Sunil Chhetri stands tall as one of India’s finest football prodigies, having left an indelible mark on the sport throughout his remarkable two-decade-long career. Hailing from Secunderabad, this exceptional centre-forward made his debut for Mohun Bagan in 2002 before venturing into international territory.
In 2010, Chhetri donned the jersey of the Kansas City Wizards in the esteemed Major League Soccer of the United States, while in 2012, he showcased his skills for the reserve team of Portugal’s Sporting CP in the prestigious Portuguese football league.
A true maestro on the field, Chhetri has been the recipient of the illustrious AIFF Player of the Year award on seven separate occasions, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. Throughout his journey, he has also graced the ranks of renowned Indian clubs such as East Bengal, Dempo, Mumbai City FC, and Bengaluru FC, achieving phenomenal success along the way.
With Bengaluru FC as his stronghold, Chhetri led his team to triumph in significant club competitions, including the prestigious I-League (in 2014 and 2016), the enthralling ISL (in 2019), and the coveted Super Cup (in 2018). Furthermore, his remarkable leadership steered Bengaluru FC to the AFC Cup final in 2016, a testament to his exemplary captaincy and remarkable abilities.
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Who is the 4th Highest International Goal scorer in the history of Football?
Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri (92 goals) is the 4th Highest International Goal scorer in the history of Football.
Sunil Chhetri, Captain Fantastic.
When representing his beloved nation, Chhetri’s impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. His instrumental contributions played a pivotal role in securing triumphs for India in the Nehru Cup on three separate occasions (in 2007, 2009, and 2012) and in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, clinching the title in 2011, 2015, and 2021.
Furthermore, Chhetri played an integral part in India’s victorious campaign in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, a momentous achievement that propelled his team to qualify for the prestigious AFC Asian Cup in 2011, marking India’s return to the tournament after a remarkable 27-year hiatus.
After basking in the euphoria, exhilaration, and sheer thrill of clinching three consecutive titles (Hero Tri-Nation Tournament 2023, Intercontinental Cup 2023 and the SAFF Championship 2023) the esteemed captain of the Indian Football Team, Sunil Chhetri, finally managed to carve out some precious moments to indulge in a nostalgic journey.
With a remarkable tally of 92 international goals under his belt, Chhetri allowed himself the pleasure of retracing his steps over the past 18 years, handpicking a magnificent collection of 10 exceptional goals that left an indelible mark on his illustrious career. Join us as we delve into the tapestry of his memory lane, reliving those extraordinary moments of sheer brilliance and unmatched prowess (This is in no particular order).
Top 10 best goals of Sunil Chhetri: Inspiring a nation through football excellence
1. Against Kyrgyz Republic when Bengaluru hosted the AFC Asian Cup 2019 qualifier.
“The goal against the Kyrgyz Republic in the Asian Cup qualifier in Bangalore. While I did score the goal, what I remember, was the pass by Jeje (Lalpekhlua). I can never forget it. Because there was no space and the ball could only have been passed exactly the way he did. There was no other way. And, I think, it was because of his combination and understanding with me, that the goal happened. It was an important goal because we needed the three points to stay firmly in the qualifying race.“
This match was played on June 13, 2017.
2. Shattering Myanmar’s 64-Year Curse
“The second goal I remember most is from the same Asian Cup qualifiers – I scored against Myanmar in Yangon. I don’t know if many people recall that goal because the footage is not that great. But the role Udanta (Singh) played behind that goal was unforgettable. Never have I ever, in my 20-year career, seen somebody run the way he did. It was an unbelievable run by Udanta. I still picked this goal for myself, but it was just the icing on the cake. Udanta came as a substitute and produced that cross. I bust my lungs out to run and get the ball. Whenever I watch that goal, I feel so proud of him.“
March 28, 2017, marked a historic day as Yangon played host to a gripping AFC Asian Cup qualifier. In a pulsating battle, India shattered a 64-year-old away match curse with a sensational last-minute goal from Sunil Chhetri. The solitary strike not only sealed a remarkable victory but also bagged three precious points for the Indian team.
3. Elegance at its best against Oman.
“The third one is against Oman at home and off a left-footer from outside the area. I remember it because of the technique on that goal. I scored that from outside the box. It was a neat finish.“
In Guwahati, on September 5, 2019, the World Cup qualifier unfolded with electrifying intensity.
