Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri, one of the most illustrious footballers in India's history, formally announced his retirement from international football on Thursday (May 16).
Sunil Chhetri's final international appearance for India will be in the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Kuwait on Thursday (June 6) at West Bengal's Salt Lake Stadium. The 39-year-old captain, who began his international career in 2005, concludes a remarkable 20-year journey representing the Indian men's football team.
Why is Sunil Chhetri retiring?
Sunil Chhetri posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), expressing that his decision to retire was not due to fatigue or any other personal reason. Instead, he wanted India to provide opportunities and nurture the young strikers who are ready to shine.
Chhetri, the leading goalscorer in Indian football history, stands as the third-highest goal scorer among active players (4th overall) globally, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Lionel Messi of Argentina.
Sunil Chhetri's remarkable career achievements cemented his status as a hero in India. With his announcement of retirement from international football, 'captain fantastic' leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire aspiring young footballers across the nation and on a global scale.
Let's have a look at the numerous accolades Sunil Chhetri has garnered throughout his illustrious career.
Sunil Chhetri Profile
| Date of birth: | August 3, 1984 |
| Place of birth: | Secunderabad, Telangana |
| Height: | 5 feet 7 inches |
| Age: | 38 |
| International goals: | 94 goals in 150 international matches |
| Jersey number: | 11 |
| International debut: | 2005 |
Individual honours for Sunil Chhetri
Arjuna Award: Chhetri was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2011 for achievements in football.
AIFF Player of the Year: Sunil Chhetri won the award seven times (2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019).
Padma Shri: Chhetri was honored with Padma Shri in 2019, India's fourth-highest civilian award.
Khel Ratna Award: He received the Khel Ratna Award in 2021.
Football Players' Association of India (FPAI) Indian Player of the Year: Chhetri is a multiple-time recipient (2009, 2018, and 2019) of FPAI Indian Player of the Year award.
International Goal Scoring: Chhetri stands 3rd among active international goal-scorers, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
ISL Leading Goal-Scorer: Consistently among the top goal-scorers in the ISL.
AIFF Federation Cup Best Player: Awarded for remarkable performances.
Golden Boot: Won in various domestic and international tournaments.
Hero of the Intercontinental club: Named during the 2017-18 Indian Super League (ISL) season.
SAFF Championship Top Scorer: Multiple editions (2011, 2021, and 2023).
SAFF Championship Player of the Tournament: Chhetri won the award in 2011, 2015, and 2021.