Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri, born on August 3, 1984, is a name synonymous with Indian football. Over the years, he has carved a niche for himself as a prolific goalscorer, a charismatic leader, and a true inspiration for football enthusiasts across the nation. In this article, we delve into the remarkable journey of Sunil Chhetri, a man who has not only achieved excellence on the pitch but has also played a pivotal role in elevating the status of Indian football on the global stage.

Early Life and Beginnings:

The foundations of Sunil Chhetri’s footballing journey were laid in his early years. Born in Secunderabad, India, to KB Chhetri, an officer in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers of the Indian Army, and Sushila Chhetri, Sunil hailed from a family with deep-rooted football connections. His father played for the Indian Army football team, while his mother and twin sister represented the Nepal women’s national team. Chhetri’s formative years in Darjeeling witnessed his early tryst with the beautiful game.

Sunil Chhetri height ?

Sunil Chhetri, the football icon, stands at a height of 1.7 meters (170 centimeters).

Professional Career:

Chhetri embarked on his professional career with Mohun Bagan in 2002. His early seasons showcased flashes of brilliance as he scored crucial goals. However, it was during his stint with JCT that Chhetri truly blossomed as a striker. Notable among his achievements was his performance for the Delhi team in the 59th edition of the Santosh Trophy, where he displayed his goal-scoring prowess with a remarkable hat-trick against Gujarat.

Chhetri’s international foray began when he signed with the Major League Soccer team, Kansas City Wizards, in 2010, a groundbreaking move for an Indian player. Subsequently, he plied his trade in India’s I-League, representing Chirag United and Mohun Bagan. He also ventured into the Primeira Liga, playing for Sporting CP in Portugal.

sunil chhetri international goals

unil Chhetri’s prolific goal-scoring record is a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to the game. In international matches, he has notched an impressive 93 goals in 143 appearances. On the club front, Chhetri has continued his goal-scoring prowess, accumulating 153 goals in 344 matches. In total, he boasts a staggering 246 goals in 487 matches, cementing his status as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in Indian football history.

Sunil Chhetri Net Worth ? :

Sunil Chhetri’s estimated net worth is approximately 570 thousand US dollars (equivalent to INR 4.10 crore). His impressive goal-scoring abilities have earned him a salary of around $11,000 per match (approximately Rs 8 lakh per match).

International Triumphs:

Sunil Chhetri’s contributions to the Indian national team have been nothing short of spectacular. He played a pivotal role in India’s victories in the Nehru Cups in 2007, 2009, and 2012. However, it was the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup that stands out as a defining moment. Chhetri’s leadership led India to victory, securing their place in the AFC Asian Cup after a 27-year hiatus.

Chhetri’s international records speak volumes, and he stands as the third-highest international goalscorer among active players, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He is also the most-capped player and the top goalscorer in the history of Indian football.

Accolades and Awards:

Sunil Chhetri’s excellence on the field has been consistently recognized with accolades and awards. He has been named the AIFF Player of the Year an astounding seven times, a testament to his enduring brilliance. His achievements have earned him the Arjuna Award in 2011, the Padma Shri Award in 2019 (India’s fourth highest civilian honor), and the coveted Khel Ratna Award in 2021, marking him as the first footballer to receive this prestigious accolade.

Personal Life and Beyond:

Beyond his illustrious football career, Sunil Chhetri’s personal life has seen significant milestones. He married his long-time girlfriend, Sonam Bhattacharya, in 2017. Their family expanded with the arrival of their son, Dhruv, in August 2023.

Conclusion:

Sunil Chhetri’s journey is a testament to passion, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of a true footballing legend. He has not only achieved personal milestones but has also played an instrumental role in placing Indian football on the global map. Sunil Chhetri remains an enduring source of inspiration, a symbol of Indian football’s rise, and a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers in the country.