Sunil Chhetri has etched his name into Indian Super League history by becoming the oldest goalscorer in the competition. The Bengaluru FC captain scored against Sporting Club Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on February 15, 2026, at the age of 41 years and 196 days, surpassing French legend Robert Pires’ previous record of 41 years and 15 days.
The ISL 2025-26 season has provided an immediate milestone moment, with India’s greatest footballer breaking a record held for 12 years. This achievement underscores the remarkable longevity and commitment of veteran players who continue to compete at the highest level of Indian football.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Oldest Goalscorers in ISL History
| Rank | Player | Age | Club | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunil Chhetri | 41 years, 196 days | Bengaluru FC | Sporting Club Delhi | 2025-26 |
| 2 | Robert Pires | 41 years, 15 days | FC Goa | Delhi Dynamos | 2013-14 |
| 3 | Alessandro Del Piero | 40 years | Juventus Delhi | Chennaiyin FC | 2013-14 |
| 4 | Silas | 39 years, 2 months | Northeast United | Chennaiyin FC | 2014-15 |
| 5 | Tim Cahill | 39 years | Jamshedpur FC | Delhi Dynamos | 2017-18 |
| 6 | Piti (Francisco Medina Luna) | 38 years, 6 months | Jamshedpur FC | Tuskers | 2019-20 |
| 7 | Bartholomew Ogbeche | 38 years, 96 days | Hyderabad FC | Varied | 2022-23 |
| 8 | Wes Brown | 38 years, 4 months | Kerala Blasters | Northeast United FC | 2017 |
| 9 | Dimas Delgado | 37 years, 10 months | Bengaluru FC | Kerala Blasters | 2020-21 |
| 10 | Robbie Keane | 37 years, 10 months | ATK | Highlanders | 2017-18 |
Player Profiles and Achievements
| Player | Nationality | Notable Career | ISL Goals | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunil Chhetri | Indian | India’s greatest footballer | 16+ | Oldest ISL goalscorer |
| Robert Pires | French | Arsenal legend | 1 | Previous oldest record holder |
| Alessandro Del Piero | Italian | World Cup champion | 1 | Iconic free-kick goal |
| Tim Cahill | Australian | Everton legend | 2 | Came out of retirement |
| Robbie Keane | Irish | International legend | 6 | Most goals among oldest scorers |
Sunil Chhetri’s Historic Moment
Sunil Chhetri’s record-breaking goal came in the opening stages of ISL 2025-26 on February 15, 2026. The Bengaluru FC captain entered the match as a substitute in the 78th minute and struck magnificently with a long-range effort that found the net against Sporting Club Delhi. The goal secured a crucial victory for Bengaluru FC.
Chhetri’s achievement is extraordinary considering his age, competing at the highest domestic level while maintaining goal-scoring ability. The Indian football legend has been instrumental in FC Bengaluru’s ISL campaign, demonstrating that experience and technical excellence transcend age limitations.
Evolution of ISL’s Veteran Players
The Indian Super League has always attracted marquee signings and veteran players, particularly in its early seasons from 2014 onwards. Iconic figures including Del Piero, Pires, Cahill, and numerous other European legends were signed as promotional draws.
Many of these veteran players, though past their prime, contributed meaningfully during their ISL careers. Robert Pires’ single goal for FC Goa demonstrated that European superstars could still impact matches despite advanced age. Similarly, Alessandro Del Piero’s free-kick goal against Chennaiyin FC showcased technical mastery that transcended physical limitations.
Robbie Keane’s Impressive Record
Among the oldest goalscorers, Robbie Keane stands out for efficiency. The Irish legend scored six goals in just nine matches for ATK during the 2017-18 season at age 37 years, 10 months.
Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS
His goal-scoring ratio was exceptional, demonstrating that age did not diminish his finishing quality. Keane’s performances helped ATK’s campaign significantly despite limited appearances.
Legacy and Significance
These veteran goalscorers represent more than statistics. Their presence in the ISL highlighted the league’s growth and appeal to international players. Many arrived near retirement to maximize earnings while maintaining competitive football. Yet several demonstrated that quality football transcends age boundaries.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the oldest goalscorer in ISL history? Sunil Chhetri is the oldest goalscorer in ISL history, scoring at 41 years and 196 days against Sporting Club Delhi on February 15, 2026.
Q2: What record did Sunil Chhetri break? Chhetri surpassed Robert Pires’ previous record of 41 years and 15 days set in 2013-14. Pires held the record for 12 years until Chhetri’s breakthrough goal.
Q3: How many goals did Robert Pires score in ISL? Robert Pires scored one goal for FC Goa in ISL, which was a memorable strike against Delhi Dynamos during the 2013-14 season.
Q4: Which veteran player scored the most goals among oldest scorers? Robbie Keane scored six goals in nine matches for ATK during 2017-18, making him the most prolific among the oldest goalscorers in ISL history.
Q5: Why do veteran players play in ISL? Veteran players join ISL for financial rewards, extended playing careers, and to enjoy competitive football. Many marquee signings also served promotional purposes for the league’s growth and international appeal.
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