June, he announced retired from all form of international football.
- His last match for India against Kuwait was a farewell match for Him.
Early Life and Background of India’s Football Icon
Sunil Chhetri, a name known well in Indian football, was born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, Telangan .He came from a respective family that is a military and sports loving family. This environment shaped his character and gave him a strong will.
Birth and Family Heritage
Parents of Sunil Chhetri belonged to Nepali origin. His parents were K.B. Chhetri and Sushila Chhetri both were sports persons. His Father was in the Indian army due to his father’s job Sunil Chhetri had to go along with his parents across different cities in India(sportskeeda.2024) Their military background taught him hard work, resilience, and respect for the nation. As a boy, he saw his parents’ sacrifices, which influenced his football approach. In 2017, He married to Sonam Bhattachary, daughter of former player of India and Mohan Bagan, Subruta Bhattacharya.
Sunil chhtri came from a military and sports loving family. Father of Sunil chhetri is K.B Chettri. He was an officer in the Army and used to play football in the army while his mother, Sushila Chhetri was a volleyball player and representative for Nepal National women’s volleyball. From this environment that influenced him interested in sports at an early age.(minorstudy.com,2024)
Early Football Influences
Chhetri’s love for football started young, thanks to his father’s encouragement. His natural talent and passion made him a top footballer in India. He played on military base pitches with other army kids. These experiences improved his skills and deepened his love for football, leading him to a professional career.
Rise to Professional Football: First Steps and Breakthroughs
Sunil Chhetri career as a football player has started in New Delhi, showing his talent and hard work early on. Born in 1984, he played for local clubs and he impressed everyone with his skills.
In 2002, Chhetri joined Mohun Bagan, a famous team in India. This move helped him improve and gain experience at the top level. He kept impressing, known for his goals and smart play.
In 2007 it was a big year for Chhetri when he joined sunil chhetri football club, JCT FC. It boosted his fame and gave him a chance to play nationally. His time with JCT FC led to him joining the Indian national team, starting his journey to fame.
Sunil Chhetri career, in early showed his dedication and love for football. He learned fast, adapting well to the professional level.
| Year | Club | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Mohun Bagan | Joined the club, gained professional experience |
| 2007 | JCT FC | Earned a spot on the Indian national team |
“My journey into professional football was filled with challenges and breakthroughs, but the passion for the game kept me going. Each step forward was a testament to my unwavering commitment and the incredible support of my team and coaches.”
Sunil Chetri Career: Milestones and Achievements
Sunil Chhetri is an idol of Indian football. The journey of Sunil Chhetri career can be fitted with numerous great highlights and successes. They have followed him due to the displays and prowess when it comes to scoring goals. Now let’s see the highlights of his trip.
Professional Club Journey
Another aspect of this employee commitment or dedication and his desire to excel can be seen from his club career. He joined the Mohun Bagan club right from the year 2002. He then played for another season at JCT before moving to Dempo and then Sporting Clube de Goa before signing for Bengaluru FC in 2013. He has also successfully clinched many trophies when playing for Bengaluru FC. He is among the leading goal scorers of Indian Football.
In this case, the career will be focused on the international level for which the following achievements are expected:
Chhetri has a great number of international games. He has been India’s leading goal-scorer since 2005 with more than 84 goals to his credit. These performances have accorded him international recognition.
He had successfully taken India to victory in the Nehru Cup, SAFF Championship, and even Intercontinental.
Sunil Chhetri career Goals for India at International
| Competition | Goals | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| SAFF Championship | 23 | 27 |
| FIFA World Cup qualifiers | 10 | 24 |
| Nehru Cup | 9 | 14 |
| AFC Asian Cup qualifiers | 8 | 12 |
| AFC Challenge Cup | 4 | 8 |
| Intercontinental Cup | 13 | 11 |
| AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers | 3 | 6 |
| AFC Asian Cup | 4 | 8 |
| King’s Cup | 1 | 1 |
| Merdeka Cup | 1 | 1 |
| International friendlies | 18 | 39 |
| Total | 94 | 151 |
Record-Breaking Moments
Sunil Chhetri is playing football with breakthrough records till today and we can stat him with other great football players all around the world. He made numerous headlines when in 2021 he rose to be the second active international goal scorer in the world today just behind Cristiano Ronaldo. It proves his talents and potential to do well at these highest levels of competition. Now, Sunil Chhtri became on the list till he announced retirement in 2024.
| Statistic | Sunil Chhetri | Lionel Messi | Cristiano Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Goals | 95 | 112 | 135 |
| International Caps | 151 | 191 | 217 |
| Ranking in World | 2nd | 3rd | 1st |
Sunil Chhetri career has made him one of India’s greatest footballers. His dedication, goal-scoring, and achievements have inspired fans. They have also helped grow Indian football globally.
