Sunil Chhetri, born in 1984 in Secunderabad, established himself as the most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer for the India national football team. A forward known for his technique, pace, and dribbling ability, he remains a central figure in Indian sports, having captained Bengaluru in the Indian Super League while maintaining a prolific international career.
Early Career and Development
Chhetri grew up in Darjeeling and attended Bethany School. His parents, K. B. Chhetri and Sushila Chhetri, were both involved in football, with his mother representing the Nepal women's national team. He began his professional path with City Club in Delhi during the 2001–02 season, eventually signing with Mohun Bagan. His early professional years included stints at JCT, where he recorded significant scoring tallies, including twelve league goals during the 2006–07 season.
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His national team contributions include winning the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009, and 2012, alongside SAFF Championship titles in 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023. He led the team to victory in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, securing qualification for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, where he scored twice. In June 2024, he announced his retirement from international play following a match against Kuwait, though he reversed this decision on 6 March 2025 to return to the national squad.
Global and Domestic Professionalism
Beyond Indian domestic leagues, Chhetri played for the Kansas City Wizards in Major League Soccer in 2010. He has been named the AIFF Player of the Year seven times. In 2018, the AFC named him an Asian Icon. His commercial profile includes a three-year partnership with Puma beginning in 2020. FIFA released a documentary about his career titled Captain Fantastic in 2022.
Awards and Personal Life
He holds several of India's highest honors, receiving the Arjuna Award in 2011, the Padma Shri in 2019, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021. Educated at Asutosh College and the University of Calcutta, he is multilingual, speaking English, Hindi, Nepali, Bengali, and Kannada. He married Sonam Bhattacharya in 2017, and the couple welcomed their son, Dhruv, in 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 1984, Secunderabad
- Citizenship: India
- Primary Occupation: Association football player
- Arjuna Award: 2011
- Padma Shri: 2019
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: 2021
- Education: Asutosh College, University of Calcutta
- Spouse: Sonam Bhattacharya
Questions readers ask
Did Sunil Chhetri play for international clubs?
Yes, he signed for the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer in 2010 and played for the reserve side of Sporting CP.
Is Sunil Chhetri still playing for India?
After announcing his retirement in June 2024, he announced on 6 March 2025 that he was returning to play for the national team.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Calcutta and Asutosh College
- Worked as association football player