“I smile and look back on two decades of my professional career” – Sunil Chhetri

When the team needed him, he responded. At age 37, the only question that the young man with astute scoring abilities faces is, where does he see himself in the next five years? Maybe, still scoring screamers for the Indian football team. Who knows?
Sunil Chhetri is ranked third in the list of all-time active goal-scorers today. Lionel Messi (2) and Cristiano Ronaldo (1) are ahead of him. During India’s final game against Hong Kong, Sunil matched another record. Roshan’s set-piece met Sunil’s feet during the concluding minutes of the first half, and the following action saw India’s captain cushion the ball into the net.
The VYBK Stadium erupted in unison witnessing the moment. This time, his 84th international goal equaled the scoring tally of legendary footballer Ferenc Puskas, a former Real Madrid star and an all-time great from Hungary.
Puskas, like Sunil, was a short man with immense abilities. His scoring record included a staggering number of 514 domestic goals and 84 international goals.
Ferenc was a glorious name in world football who played for Real Madrid. One of his many records includes scoring his last goal at age 38, for Madrid, making him the oldest player to find the net for them. He held the record for decades until Karim Benzema recently broke it in the Champions League last season.
Similarly, Sunil, who is 37 now, is making and breaking records every day. Since the Indian Super League (ISL) started, Chhetri has scored 51 goals, ranking him second on the top scorers’ list behind Bartholomew Ogbeche.
Despite mega achievements, Sunil maintains his smile and surprises all with humility and hunger for more. His passion for the game, mentorship, and charming personality add to it. And not to forget his heart-touching stories on Social Media. We never go out of reasons to love our captain.

In a recent interview with the AIFF, Sunil spoke about his journey so far. He shared his experience of representing the national team for 17 years and playing domestic football for two decades with some anecdotes:
Excerpts:
From a backbencher to leading the team from the front. What has changed?
When I started, I used to be the backbencher. During those days, Bhaichung da and Renedy da led the team. But now, I don’t remember the number of years it has been since I sat in front, leading my fellow team members. With age comes greater responsibilities. For myself and the team. I had to become a leader. I won’t lie, it might get lonely at times, but I’m not complaining. I sometimes reminisce about my younger days and smile. It is life.
Some of the current Indian team players were not even born when you made your international and domestic debut. What are your thoughts?
Don’t tell them this! (laughs) Yes, of course, when I started my domestic career in the famed Boro Match (the East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan derby) some of the boys were not born or were very young. We have a good laugh about it whenever we speak. But looking back, I feel honoured and privileged to have received this opportunity. It is not very common to be a part of a football team, more so of a national team. There are not many players who have played or had the honour to represent the national team for so long. I feel proud. I try to give my best because that is the least I can do. I am living a dream, and it has been outstanding so far.

What is your take on the achievements, like winning the Padma Shri and Arjuna Awards?
Thank you so much for mentioning these awards. I feel proud to have achieved them. However, as I say, these achievements did not happen only because of my efforts. It is the efforts of many people surrounding me. I feel, alongside these accolades, the most important achievement is our qualification for the Asian Cup. I remember the matches we played against Thailand, Bahrain, and UAE in the 2019 Asian Cup. That is the platform we want to be a part of. It is very special and important for the Indian football team.
Team India qualified for the Asian Cup being the toppers of Group D. They won all three matches against Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Hong Kong held at the VYBK Stadium, Kolkata. India’s qualification means that the team will take part in AFC Asian Cup next year, comprising 24 best Asian teams.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Central Railway script dramatic late comeback to edge ESIC 5-3
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Companeroes SC to conduct trials for their MDFA Super Division Campaign
Mumbai-based MDFA Elite division side Companeroes Sports Club will be conducting open trials for their upcoming Super Division campaign
MSP hold Western Railway; ESIC lose to BOI as relegation battle intensifies
In an interesting round of games, Western Railway and MSP shared a point each while ESIC lose to Bank of India 1-4 as the relegation battle intensifies The first chance…
Hero Junior Girls NFC / Women Football
Two Wins In Two For Maharashtra After 2-0 Win Over Chandigarh
Continuing their good form, Maharashtra registered their 2nd win of the campaign in as many games to go on top of Group F table of Hero U17 Women’s National Football Championship…
Hero Junior Girls NFC / Junior Girls National Football Championship / Women Football
Maharashtra suffer its first defeat, go down to Dadra & Nagar Haveli 1-2
Despite taking an early lead, two goals in the space of six minutes meant Maharashtra suffered their first defeat of the campaign, with the road to next-round qualifications now looking a bit bleak.
Indian Super League / Transfer News
FC Goa sign striker Alvaro Vazquez on a two-year deal
FC Goa have completed the signing of Spanish striker Alvaro Vazquez on a two-year contract keeping him till the summer of 2024. In his first season in the Indian Super…
AFC Asian Cup / Recommended / Trials
“Hong Kong are a disciplined side but we are ready” – Igor Stimac
India will play their penultimate Group-D game of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2023 against Hong Kong today, 14th June, at the VYBK Stadium, Kolkata. Both teams will face each…
MSP Academy is holding trials for the upcoming MFA Youth League
MFA Super Division club Mumbai Soccer Prodigies will be conducting trials for their MFA Youth League campaign on 22nd May 2022 in Bandra, Mumbai. Founded in 2006, the Mumbai Soccer…
Mumbai Football / Recommended / Trials
Football School of India to conduct Youth Trials
Mumbai-based Football School of India is going to conduct youth trials for its boys and girls squads. The trials will be conducted for players in the age group of under-13…
Bengaluru FC Elite Youth Football Trials
Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club that competes in the Indian Super League (ISL) and are past champions of the I-League and ISL. The club has launched its Soccer…
D’Souza Football Academy to conduct Youth Trials
Mumbai-based D’Souza Football Academy is going to conduct football scholarship trials for its youth squads. The trials will be conducted for players in the age group of under-7 to under-15….
Oscar SSE to conduct trials for Youth I-League in U13, U15&U18 category in Mumbai
OSCAR SSE, an AIFF Accredited Academy invites all U13, U15 & U18 players from ALL SOCIO-ECONOMIC backgrounds for football trials to join our Elite teams to train round the year…
Elite Division / MDFA / Recommended / Trials
Air India to conduct senior team trials for MFA Elite League on Monday
Mumbai-based Air India FC is set to conduct trials for their Senior Team to play the MFA Elite (Corporate) Division. One of the top-tier clubs from Mumbai – Air India…
MDFA / Mumbai Football / Recommended / Trials
Air India to hold youth team trials on Monday
Mumbai-based Air India FC is set to conduct trials for their Youth Team for the MFA Super (Corporate) Division. One of the top-tier clubs from Mumbai – Air India will…
MDFA / Recommended / Trials
Bhaichung Bhutia’s Residential Academy set to conduct trials in Mumbai
16th March, 2022: Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) will conduct Residential Academy trials in Maharashtra for the academic year 2022-23. In the next few months, the trials will be organized…
Bombay Muslims Sports Club to conduct trials for its Elite Division Team
Mumbai-based Bombay Muslims Sports Club will conduct trials for its Elite Men’s team for the upcoming MFA Elite League. Bombay Muslims have been a regular outfit in Mumbai Football top…