Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement: Career Stats, Goals, Achievements of Indian Football's Prolific Goalscorer

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Sunil Chhetri, the iconic figure in Indian football, who commenced his international journey in 2005, has officially declared his retirement from international football on Thursday (May 16).

His final match representing India will be against Kuwait on 6th June during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Kolkata. At 39, Chhetri is celebrated as one of India's finest footballers, boasting the highest number of appearances and goals scored for the nation.

Among active players worldwide, Chhetri ranks third in terms of most goals for his national team, trailing only behind Messi and the prominent Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.

His hat-trick against Pakistan propelled him into fourth place for the all-time highest international goal scorers, overtaking Mokhtar Dahari of Malaysia. Notably, 15 of his 90 goals were converted from penalty kicks, with Nepal and Maldives bearing the brunt of his scoring prowess.

Chhetri's journey began with a bang in June 2005 when he marked his entry onto the international stage with a goal against Pakistan, later ascending to become the first Indian to secure a spot among the top 10 international goal scorers.

His remarkable career spanned various clubs, including Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mumbai City FC, where he amassed over 140 goals.

While Chhetri had brief spells abroad with the Kansas City Wizards in 2010 and Sporting Club Portugal in 2012-13, his most enduring club association remains with Bengaluru FC. Throughout his illustrious career, he garnered numerous individual accolades, as well as collective honours both domestically and internationally.

Here's the breakdown of Sunil Chhetri's international goals tournament-wise:

Chhetri's goal-scoring prowess is not just about the numbers but the consistency and impact he has had on Indian football. His most notable performances have come against teams like Maldives, against whom he has scored 8 goals in 6 appearances.

This is closely followed by his 9 goals in 13 matches against Nepal. His effectiveness in front of the goal is evident across Asia, with multiple goals against teams from Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Tajikistan, among others.

His scoring ability is not limited to lower-ranked teams; Chhetri has also found success against more formidable opponents such as Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Afghanistan. His goals have come in crucial matches, often leading India to victory or helping them secure valuable points.

Chhetri's goal-scoring record is a testament to his longevity and excellence in Indian football. His ability to perform consistently over the years, against a wide range of opponents, underscores his importance to the national team and his status as one of India's all-time greats.

Chhetri has garnered several prestigious accolades throughout his career:

• In 2011, he received the Arjuna Award.
• The Padma Shri Award was bestowed upon him in 2019.
• He was honoured with the Khel Ratna Award in 2021.

Individual honours for Sunil Chhetri

• AIFF Player of the Year in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018-19.
• FPAI Indian Player of the Year in 2009, 2018, and 2019.
• He was named the SAFF Championship Player of the Tournament in 2011, 2015, and 2021.
• Chhetri also clinched the SAFF Championship Top Scorer title in 2011, 2021, and 2023.
• Furthermore, he was awarded the Hero of the Intercontinental Cup in 2018.

Sunil Chhetri - A Titan Of Indian Football

Sunil Chhetri's achievements on the international stage have not only made him a hero at home but have also earned him respect worldwide. As he decides to retire from international football, his legacy as a prolific goal-scorer and an inspiration to young footballers in India is secure. His journey from a young talent to becoming the captain of the national team and its leading goal-scorer is a story of hard work, perseverance, and unmatched skill.