Sunil Chhetri is a former Indian footballer who plays as a forward for Indian Super League club Bengaluru. Chhetri, who retired from international football in June 2024, is the fourth-highest international goal scorer and the most-capped player for India. He also finished his career as the all-time leading goal scorer of the India team.
His remarkable goal-scoring record places him fourth on the list of all-time international goal-scorers, just trailing legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi.
Here’s all you need to know about India’s most legendary footballer.
What is the Age of Sunil Chhetri
Born on 3 August 1984 in Secunderabad, Sunil Chhetri is 39 years old as of 2024. Chhetri comes from a family deeply rooted in football. His father, K. B. Chhetri, served in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers of the Indian Army and played for their football team. Meanwhile, his mother and her twin sister represented the Nepal women’s national team. Growing up in Darjeeling, Chhetri began his football journey early, actively participating in tournaments while studying at Bethany School.
Sunil Chhetri’s Wife
Sunil Chhetri married Sonam Bhattacharya on 4 December 2017. Sonam, born in 1988 in Kolkata, is the daughter of Subrata Bhattacharya, a former Indian international footballer famous for his tenure at Mohun Bagan. They first met in Kolkata during one of Chhetri’s matches and, introduced by mutual friends, their connection was immediate. After years of dating, Chhetri proposed, leading to their marriage. Sonam’s educational journey includes attending Gokhale Memorial Girls’ School and graduating from Heramba Chandra College in Kolkata, followed by earning a Master of Science degree from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Sunil Chhetri Total Goals and Career
Sunil Chhetri’s illustrious career began in 2002 with Mohun Bagan, followed by a successful stint at JCT where he scored 21 goals in 48 games. He then shone bright with Delhi in the Santosh Trophy, netting six goals including a memorable hat-trick against Gujarat.
His international journey started in 2004 with the India U-20 team, scoring crucial goals in various tournaments. In 2010, Chhetri made headlines by joining Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards, becoming one of the few players from the Indian subcontinent to play abroad. He later returned to India’s I-League with Chirag United and Mohun Bagan before another international stint with Sporting CP’s reserve team in Portugal’s Primeira Liga.
Chhetri’s impact on the national team is monumental. He scored on his senior debut against Pakistan in 2005 and went on to lead India to numerous triumphs including multiple Nehru Cup and SAFF Championship titles. His leadership was pivotal in India qualifying for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup after winning the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup. Chhetri’s accolades include being named AIFF Player of the Year seven times and becoming one of the top 10 international goal-scorers in 2019.
With 252 goals for both club and country, Chhetri has been a legendary goal-scorer in Indian football for years. He netted 94 goals in 151 international appearances, placing him fourth among the highest goal-scorers in international football. He trails only Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi in this prestigious list.
Year-wise List of International Goals by Sunil Chhetri
| Year | Matches | Goals |
| 2005 | 5 | 1 |
| 2006 | 1 | 0 |
| 2007 | 7 | 6 |
| 2008 | 12 | 8 |
| 2009 | 6 | 1 |
| 2010 | 6 | 3 |
| 2011 | 18 | 13 |
| 2012 | 8 | 4 |
| 2013 | 11 | 5 |
| 2014 | 2 | 3 |
| 2015 | 12 | 6 |
| 2016 | 4 | 2 |
| 2017 | 6 | 5 |
| 2018 | 6 | 8 |
| 2019 | 11 | 7 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 10 | 8 |
| 2022 | 6 | 4 |
| 2023 | 14 | 9 |
| 2024 | 6 | 1 |
| Total | 151 | 94 |
Sunil Chhetri Awards
Sunil Chhetri boasts a large collection of awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2011, he was honoured with the Arjuna Award by the Government of India for his exceptional contributions to sports. He received the prestigious Padma Shri in 2019, and was bestowed with the Khel Ratna Award in 2021, India’s highest sporting honour.
His dominance in Indian football is further underscored by his seven AIFF Player of the Year awards in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018–19, and 2021–22. Additionally, he has been named SAFF Championship Player of the Tournament four times, in 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023.
Sunil Chhetri Net Worth
As of 2024, Sunil Chhetri’s net worth is estimated at around Rs 8 crore. His income primarily stems from his football salary and endorsements. He earns approximately Rs 5 crore annually, including his Rs 1.5 crore contract with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League. However, the bulk of his earnings come from endorsement deals with brands like Pepsi, Puma and Tata Motors.
Chhetri resides in a lavish house in Bengaluru valued at approximately Rs 3 crore, equipped with modern amenities including a gym, home theatre, and a garden with a swimming pool. Additionally, he owns a collection of cars including an Audi A6, Kia Seltos, and Mahindra Scorpio among others.
Conclusion
Sunil Chhetri’s legacy as a football icon is marked not only by his exceptional talent and numerous accolades but also by his unwavering dedication to the sport. His journey from Secunderabad to becoming India’s top goal-scorer and a revered figure in international football is nothing short of inspiring. His story continues to inspire countless aspiring footballers across the nation.
FAQs about Sunil Chhetri
Q) When is Sunil Chhetri birthday?
A) Sunil Chhetri celebrates his birthday on August 3rd every year. He was born in 1984 in Secunderabad but spent a majority of his growing years in Darjeeling.
Q) What is Sunil Chhetri height?
A) Sunil Chhetri stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).
Q) What is Sunil Chhetri jersey number?
A) Sunil Chhetri wore jersey number 11 when playing for the Indian national football team.
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