Sunil Chhetri Biography: Sunil Chhetri is a name that every Indian football fan knows well. He’s not just a great footballer but also a leader who has brought pride to India. In this biography, we’ll explore his journey, from his early days to his remarkable career.
Table of Contents
Sunil Chhetri Details Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sunil Chhetri |
| Date of birth | 3 August 1984 |
| Place of birth | Secunderabad, India |
| Height | 1.70 m |
| Position | Forward |
| Current club | Bengaluru FC |
| Jersey number | 11 |
| International debut | 2005 |
| International caps | 143 |
| International goals | 93 |
| AIFF Player of the Year | 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018–19, 2021–22 |
| FPAI Indian Player of the Year | 2009 |
| SAFF Championship Player of the Tournament | 2011 |
| AFC Challenge Cup winner | 2008 |
| SAFF Championship winner | 2011, 2015, 2021, 2023 |
| I-League winner | 2013–14, 2015–16, 2018–19 |
| Indian Super League winner | 2018–19 |
| Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award | 2021 |
| Parents’ nationality | Nepali |
| Wife’s name | Sonam Bhattacharya |
Sunil Chhetri’s Early Life
Sunil Chhetri was born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh. His parents, K.B. Chhetri and Sushila Chhetri, had Nepali roots, and his dad was in the Indian Army. Moving around due to his dad’s job, Chhetri’s love for football began when he was in school. He attended the Bahai School in Gangtok, Sikkim, where scouts noticed his talent.
At the age of 17, Chhetri made a big move to New Delhi to join the Tata Football Academy, a place known for producing top Indian football players.
His Club Career
Chhetri’s club career started with Mohun Bagan AC in 2002, where he scored 14 goals in three seasons. He then joined JCT FC in Punjab, where he scored 21 goals in three seasons. After that, he played for East Bengal FC, scoring 27 goals in two seasons.
In 2010, he made a groundbreaking move to play in the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States for the Kansas City Wizards. Although he only played one game, this was a historic moment for Indian football.
However, his most significant club career has been with Bengaluru FC since 2013. He’s helped the team win titles in both the Indian Super League and the I-League, scoring a total of 101 goals in 208 appearances.
Sunil Chhetri’s International Career
Chhetri’s contributions to the Indian national football team have been immense. He made his debut in 2005 and quickly became a key player.
Some of his memorable moments include winning the 2007 Nehru Cup and the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, where he was the top scorer. He also played a crucial role in India’s qualification for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.
In the 2011 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, he was named the Player of the Tournament. Chhetri has consistently been a top scorer for the Indian team and helped India qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
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Records and Achievements
Sunil Chhetri has set several records and achieved numerous milestones. He’s the first Indian player to have played in three different continents and holds the record for the most goals by an Indian in AFC Competitions. He’s also known for scoring the most hat-tricks in the Indian Super League.
Chhetri’s achievements include being the highest Indian goal scorer in both the Indian Super League and the I-League. He’s won the AIFF Player of the Year award seven times and holds the record for the most appearances for the Indian national team.
Notably, he’s also the highest international goal scorer among Indians and was the first footballer to receive the Khel Ratna Award.
Sunil Chhetri Biography: Awards and Achievements
Sunil Chhetri’s career is marked by numerous awards and honors. He has won team titles in the I-League and the Indian Super League. He’s also been part of India’s victories in the AFC Challenge Cup, SAFF Championship, Nehru Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup.
Individually, Chhetri has been honored with various awards, including the AIFF Player of the Year, FPAI Indian Player of the Year, and SAFF Championship Player of the Tournament.
Sunil Chhetri Biography: Personal Life
Outside of football, Chhetri enjoys reading books, listening to music, and watching movies. He’s a fan of cricket and tennis and actively supports causes like education and the Special Olympics, promoting sports for people with disabilities.
Net Worth: Financial Success
Sunil Chhetri, the well-known Indian footballer, has achieved considerable financial success. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated at around USD 1 million. This achievement is a result of his long and dedicated career in football. Chhetri’s journey from a young aspiring player to an established sports figure is not only commendable but also serves as an inspiration for many. His financial success highlights his dedication and the rewards that come with hard work and passion for one’s craft.
His Family and Wife
Sunil Chhetri’s family has played a vital role in his journey. He was born to parents K.B. Chhetri and Sushila Chhetri. He is married to Sonam Bhattacharya, the daughter of the famous Mohun Bagan football legend Subrata Bhattacharya.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Sunil Chhetri’s life and career are an inspiration. His journey from a young boy playing football to becoming India’s football hero is a story of dedication, hard work, and passion. He’s not just a legend on the field but also a role model off it.
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