Sunil Chhetri’s illustrious career with the Indian national football team spans 19 years, beginning with his debut against Pakistan in 2005 and culminating in his final match against Kuwait in 2024. Throughout this period, Chhetri has become a symbol of dedication, skill, and leadership, making it hard for fans and teammates to bid him farewell.
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Early Beginnings and Rise to Stardom
First Match: Against Pakistan, 2005 🇵🇰
Sunil Chhetri’s journey with the Indian national team began on June 12, 2005, in a match against Pakistan. From his very first appearance, it was evident that India had discovered a player with immense potential. Chhetri’s agility, sharpness, and ability to find the back of the net quickly made him a fan favorite.
Breakthrough and Leadership
Over the years, Chhetri’s consistent performances earned him the captain’s armband. He led by example, inspiring a generation of young footballers. His knack for scoring crucial goals in international fixtures, especially in the AFC Asian Cup and SAFF Championships, solidified his reputation as one of Asia’s premier forwards.
Achievements and Milestones
Prolific Goal Scorer
Sunil Chhetri is India’s all-time top scorer, with over 100 international goals. His goal-scoring prowess has often drawn comparisons to global football icons, making him one of the top international goal scorers of his generation.
I'd like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024
Awards and Recognitions
Chhetri’s contributions to Indian football have been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award. His influence extends beyond the pitch, as he has played a pivotal role in popularizing football in a cricket-dominated nation.
Club Success
Apart from his national team exploits, Chhetri has enjoyed a successful club career, notably with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). His leadership and experience have been instrumental in the club’s domestic and continental successes.
Sunil Chhetri’s Prolific Career: A Look Back at His Most Successful Years
As Indian football fans prepare to bid farewell to their irreplaceable son, Sunil Chhetri, it is only fitting to look back at some of the moments that have defined his illustrious career. Chhetri has been the very soul of Indian football, outshining others with his outstanding ability to score goals. His retirement marks the end of an era, and what better way to keep his greatness alive than to remember, celebrate, and revive those most prolific years of his? Let us look at the top five years in which Chhetri’s goal-scoring feats reached the zenith.
First Match – Vs Pakistan, 2005 🇵🇰
— IFTWC – Indian Football (@IFTWC) May 16, 2024
Last Match – Vs Kuwait, 2024 🇰🇼
19 years of service to the Indian Football Team!
This is going to be the hardest of goodbyes! 💔#IndianFootball #BlueTigers #SC11 #IFTWC pic.twitter.com/nYemVhTFki
2011: A Breakthrough Year
Goals Scored: 13
2011 was a watershed year for Sunil Chhetri, who firmly established himself as India’s number one striker. Scoring an impressive 13 goals, it was his best year in terms of goals scored. His performances in the SAFF Championship were instrumental for India’s success, with Chhetri contributing significantly to the team’s goal tally.
- SAFF Championship: Chhetri’s four goals were crucial for India’s triumph in the tournament.
- AFC Asian Cup: Chhetri proved his worth on the bigger stage, scoring against Bahrain.
2018: The Year of Milestones
Goals Scored: 8
2018 was a milestone year for Sunil Chhetri. He was goal-heavy and record-rich, standing right behind Cristiano Ronaldo as the second-highest international goal-scorer.
- Intercontinental Cup: Chhetri scored a hat trick against Chinese Taipei and added more goals, leading India to win the tournament.
- Friendly Matches: His displays in friendly matches further confirmed his status as a goal-poacher cum forward.
2019: The Consistent Performer
Goals Scored: 7
In 2019, Chhetri maintained his goal-scoring spree from previous years, with all his strikes coming in crucial games, making a difference between India being competitive and not.
- AFC Asian Cup: Chhetri scored two goals, with a brace against Thailand proving vital for India’s campaign.
- World Cup Qualifiers and Friendlies: His goals in these matches were crucial in keeping India’s campaign on track and demonstrating his relentless pursuit of excellence.
2021: Leading by Example
Goals Scored: 8
In 2021, Sunil Chhetri’s defining achievement was leading from the front, as both a captain and a marksman, combining experience and skill masterfully.
- SAFF Championship: Chhetri’s consistent performances and goals were essential for India to secure yet another SAFF Championship.
- FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: He scored key goals against teams like Bangladesh and Nepal, helping India secure vital points.
2023: The Ageless Wonder
Goals Scored: 9
In 2023, Sunil Chhetri showed that age is just a number. While most players think about retirement, Chhetri continued scoring essential goals for India, showcasing his fitness and skill.
- SAFF Championship: His hat trick against Pakistan epitomized his consistency in scoring goals.
- Friendlies and Tournaments: He stood out in various friendlies and small-scale tournaments, demonstrating remarkable dedication to the team.
The Final Chapter
Last Match: Against Kuwait, 2024 🇰🇼
Sunil Chhetri’s final bow with the Indian national team is set against Kuwait in 2024. This match marks the end of an era, as Chhetri steps down after nearly two decades of exemplary service. The game is anticipated to be an emotional affair, with fans, teammates, and football enthusiasts celebrating his contributions.
The Hardest Goodbye
Sunil Chhetri’s retirement marks a poignant moment for Indian football. His journey from a debutant against Pakistan to a legend retiring against Kuwait encapsulates a career filled with passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to the sport. As India prepares to bid farewell to its footballing hero, the emotions will be high, and the gratitude boundless.
Chhetri’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that his contributions to Indian football are remembered and cherished long after his final whistle.
