Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri announced on Wednesday that he will retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Kuwait on June 6.
Here’s a quick glance at some pivotal moments from his illustrious career.
Sunil Chhetri. All pics/Sunil Chhetri on X
Football Debut
Sunil Chhetri made his international debut in 2005. Currently, he is the long-serving national team captain.
Sunil Chhetri. All pics/Sunil Chhetri on Instagram
Number of Goals For National Team
Sunil Chhetri has scored 94 goals in 150 matches for the country. He is India’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player.
Sunil Chhetri
Top Scorer For National Team
Among goals scored for national teams, Chhetri ranks third in the list of top goal scorers among active players — just behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
Sunil Chhetri
Wins Led By Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri helped India win the 2007, 2009, and 2012 Nehru Cup and SAFF Championship in 2011, 2015, 2021 and 2023.
First AFC Asian Cup
Sunil Chhetri led India to victory in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, which helped the team qualify for their first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years.
Sunil Chhetri
Clubs Played For
Sunil Chhetri has played for various top Indian clubs such as Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mumbai City FC, where he has scored over 140 goals.
Sunil Chhetri
Honours
Sunil Chhetri was the AIFF Player of the Year in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018-19.
Sunil Chhetri
Accolades
Sunil Chhetri was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2011 and Khel Ratna Award in 2021.
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