Top 10 achievements of Sunil Chhetri for Indian football team

The legendary Indian footballer called time on his memorable international career

Sunil Chhetri has been carrying the torch for Indian football for multiple years and embodies all of the values that are fundamental for footballers to succeed in their careers. Despite his incredible work ethic, discipline and dedication to improving, the age-factor caught up to the 39-year-old. As a result, the legendary Indian footballer delivered saddening news on 16 May 2024, announcing his retirement from international football.

Sunil Chhetri’s record for Indian football is remarkable and full of records that may stand for several years. It would take a herculean effort to even come in the same affinity of some of the numbers and achievements Chhetri has amassed over the years for the Blue Tigers.

As Indian football fans bid farewell to arguably the best footballer of the country from international football, here is a look at the top 10 achievements of Sunil Chhetri for the Indian football team:

In the company of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Sunil Chhetri has scored an exorbitant number of goals at the international level for the Indian football team. The 39-year-old is the third-highest active goalscorer in international football behind legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, sharing the proverbial podium with two of the greats. He is also the highest active goalscorer in Asia before the World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait.

Trophies with the Blue Tigers

Sunil Chhetri has won several trophies with the Indian football team, often leading the squad by example. He has won one AFC Challenge Cup, four SAFF Championships, three Nehru Cups, two Intercontinental cups and one Tri-Series Tournament with the Blue Tigers. 

SAFF Championships awards

Sunil Chhetri has dominated the SAFF Championships over the years, winning plenty of individual awards in the process. He won the SAFF Championships Player of the Tournament award on four occasions and finished as the top scorer on three instances. 

First Indian to become top 10 international goalscorers

Sunil Chhetri’s feats in international football started early. He scored on his debut for the senior national team against Pakistan. Years later, in 2019, he became the first Indian to become among the top 10 highest international goalscorers.  

AIFF Player of the Year awards

Sunil Chhetri holds the record for winning the AIFF Player of the Year most number of times. Over the years, he has been awarded the POTY trophy on seven different occasions. His most recent win was in 2021–22. 

First Indian to play in three different continents

Sunil Chhetri also holds an impressive record for becoming the first Indian player to ply his trade on three continents. The attacker has played in Asia for several Indian clubs, in North America for Kansas City Wizards and in Europe for Sporting Lisbon CP.

Khel Ratna awardee

Sunil Chhetri’s accomplishments for the national team received the highest recognition when he was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award in 2021. By receiving the highest sporting honour in India, Chhetri became the first football player to win it.

Appearances for the Indian national team

Sunil Chhetri holds the record for making the most appearances for the Indian national team. He has featured in 150 matches for the Blue Tigers over the years since his debut in 2005.

Goals for the Indian national team

Sunil Chhetri’s goalscoring feats for the Indian national team are mindblowing, to say the least. He has scored 94 goals in 150 matches for the Blue Tigers, by far the highest ever for an Indian footballer.

The Legendary Status

Sunil Chhetri’s brilliance is not only limited to the football field. His aura and reputation go beyond the game itself. He is referred to as the “Captain. Leader. Legend.” No other footballer is loved nearly as much as Chhetri for his years of contribution to Indian football. His voice is heard loudly and fans flock to the stadiums to see him in action. To become such an inspiring figure for thousands of footballers in the country, is Chhetri’s biggest achievement. 

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