National Team Captaincy and Leadership
Over the years, especially in the last decade, Sunil Chhetri has been a significant revelation for the Indian national team. In the past more than a decade, he has been an Indian football team’s captain and this is true leadership. He always takes the team through good and thick with a lot of commitment and analytical mind.
He leads very well which has an inspiring force to teammates hence leading to good team spirit. The Minster underlined how it has been important for the team, giving India successes on the international level. He has attained specific skill sets that have informed the formation of goals of the national team and foster team cohesiveness and high performance.
Much has been said about the hardworking nature of the Captain, Chhetri. He expects a lot from his other teammates although he works extremely hard both in and off the field.
As the Indian football captain
He loves his country and stands for the national team so that he can motivate other players as well. They look at him as one who is going to be the hope of Indian football they want to see in the future.
Chhetri’s form of leadership is not only appreciated in India, but also internationally as well. These skills are the reason why he is a role model to the staff because he carries himself and encourages his team to do the same. He must have gone on to become a true icon of Indian football.
Sunil Chhetri career goals for various Clubs.
| Club | Years | Goals | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohun Bagan | 2002–2005 | 8 | 18 |
| JCT | 2005–2008 | 22 | 48 |
| East Bengal | 2008–2009 | 9 | 17 |
| Dempo | 2009–2010 | 8 | 13 |
| Kansas City Wizards | 2010 | 0 | 1 |
| Chirag United | 2011 | 7 | 7 |
| Mohun Bagan | 2011–2012 | 8 | 14 |
| Sporting CP B Team | 2012–2013 | 0 | 3 |
| Churchill Brothers | 2013 | 4 | 8 |
| Bengaluru FC | 2013–2015 | 16 | 43 |
| Mumbai City | 2015–2016 | 7 | 17 |
| Bengaluru FC | 2016 | 5 | 14 |
| Bengaluru FC | 2016–present | 70 | 175 |
“I find Sunil Chhetri the life wire of the Indian national team- 5 Based on his leadership and hardworking nature, the team has benefited from his efforts in the past few years.”
The way that a player approaches and executes a game requires analysis of the flow and manner in which the game was played by a specific player.
Indeed Sunil Chhetri is one of the favorites and most celebrated footballers in the country of India. It goes without saying that his playing style and technique contributed to the man’s success. Some of Nsiala’s attributes include; prowess, tatical intelligence and goal prowess.
Signature Moves and Skills
His game control can be said by the way he touches the ball and feels it like it is his. They are spectacular maneuvers including the step-over, feint and crossover that he performs on his rivals. For himself and his partners, he uses his vision and awareness to get into the right position for a shot or to score.
Goal-Scoring Techniques
Chhetri’s technique in front of goal, and his ability to put the ball in the back of the net make him a major asset to Indian football.
He also uses good pace when making his runs and Rooney does display excellent intelligence when positioning himself.
Technically sound and capable of scoring goals with either foot, headers as well as long shots, he ranked high as a definite threat in a team’s attacking third.
Tactical Adaptability
What the audiences have failed to address is the fact that Chhetri has been able to learn the game and match tactics properly. He can play as a central striker, a second striker or barely as a midfielder to incorporate in the middle of the park. His capability of choosing the right positions out on the field and how he disposes himself is all extraordinary.
Sunil Chhetri has been a pride to Indian Football’ Skill and Determination personified , the man who strives to give his best each day and set high standards that are to be followed. His playing style and techniques have directly influenced generations of Indian football players, and fascinated football patrons in India.
Club Career Success in Bengaluru FC
Sunil Chhetri’s profile is virtually inseparable from the ascent of Bengaluru FC. He has brought great passion and expertise into the team leadership. BENGALURU FC led by its captain Sunil Chhetri has tasted many victories both in India and internationally.
He was signed by the Bengaluru FC during the year 2013. Indeed, he has been instrumental to the team since then. The above team has been able to secure two ISL titles, the Federation cups and the superior Super Cup of the 2018- 2019 season. He tends to score goals and has masterminded the strategies that made Indian football legendary.
| Season | Competition | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | I-League | Runners-up |
| 2015-16 | Federation Cup | Champions |
| 2016-17 | ISL | Champions |
| 2018-19 | Indian Super Cup | Champions |
| 2018-19 | Federation Cup | Champions |
| 2021-22 | ISL | Champions |
Chhetri’s leadership and goals have made Bengaluru FC a top team. His commitment to the club and teammates has won fans’ respect. He is one of the greatest to wear the bengaluru fc jersey.
