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Football in India has grown in popularity over the years, and Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian national football team has made a huge mark on the Indian football era, Sunil Chhetri plays as a forward for the Indian Super League club in Bengaluru and also the fourth highest international goalscorer. He is considered one of the greatest Indian Football players that India has ever produced. Read this blog to learn more about the biography of Sunil Chhetri.
Table of Contents
Sunil Chhetri Biography
Here is an overview table of the biography of Sunil Chhetri:
| About Sunil Chhetri | |
| Full Name | Sunil Chhetri |
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Secunderabad, India |
| Position | Forward / Attacking Midfielder |
| Current Club | Bengaluru FC (as of the latest update) |
| Previous Clubs | Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Dempo SC, Kansas City Wizards, Mumbai City FC, and others |
| National Team | India |
| International Caps | Over 130 (as of the latest update) |
| International Goals | Over 85 (as of the latest update) |
| Achievements | Most-capped Indian player, all-time top scorer for India, AFC Cup winner with Bengaluru FC, multiple ISL titles |
| Awards | AIFF Player of the Year (multiple times), Arjuna Award |
| Playing Style | Known for his goal-scoring ability, leadership, and versatility in attack |
Also read: : Leander Paes: Biography, Contribution and Titles
About Sunil Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri was born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, Telangana, to KB Chhetri and Sushila Chhetri.
- His father is a retired officer from the EME Corps of the Indian Army, and his mother was an athlete who used to play for the Nepal Women’s National Team.
- Bahai School, Sikkim, is where he did his schooling and graduated from Asutosh College, Kolkata.
- He has seen a lot in his earlier days, as his family was going through financial difficulties, and did not have enough money to complete his goals.
- Sunil Chettri also has a sister, ‘Bandana Chhetri’.
- He married his long-time girlfriend, Sonam Bhattacharya, who is also the daughter of Indian international and Mohun Bagan player Subrata Bhattacharya.
- He was named the Asian Icon by AFC on his 34th birthday in 2018.
- In 2020, he signed a 3-year contract with global sports giant Puma.
- Due to a documentary film that was released on September 27, 2022, three of the episodes were based on Sunil Chhetri’s life, giving him the nickname “Captain Fantastic.”
- He announced that he is going to retire from international football on Jun 6, 2024 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, where he played his last match against Kuwait.
Also read: PT Usha: Education, Records, Awards & More
Football Career of Sunil Chhetri
His football career has been an astonishing one. The table below shows his career and the biography of Sunil Chhetri –
| Category | Details |
| Youth Career | Played for local teams in Bangalore during his school years. |
| First Professional Club | Mohun Bagan (2002) |
| Career Start Year | 2002 |
| Early Club Performances | Impressed with his performances at Mohun Bagan, leading to interest from larger clubs. |
| Notable Early Club | East Bengal (2005-2007) |
| East Bengal Achievements | He helped the team win the National Football League (NFL) and was a key player in domestic competitions. |
| International Debut | 2005 for the Indian National Team against Myanmar |
| International Milestones | He became the captain of the Indian National Team, leading them in various international tournaments. |
| Notable Early International Performances | Scored crucial goals in the AFC Challenge Cup (2008) and other tournaments. |
| Move to International Club | Kansas City Wizards (2009-2010) |
| Performance by Kansas City Wizards | He contributed to the team with notable performances in the MLS, marking his debut in top-flight international football. |
| Return to Indian Clubs | Mumbai City FC (2010-2011), returned to Indian domestic football after his stint in MLS. |
| Key Achievements in Early Career | AFC Challenge Cup winner (2008), ISL titles with Bengaluru FC, and numerous domestic trophies. |
Also read: Milkha Singh: Biography, Achievements & More
Awards and Trophies of Sunil Chhetri
The Awards and Honours earned by him are –
| Award/Trophy | Category | Year(s) | Details |
| AIFF Player of the Year | National Player Award | 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017 | Awarded to the best Indian footballer in a given year. |
| Arjuna Award | National Sports Award | 2011 | Awarded for outstanding achievements in sports. |
| Padma Bhushan | Civilian Award | 2020 | India’s third-highest civilian award for exceptional service in football. |
| Padma Shri | Civilian Award | 2019 | India’s fourth-highest civilian award for significant contributions to sports. |
| ISL Trophy | Indian Super League Championship | 2018-19, 2020-21 | Won with Bengaluru FC; the premier football league in India. |
| Durand Cup | Domestic Cup | 2013 | Won with Bengaluru FC; one of the oldest football tournaments in India. |
| I-League Trophy | Domestic League Championship | 2007 | Won with East Bengal; one of the top domestic football leagues in India. |
| AFC Challenge Cup | International Championship | 2008 | Won with the Indian National Team; a key tournament in Asian football. |
| SAFF Championship | Regional Championship | 2011, 2015, 2021 | Won with the Indian National Team; South Asian Football Federation Championship. |
| National Football League (NFL) | Domestic League Championship | 2005-06 | Won with East Bengal. |
FAQs
Sunil Chhetri made his international debut for India on June 12, 2005, against Myanmar.
Sunil Chhetri has scored over 85 international goals, making him one of the top international goal-scorers.
Sunil Chhetri has won the AIFF Player of the Year (multiple times), Arjuna Award, and Padma Bhushan, among others.
If you want to know more about the biography of Sunil Chhetri and other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!