Captain Sunil Chhetri: A legacy in the Indian Football realm that will never be diminished
An absolute trailblazer in the Indian National football team, there won't be a sports fanatic in India who will not remember who is Sunil Chhetri.
Source: X@IndianFootball
The captain of the Indian National Football Team recently announced that he will retire after playing his final match against Kuwait, marking the end of an era.
Source: X/Screengrab
As a young bout with a lot of aspirations, Chhetri emerged to prominence in 2005 when he made his debut.
Source: PTI
Chhetri assisted India in winning the SAFF Championship (2011, 2015, 2021) and the Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012).
Source: AP
In addition, he contributed to India's victory in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, which allowed them to go to the AFC Asian Cup (2011) for the first time in 27 years.
Source: AP
The Secunderabad-born footballer and seven-time AIFF Player of the year recipient has represented major Indian clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Dempo, & ISL sides Mumbai City FC & Bengaluru FC.
Source: Indian Super League
Sunil Chhetri went on to play overseas for the Sporting CP reserve club in the Portuguese football league in 2012 and for the US Major League Soccer team Kansas City Wizards in 2010.
Source: PTI
The Blue Tiger is the third-highest international goal scorer (fourth overall) among active players and is just behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Source: FIFA
In the history of football, Sunil Chhetri has left an unparalleled legacy that will endure for many decades. He is one of the few bright spots that helped shape Indian football into what it is today.
Source: PTI
The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, which has played a significant role in Sunil Chhetri's remarkable football career, will host his final game. Seeing him play for the final time will be spectacular.