Footballer Sunil Chhetri Biography: Age, Education, Career, Family, Awards, Retirement

Sunil Chhetri, a renowned Indian professional footballer, is the current captain of the Indian national football team. Born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, Telangana, Chhetri is regarded as one of the greatest football players in Indian history. This article provides an in-depth look at Sunil Chhetri’s early life, education, family, professional career, and achievements.

Early Life and Education

Sunil Chhetri was born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, Telangana, and grew up in a family with a strong military background. His father served in the Indian Army, which meant frequent relocations, leading Chhetri to spend his childhood in various cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. He developed a passion for football at a young age and started playing during his school days.

Professional Career

Chhetri began his professional football career with Mohun Bagan in 2002, scoring four goals in his debut season and two in the following one. He then joined JCT for the 2005–06 season, where he netted three goals. In 2010, Chhetri signed with Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards, becoming the third player from the Indian subcontinent to play abroad. He later played for Chirag United and Mohun Bagan before joining Sporting CP of the Primeira Liga, where he played for the club’s reserve team.

Since 2005, Chhetri has been a key player for the Indian national team, contributing significantly to their successes. He helped India win the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009, and 2012, and the SAFF Championship in 2011, 2015, and 2021. His performance in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup was instrumental in qualifying India for their first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years, where he scored twice in the 2011 tournament.

Personal Life and Family

Chhetri is known for keeping his personal life private. He married Sonam Bhattacharya, daughter of former Indian footballer Subrata Bhattacharya, in 2017 in Kolkata. His mother, Sushila Chhetri, is of Nepalese descent and was a former athlete who competed in the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi.

Awards and Achievements

Chhetri has received numerous accolades for his remarkable performances on the field. In 2011, he was awarded the Arjuna Award for his outstanding contributions to Indian sports. He was conferred with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2019, and received the Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor, in 2021, becoming the first footballer to earn this recognition. Chhetri has been named AIFF Player of the Year a record seven times in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018–19, and 2021–22.

Latest News About Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri, the legendary Indian footballer, has reached a new milestone in his illustrious career. With his recent goal-scoring achievements, Chhetri now ranks third among active players with the most goals, trailing only behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Boasting an impressive record of 93 goals from 142 matches, the 38-year-old striker’s success is a source of immense pride for India, a country predominantly known for its cricket enthusiasm. Chhetri’s name now stands alongside football greats like Ferenc Puskas and Robert Lewandowski. Despite India’s challenges on the global football stage, Chhetri’s dedication and leadership have led the national team to victories in the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship. While World Cup qualification remains a distant dream, Chhetri’s achievements continue to inspire hope and admiration for the future of Indian football.