FIFA releases documentary chronicling Sunil Chhetri's remarkable journey

The docuseries contains three episodes.

To appreciate and recognise Sunil Chhetri’s heroics for the Indian national team, FIFA on Tuesday released a special series on the Indian icon to unfold his untold story. The series is named ‘Captain Fantastic’ and is divided into three parts.

Despite India not being able to record a single World Cup appearance since 75 years of Independence, Chhetri has certainly made a mark for himself in world football. The series talks about Chhetri’s past and present and has been filmed in Bangalore and national capital New Delhi. 

Sunil Chhetri is certainly a gift from the footballing gods to India and is undoubtedly the best that the nation has ever produced. Needless of mention, 395 games, 188 goals, 1x Intercontinental Cup, 1x AFC Challenge Cup, 1x Indian Super League, 3x I-leagues, 1x Federation Cup, 3x SAFF Championships, 1x Durand Cup and many more individual accolades for both club and country shine bright in his cabinet. Notably, last year Chhetri became the first Indian footballer to win the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Apart from this, he is also a recipient of the Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award.

Chhetri has won everything that a player has to win in Indian football. In short, he has completed Indian football. He’s only ageing like fine wine and nothing seems to be stopping him. The 38-year-old is currently the third-highest active goal scorer in international football behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi with 84 goals in 131 caps.

Sunil Chhetri’s recent performances

Sunil Chhetri helped India complete its heist for a third SAFF Championship last year. He also helped the country to secure a place in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup with some brilliant displays at the Qualifiers in Kolkata. The skipper batted four goals in three matches against Hong Kong, Afghanistan and Cambodia. 

India finished the final round of qualification as group winners. The Blue Tigers won three games in as many matches and maintained a 100% record while scoring eight goals and conceding just once. It was for the first time in the Igor Stimac era that the Blue Tigers managed to put up a series of strong performances.

The Indian icon continued his fine run of form and fortune on the pitch with Bengaluru FC as well. He led the Blues to the 2022 Durand Cup title with some top notch individual contributions. Bengaluru FC emerged victorious by defeating arch rivals Mumbai City FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Chhetri scored three goals in seven matches and made Bengaluru FC the only Indian side to win every trophy available.

Also, in the recently concluded Hung Thinh Friendly football tournament, it was Sunil Chhetri who assisted Ashique Kuruniyan's goal against Singapore. That goal was India's solitary in the tournament.