- Chhetri’s influence extends beyond his achievements on the field; he has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian football, creating a pathway for success that future generations can aspire to follow.
- Chhetri has had a remarkable career, representing India in over 150 international matches and scoring 94 goals and currently stands as the third-highest active goal scorer in international football.
Sunil Chhetri, the legendary Indian footballer, will be retiring from international football after the World Cup qualifier match against Kuwait, scheduled for the first week of June. Chhetri has had a remarkable career, representing India in over 150 international matches and scoring 94 goals. He made his debut against Pakistan in 2005 and he currently stands as the third-highest active goal scorer in international football. He has been awarded the AIFF Player of the Year multiple times and is considered an icon in both Indian and Asian football.
Chhetri began his professional career with the historic Mohun Bagan club. He later played for Bengaluru FC, where he had a significant impact, leading the team to the AFC Cup final, where they were narrowly defeated by the Iraqi club, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (Air Force Club). He also represented Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), where he stands as one of the top active goal scorers.
Throughout his career, Chhetri has played under several notable coaches, including Stephen Constantine from England, Wim Koevermans from the Netherlands, and the current Indian head coach, Igor Štimac. Under Constantine’s tenure from 2015 to 2018, Chhetri played a crucial role in improving India’s FIFA ranking from 173rd to 98th. This period marked India’s promotion to the Asian Cup, the continent’s premier football competition, which occurs every four years.
Once again, this year Sunil Chhetri emerged as the guardian angel for Indian football, leading India to success for the second time at the AFC competition in Qatar in January 2024. This achievement marked a historic moment in the annals of Indian football history, as it is only the second time that India has qualified for the highest football tournament in Asia, the AFC competitions. Although India’s performance in 2024 was not exceptional, the significance of these recent accomplishments cannot be ignored.
Chhetri made his debut in a team brimming with stars, and as he leaves, he leaves behind a legacy of nurturing new talent. It is now the responsibility of these young stars to step up and fill the shoes left by Chhetri. Their performance will not only determine India’s success in the Indian football arena but will also have the potential to elevate India’s position in the global football landscape. Chhetri’s influence extends beyond his achievements on the field; he has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian football, creating a pathway for success that future generations can aspire to follow.
(Aayush is a post-graduate student in International Relations at Kalinga University, Raipur. The opinions expressed are the author’s own)
Sindhuri Sai 
Parag Gilada