Top 10 goalscorers of all-time for Indian football team

Over the years, some prolific strikers have represented the country.

Sunil Chhetri recently earned worldwide praise after scoring a brace against Bangladesh. He helped India to a 0-2 victory in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier last week. By scoring twice, he also took his tally to 74 goals, as a result of which the Indian football team skipper is now above Lionel Messi in terms of the top active international goalscorers.

At the moment, Chhetri is only behind Ali Mabkhout (75 goals) and Cristiano Ronaldo who has 104 goals to his name. The Indian legend finds himself in exalted company and quite deservedly so. The striker recently marked 16 years in the national setup and continues to inspire generations of upcoming players in the country.

Inspired by his immense goalscoring record, here is a look at the top 10 goalscorers of all-time for the Indian football team. The list includes some of the most celebrated figures in the Blue Tigers' history:

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10. Chuni Goswami - 9 goals in 32 games

Goswami was a former skipper of the Indian football team. He scored nine goals at international level for India. He represented the national team 32 times. Goswami was also a first-class cricketer.

9. Tulsidas Balaram - 9 goals in 29 games

Tulsidas Balaram also scored nine goals for India at the international level. But, he did so in 29 games. The striker represented East Bengal at club level most prominently. Balaram is hailed for his expert wing play and cutting inside to score goals.

8. Neville D'Souza - 11 goals in 15 games

Neville D’Souza had a short spell playing for India. The striker featured 15 times for the national team, but scored 11 goals in the process. He had an untimely death back in 1980. The first Asian player to score a hat-trick at the Olympic Games passed away aged 47 due to a brain haemorrhage. 

7. P.K. Banerjee - 15 goals in 45 games

P.K. Banerjee is also widely regarded as one of the best footballers India has produced. He was a former captain and coach of the Indian national football team. P.K. Banerjee scored 15 goals in 45 games as a player. He is also a recipient of the Arjuna and Padma Shri awards.

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6. Magan Singh Rajvi - 15 goals in 33 games

Magan Singh Rajvi also scored 15 goals during his international career. He achieved this feat in 33 games. Magan Singh also played a role in India winning the bronze medal at the 1970 Asian Games. He played for clubs like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Salgaocar FC. 

5. Shabbir Ali - 23 goals in 66 games

Shabbir Ali is regarded as one of the finest Indian players from the 1970s and 1980s. The striker scored 23 goals for India at the international level in 66 games. He played for East Bengal among other clubs and also coached teams like Salgaocar, Churchill Brothers, Mohammedan SC and so on.

4. Jeje Lalpekhlua - 23 goals in 56 games

Jeje Lalpekhua is one of only two players in this list who is still active. The former Chennaiyin FC and Mohun Bagan player has fallen down the pecking order due to injuries and a lack of game-time. However, his goalscoring record for India is still impressive. The striker has scored 23 times in 56 games for the Blue Tigers.

3. Bhaichung Bhutia - 27 goals in 82 games

Bhaichung Bhutia is regarded as one of the best Indian footballers ever. He is a legendary figure in Indian football and continues to play an important role in promoting the game through the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools. The forward scored 27 goals in 82 games for India. He played for East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and also had a short spell at English side Bury FC.

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2. I.M Vijayan - 29 goals in 66 games

I.M. Vijayan is a legendary name in Indian football. The Arjuna awardee is a former skipper of the national team as well. He scored 29 goals in 66 games for the Blue Tigers, the second-most number of goals by an Indian at the international level. 

1. Sunil Chhetri - 92 goals in 140 games

Sunil Chhetri leads the goalscorers' charts for the Indian football team at the international level. The 38-year-old is also the most-capped player for India, having represented the team in 116 games. The 74 goals put him among the top-most active international goalscorers at the moment. Furthermore, Chhetri is already a legendary figure and continues to build his legacy. The incredible longevity of the player means he will continue to add to his tally of goals.

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