Farewell to the Indian Legend

Farewell to a Legend: Sunil Chhetri's Final International Bow

In the vibrant tapestry of Indian football, few threads shine as brilliantly as that of Sunil Chhetri. As he steps onto the pitch for his final international match, the air is thick with emotions, nostalgia, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This isn't just the end of an era; it's a celebration of a journey that has inspired millions and redefined the landscape of Indian football.

Sunil Chhetri's journey began in New Delhi, where his love for football was nurtured by his parents. His mother and sisters, former players themselves, played a pivotal role in his early development.

In 2002, Chhetri started playing professionally for Mohun Bagan. He later transferred to JCT, where he scored 21 goals in 48 appearances. In Delhi for the 59th Santosh Trophy, Sunil was the member of the team. He finished the competition with six goals, one of which was a hat-trick against Gujarat. He scored in Delhi's quarterfinal loss against Kerala. In 2010, he became the third notable player from the subcontinent to sign with a Major League Soccer team, the Kansas City Wizards. He then played for Chirag United and Mohun Bagan in India's I-League before returning to Europe to play for Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga, where he was a member of the team's reserve squad. After his release from Sporting CP he joined Bengaluru FC in 2013 and since then he has been a major part of Bangalore's success in both I-League and ISL helping the club to titles in both the leagues.

From his initial steps at Mohun Bagan to his transformative years with Bengaluru FC, Chhetri's career has been a testament to hard work, dedication, and an undying passion for the beautiful game.

Chhetri made his international debut in 2005 against Pakistan and scored his first international goal in the same match. In 2007 he scored decisive goals to lead team India to Nehru Cup glory against Syria. He repeated the feat again in 2009, scoring in the penalty shootout in the final against Syria to repeat the heroics of 2007 and again lift the Nehru Cup trophy. In 2012, he helped India to victory against much fancied Cameroon side, first equalizing from the spot to make score 2-2 and then scoring in the resulting penalty shootout to win 5-4. 

In 2008, Sunil Chhetri scored 4 goals in the AFC Challenge Cup including a hat-trick in the final against Tajikistan to help India to the title and helping India to qualify directly for 2011 Asia Cup for the first time in 24 years. 

On 11 December 2011, after scoring a goal in SAFF Cup's final he set a new record by scoring seven goals in a single edition of the SAFF Championship surpassing I. M. Vijayan's record of six goals in the 97 edition.

On 13 October 2021, he scored twice again in a 3–1 win over Maldives in the 2021 SAFF Championship, making him the joint-sixth all time international goal scorer at that time, and the third highest active international goal scorer in football, behind only to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. On 16 October 2021, he scored again in a 3–0 win over Nepal in the final of the 2021 SAFF Championship, equaling Messi's 80 international goals.

Currently, he is the third-highest international goal scorer among active players (fourth overall), behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with 94 international goals and is also the most-capped player and the all-time top goal scorer of the Indian national team. 

Since his debut for team India, he has donned the national jersey with unparalleled pride and consistency. His ability to score crucial goals, often in high-pressure situations, quickly made him a fan favorite and a crucial asset for the Indian team.

Over the years, Chhetri has shattered numerous records. He surpassed Bhaichung Bhutia to become India's all-time top scorer, a record that seemed insurmountable. His goal-scoring prowess saw him overtaking Lionel Messi at one point in international goals, placing him among the top active scorers globally. 

But Chhetri's impact isn't just about numbers. It's about leadership, sportsmanship, and the ability to inspire both his teammates and the next generation of footballers. His famous speech after a lackluster turnout for an international friendly went viral, igniting a surge of support and passion for Indian football across the nation.

As Chhetri prepares for his final international match, there's a bittersweet feeling among fans and fellow players. The stadium is expected to be packed, with supporters eager to witness the last dance of a player who has given his all to Indian football. 

The match is more than just a game; it's a tribute to a career filled with memorable moments. From leading India to multiple SAFF Championships and the AFC Asian Cup to his iconic performances in the Indian Super League, Chhetri's legacy is etched in the annals of Indian sports history.

Sunil Chhetri's influence extends beyond his on-field exploits. He has been a vocal advocate for the development of football infrastructure in India, youth training programs, and the importance of sports education. His off-field contributions have been as impactful as his goals, ensuring that his legacy will endure long after he hangs up his boots.

Chhetri's journey has also highlighted the potential of Indian football on the global stage. His brief stints with international clubs, although not as successful as hoped, paved the way for other Indian players to dream big and seek opportunities abroad.

As the final whistle blows and Sunil Chhetri takes his last bow, the applause won't just be for a footballer but for a legend who has embodied the spirit of Indian sportsmanship. His career has been a beacon of hope, illustrating what can be achieved with talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication.

For the fans, this isn't goodbye. Sunil Chhetri's impact will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations to pick up the mantle and strive for greatness. As he exits the international stage, he leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished in the hearts of millions.

Thank you, Sunil Chhetri, for the memories, the inspiration, and the magic. Indian football will never forget your contribution, and as you step into the next phase of your life, we wish you all the best. The legend of Sunil Chhetri will continue to inspire, reminding us all that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.

LIST OF HONOURS-

Dempo

• I-League: 2009–10

Churchill Brothers

• I-League: 2012–13

Bengaluru FC

• Indian Super League: 2018–19
• I-League: 2013–14, 2015–16
• Federation Cup: 2014–15, 2016–17
• Super Cup: 2018
• Durand Cup: 2022
• AFC Cup runner-up: 2016
• Puttaiah Memorial Cup: 2014

INDIA

• AFC Challenge Cup: 2008
• SAFF Championship: 2011, 2015, 2021, 2023; runner-up: 2008, 2013
• Nehru Cup: 2007, 2009, 2012
• Intercontinental Cup: 2018, 2023
• Tri-Nation Series: 2023
• India U20 South Asian Games silver medal: 2004

INDIVISUAL AWARDS

• AIFF Player of the Year (7): 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018–19, 2021–22
• FPAI Indian Player of the Year (3): 2009, 2018, 2019
• SAFF Championship Player of the Tournament (4): 2011, 2015, 2021, 2023
• SAFF Championship Top Scorer (3): 2011, 2021, 2023
• Hero of the Intercontinental Cup: 2018
• Hero of the I-League: 2016–17
• I-League Golden Boot: 2013–14
• Hero of the Indian Super League: 2017–18
• 2018 Indian Super Cup: Golden Boot
• Indian Sports Honours: Sportsman of the Year 2019 (team sports)
• Football Ratna Award (first recipient) by Football Delhi: 18 February 2019
• The Times of India TOISA Best Footballer: 2021

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

2011 − Arjuna Award, by the Government of India in recognition of his outstanding achievement in sports.

2019 −  Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award.

2021 – Khel Ratna Award, highest sporting honour of India.

RECORDS

• First Indian player to have played in three different continents
• Most appearances for India 
• Most international goals by an Indian 
• Most hat-tricks for India 
• Most goals for India in AFC Competitions 
• All-time top goal scorer in SAFF Championship 
• Most number of matches played by an Indian in AFC Cup 
• Most number of goals scored by an Indian in AFC Cup 
• Most goals by an Indian in first tier Indian football leagues 
• First Indian player to score hat-trick in Indian Super League
• Most hat-tricks by an Indian in Indian Super League 
• Top Indian goal scorer in Indian Super League 
• Top Indian goal scorer in I-League 
• All-time top goal scorer in the Super Cup 
• Most number of matches played for Bengaluru 
• Most number of goals scored for Bengaluru 
• First footballer to receive Khel Ratna Award
• AIFF Player of the Year for a record seven times