Sunil Chhetri, the boy from Secunderabad who went on to become one of the greatest names in Indian Football, turns 37 today. The man who has led the revolution in Indian Football in the recent decade celebrates another glorious year. ‘Captain, Leader, Legend’ comes to your mind when you think of Chhetri and it rings true. Chhetri is the 3rd Active goalscorer in International Football, only behind the greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. This speaks a lot about what Chhetri has achieved.
From being the highest goalscorer for his club and country to being an inspirational figure to get Indian Football back on its path, Chhetri has done it all.
On his birthday, Let's take a look at Top 10 moments in Sunil Chhetri’s illustrious career:
1. Debut in the Indian National Team
Playing in the National team for the first time is a very special moment for any professional footballer. Sunil Chhetri too experienced that when he made his debut against Pakistan on 12th June 2005. It was meant to be, as Chhetri, now a legend replaced legendary Bhaichung Bhutia in the line-up who was ruled out due to an injury. Sunil made the most of the chance given to him as he scored in his debut match and announced his arrival.
2. Stint at Major League Soccer
To play in a foreign league was a rare opportunity for the Indian footballers at that time. Chhetri got his chance with the Kansas City Wizards after a successful trial. On 24th March 2010, Sunil Chhetri became the first Indian player to ply his trade in the MLS. During his time there, he played against Manchester United in a friendly.
3. 100th appearance for National Team and the Famous Plea
Sunil Chhetri was about to make his 100th appearance for the National Team, but all was not well. The fan following for the Indian football side was at its lowest. Indians who stay awake late at night to support their European clubs did not care about the National Team. This was realised by Chhetri, who decided to call upon them.
"Abuse us, criticise us, but please come to watch the Indian National team play," said the National Team captain in an emotional plea that went viral. As it turned out, the stadium was packed as Chhetri came out to make his 100th appearance and it was a memorable one. Chhetri scored 2 goals in the final to lift the Intercontinental Cup on the night which revolutionised the fan following for the National Team.
4. First hattrick for the National Team
A first for the National team is always special. Especially a first hat trick when you talk about a striker as good as Chhetri. He scored his first in a very important match against Tajikistan in 2008. Chhetri’s hattrick capped a 4-1 win which made sure India’s entry into their first AFC Asian Cup since 1984.
5. Captain of the National Team
Sunil Chhetri got the honour of captaining the national side in 2012, for the first time. He was delighted and immensely proud having always dreamt of leading the National side. It was the AFC Cup qualification against Malaysia when India got the first glimpse of “Captain Sunil Chhetri.”
Also Read | Unknown Facts about Sunil Chhetri
6. Surpassing Lionel Messi
Sunil Chhetri made the headlines on the international stage when he surpassed Lionel Messi to be the second-highest active goalscorer internationally. His goal against Tajikistan on 7th July 2019 took him 2 ahead of Lionel Messi at 69 goals.
7. Top Scorer in the Nehru Cup
It was Chhetri’s first-ever international tournament, and he made it a memorable one. After waiting 2 years for his first tournament, the Golden Boy scored 4 goals and ended as the top scorer. Also, this was India’s first-ever Nehru Cup triumph. After these performances, Chhetri was one of the first names on the team sheets.
8. Most appearances for the National Team
Chhetri, the player with the most appearances for the National team got this recognition when he played his 108th match on 5th June 2019. He surpassed none other than Bhaichung Bhutia who was present that day to congratulate his successor. Bhutia heaped praise on Sunil and called him a great leader.
9. Leading Indian Goalscorer
Another moment of history was waiting for Chhetri when he scored against Nepal. With that goal, Chhetri became the all-time leading goalscorer for the National Team surpassing Bhaichung Bhutia. It was his 43rd goal, which led him to this achievement. Now Chhetri has 74 goals.
10. Stint at Sporting Lisbon
In 2012, Sunil Chhetri got a chance to play for Sporting Lisbon when he was signed on a three-year deal. However, he did not get enough chances as he was deemed not good enough to play. Although, Chhetri said that the move helped him become a better player.