“Sunil Chhetri is the backbone of Bengaluru FC. His leadership and goal-scoring abilities have been instrumental in the club’s success over the years.”
As sunil chhetri current teams evolve, Chhetri’s impact on bengaluru fc is clear. His legacy as a club icon and football legend will inspire future players.
International Acclaim and Honors
Sunil Chhetri football has earned him fame and award in countries of the world. He is currently the team player in India’s cricket national team. He is considered one of the country’s finest footballers.
Major Honors and Accolades
Chhetri is well rewarded and has been awarded many times during his entire football career. He was awarded India’s second highest sports award – Arjuna Award in the year 2011. Received this award he proved hard work, skill and the big change in Indian football.
International standing and Performances
Chhetri has proved his talent the world over. This man has rose high in the FIFA World Rankings. His current ranking places him among the world’s elite and I have no any reason to disrespect or fail to admire him.
Chhetri isIds heroS for the Indian football community. He motivates young players to emulate the achievement. His commitment and his position as one of early starters in football have placed him among legends.
Impact on Indian Football
The profile of Sunil Chhetri also referred to as sunil chhetri career has made significant contributions to football in the country. He has become a role model because he is as the indian football captain. He has influenced many young players and has won the affection of fans all over the political boundary.
Chhetri has been working very hard and a true sportsman which is a morale boost for Indian football on global platform. His great goal scoring and match-winning abilities have seen him garner applause across the globe.
Chhetri has been a true ambassador to the Indian football team and takes a lot of responsibility for enhancing the pride of the Indian football. He has always captained the team especially during important matches and other competitions.
He has also engaged on community based activities and programs of the youth. This has paved way to the next generation footballers in India.
Indian football captain has followed this influence and has urged on the sport. He has also engaged policymakers and stakeholders regarding the issues and worked towards getting the support of the latter.
Off-Pitch and Private Activities
Sunil Chhetri is not just a good football player for India, but has been playing as a professional since the age of nearly ten years. He is 39 years now, and he continues to amaze people with his playing abilities and his being a team captain. He also left a mark in charity and business as seen below.
Charitable Work
Chhetri must be benefiting his fellow citizens in one way or the other given his celebrity status. He supports various charities to help them to collect money and people’s attention to certain problems. He has been able to gain a lot of respect for a number of reasons which includes supporting kids, education and healthcare.
In 2015, Chhetri worked together with the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) India an NGO to help the earthquake victims in Nepal and India.(sportsmintmedia)
Business Interests
Chhetri is also wise and a successful businessman. He has thus ventured in real estate business as well as sports management. He has also been involved in other contracts such as endorsement, which depict his business like.
Indian football team captain has endorsed several big brands, which include the sportswear maker Puma, the FMC; Firm Pintola, Twelfth Man, CRED, Fire-Boltt and VU Sports-pipeline to sports-bonanza.
Public Persona
Chhetri is popular in India with many people embracing him. People can use his life example in football and he is kind and dedicated person for young footballers. He is also on the social media and discuss matters which are of great concern and thus regarded.
Few players can boast of such an impressive impact as Sunil Chhetri on Indian football at the moment, but, still, the time plays a trick on him. Both his performance on the field and his discipline as well as character off the field have truly made him a giant of Indian football. This man has influence over many young players and fanatics.
“The passion that Chhetri has for social causes has ensured he is hugely respected by fans and players.”
Conclusion
Sunil Chhetri is easily one of the greatest footballers that have ever come out of India. He was originally from a military background and arrived at stardom. The dedication and talent he has been putting in his work has merited him a place among many role models.
Chhetri has led the Indian team to victory as the captain of the team. The fantastic performance by this man has placed India on the map in football. He has become a legend because of his ability and his power to lead.
To some extent, Chhetri is imitating lifestyles outside the football field as well. Also, he has contributed his responsibilities through charity and other business-related activities. He is a real legend and many people have his type examples to follow.
In the future, his accomplishments will encourage many people. He will always be remembered as a sunil chhetri career as well as being an icon of Indian Football.
FAQ
1.Who Sunil chhetri?
Ans: Captain of India Football Team and India Professional Footballer.
2.Who is Sunil Chhetri wife?
Ans: Sonam Bhattacharya
3.Who is Sunil Chhetri married to.?
Ans: Sonam Bhattacharya
4. When Sunil Chhetri retired?
Ans: 2024
Hello….I’m Tobar Nianglang, holding an MBA in Marketing with a focus on Digital Marketing. I’m also the founder and author behind sportskai.com, a prominent sports news platform.