Zurich: The announcement of Sunil Chhetri’s retirement has reverberated through the Indian footballing community, eliciting a flood of tributes and accolades for the iconic striker.
FIFA, recognizing the profound impact Chhetri has had on the global stage, paid homage to the record-breaking Indian player by positioning him alongside giants Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Chhetri’s contribution to Indian football over the past decade has been monumental, earning him legendary status in the annals of the nation’s sports history. His retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable career, during which he became India’s all-time leading goal scorer with an impressive tally of 94 goals.
Furthermore, Chhetri’s remarkable goal-scoring prowess places him fourth on the list of all-time international goal scorers, a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to the sport.
FIFA, via their official platform on X, shared a poignant image featuring Chhetri alongside Ronaldo and Messi, acknowledging him as the third-highest international goal scorer currently in active duty.
Chhetri’s Accomplishments
Sunil Chhetri’s list of accomplishments is extensive and illustrious. As captain of the Indian men’s football team, he led his side to victory in numerous tournaments, including the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008, the SAFF Championship in 2011 and 2015, the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009, and 2012, and the Intercontinental Cup in 2017 and 2018.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Chhetri was bestowed with prestigious awards such as the Arjuna Award in 2011, the Padma Shri in 2019, and the Khel Ratna in 2021, becoming the first footballer ever to receive this honor.
As the adage goes, all good things must come to an end. Sunil Chhetri’s illustrious career is no exception, as he announced his retirement from international football. His final match for the Blue Tigers will be the joint FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6th.