4. The legendary Thailand victory.
“The next one was again a combination with Udanta (Singh) in the 2019 Asian Cup final rounds; my second goal against Thailand in that match. In the first half, we were locked 1-1. And in the second half, Udanta simply rode on his bike and he went past a couple of defenders, sent the ball in, and I finished from inside the box. That gave us a 2-1 lead, and then eventually we won 4-1. The full three points in the very first match were very important and satisfying.”
On January 7, 2019, history was made in the scintillating Asian Cup Group A clash held in Abu Dhabi. India, defying all odds, secured a remarkable 4-1 victory, marking their first triumph in the final rounds since 1964.
5. Newest member of Chhetri family welcomed with a bang.
“This was a recent one, against Vanuatu in the Hero Intercontinental Cup. Again, the finish was good, so was Subhasish’s passing, but this goal will always stay with me because that’s the day when my wife and I announced to the world that we are having a baby. The goal was important of course. But I think that goal will stay with me because of what it meant to both of us.”
This goal was scored in the Hero Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar on June 12, 2023.
6. The cheeky chip against Kenya.
“The next goal that comes to my mind is the one against Kenya in the Hero Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai. It was a goal that I scored with a chip. I am talking about this goal because of the sheer precision in the way I scored it. That’s not an easy skill to do. The goalkeeper came ahead and I had a defender behind me. Chipping the ball from that position was a rather difficult task. I keep watching it again and again. I’m really proud of myself for that goal.”
This was again in the Hero Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai against Kenya, on June 4, 2018.
7. The deciding goal against Myanmar by injured Chhetri.
“The next goal is against Myanmar. I’m not sure whether many people remember it, but I do. That was one of my best goals and I scored it off a header on an extremely slushy pitch to take India to the AFC Challenge Cup 2008 final. And also, as we came back to the dressing room, our coach Bob Houghton told me that in his long years of football career, he hadn’t seen a braver goal than that. That made me feel really happy and I felt so proud of my goal.”
Amidst the muddy battleground of Hyderabad, on August 7, 2008, Chhetri showcased unwavering determination in the AFC Challenge Cup semi-final, defying adversity with stitches on his head.
Also Read: Top 5 players with the most goals for Indian national football team
8. Young Chhetri against Tajikistan.
“For the next one, we have to travel to Delhi for the final. We defeated Tajikistan 4-1. The second goal I scored, I still remember. I chested the ball down and scored from that. That goal is extremely dear to me.”
August 13, 2008, witnessed an explosive AFC Challenge Cup final in New Delhi, as Chhetri’s brilliance shone through with a remarkable hat-trick.
9. India putting up a show against Vietnam.
“The next one I think is the one against Vietnam in Pune. It was an Anthony Pereira ball and I scored with a flick. We won that match against Vietnam and I scored a hat-trick for the country, but I still think the second goal. I think we do have the footage of that goal. I went to the first post and side-flicked in a little stylish manner. That’s why I’m naming this goal here. It was a bit of a stylish attempt and it went in. Not a very easy skill but I did it and very happy I think I was.”
This thrilling International friendly took place on October 10, 2010, in Pune, with India emerging victorious with a 3-1 score line.
Read More: Sunil Chhetri’s Milestone: A Goal-Scoring Force to Be Reckoned With.
10. India’s classy team goal against Lebanon in the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023 Final.
“The 10th goal I want to mention is close to my heart because of the way it happened. It was the goal against Lebanon in the recently concluded Hero Intercontinental Cup. It is because of the ball’s position, because of the composure. Right from Anwar (Ali) to Sandesh (Jhingan), Sandesh to (Lallianzuala) Chhangte, and then to (Nikhil) Poojary.
Everything went off so well in that. We had trained the same movement in training multiple times. you know, when something that you have trained for a long and it happens on the pitch, you feel so satisfied. So, for me as a captain, it was extremely satisfactory because we had trained and produced the result against Lebanon in a very important game.“
June 18, 2023, witnessed the grand culmination of the Hero Intercontinental Cup as Bhubaneswar played host to an exhilarating final.
Sunil Chhetri: A Trailblazing Icon in Indian Football History.
Sunil Chhetri’s legacy transcends borders and resonates across the globe, making him an iconic figure in the realm of Indian football. With his exceptional skills, numerous accolades, and unwavering determination, he has carved a path of success that will forever be etched in the annals of the sport’s history.
Indian football will forever be grateful to one of it’s icons and servants for the longest periods. Captain Sunil Chhetri has inspired millions and continues to do so while netting goals in a very casual fashion. Indian football will be in debt to him. We will be in debt to him.
