The best story of footballers from India finding a place on the world stage comes from Sunil Chhetri, who has had a great impact on the Indian sporting map and the world. He is a player with great goal-scoring potential and leadership qualities. The latest record he broke is that of the highest number of goals scored for the Indian Super League at 64. His rise from a family that could hardly put a meal on the table to being a super-star cricketer is inspiring.
The following article is going to throw light upon Sunil Chhetri’s net worth, biography, career stats, family life, and record-breaking performances. Let’s see how this celebrated striker made his mark on Indian football.
Sunil Chhetri’s Biography Summary
| Full name | Sunil Chhetri |
| Date of Birth | 3 August 1984 |
| Birth Place | Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India (Telangana) |
| Age | 40 year |
| Occupation | Footballer (Bengaluru Team) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in |
| Father | K.B. Chhetri (Indian Army) |
| Mother | Sushila Chhetri (women’s national team of Nepal) |
| Wife | Sonam Bhattacharya |
| net worth | $5 million |
Who is Sunil Chhetri?
Sunil Chhetri was born on 3 August 1984 in Secunderabad, India, to a family that had a well-linked history of sporting activities. His father, K.B. Chhetri, has been in Indian Army and his mother, Sushila Chhetri, has played for the women’s national team of Nepal. Small Sunil, from the very early age of life, was driven by football, his mother’s success, and his father’s discipline.
Chhetri’s childhood life was oriented towards football, and it wasn’t long before he made a name for himself even in the local arenas. In the year 2002, he was picked up by Mohun Bagan, marking the start of an even grander journey as his way up was to be one of the most iconic players in Indian football.
Family and Personal Life
Sunil Chhetri tied the knot with the daughter of Mohun Bagan legend Subrata Bhattacharya, Sonam Bhattacharya, in 2017. Sonam has stood like a rock for Chhetri. Often pictures of the couple are seen at public events. The two are deeply connected with football, as Sonam also comes from a football family.
Chhetri keeps much of his private life to himself often, though more focused on the game and the love he shares for football. This has made him a humble fellow, and very professional despite his popularity.
Sunil Chhetri’s Career
Sunil Chhetri is a pure consistency and passion presented with an insatiable hunger for goals. Years of club commitments, both at home and abroad, are marked with a number of thrones that few, if any, could match up for so long.
ISL Milestone: Becoming the Top Goal Scorer
Indian Super League season 2024, September, has again etched a golden chapter in the renowned career of Sunil Chhetri. Sunil Chhetri became the highest goal scorer in the Indian Super League after he scored his 64th goal for Bengaluru FC during a tie against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on September 28, 2024. It created ground for him to break the record of Nigerian striker Batholomew Ogbeche.
His 64th goal was from a penalty kick to give Bengaluru FC a decisive advantage. Chhetri’s feat of becoming the first-ever footballer to score 64 goals in a competitive league reflects his skill and what you call longevity, both being outstanding assets in a league as competitive as Indian football. Some numbers for ISL stats: appearances, 158; goals, 64; and assists, 11—a total goal contribution of 75.
International Success and Records
His contributions to the Indian national team are the stuff of legend. He managed to accumulate 94 goals in 151 appearances, making him third on the active list behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He retired from international football in 2024, leaving an unmatchable legacy in Indian football history.
Professional Career Highlights
- Mohun Bagan (2002–2005): Sunil Chhetri started his career at the prestigious Mohun Bagan AC.
- JCT (Jagatjit Cotton & Textile Football Club) (2005–2008): Chhetri’s move to JCT marked a turning point in his career as he led the club to a third-place finish in the National Football League, scoring 21 goals in the process.
- East Bengal, Dempo, Bengaluru FC, and Mumbai City FC: Chhetri’s performances for these clubs have contributed significantly to his goal-scoring prowess and his legendary status in Indian football.
- Overseas Ventures: Chhetri also had brief stints with foreign clubs such as Sporting CP (Portugal) and the Kansas City Wizards (USA), showcasing his abilities on an international platform.
Sunil Chhetri’s Net Worth
Being one of the highly valued and influential footballers in India, Sunil Chhetri has earned a sizeable amount of money over time. This year being 2024, Sunil Chhetri’s estimated net worth stands at $5 million.
Sources of Income
- Football Salary: Chhetri fetches a significant amount from his ISL contract with Bengaluru FC. His brilliant performances year in and year out have marked him as one of the best paid footballers in India.
- Endorsements: Chhetri endorses many high profile brands such as Puma, Hero MotoCorp, and Star Sports. His marketability seems to reflect the popularity of the player.
- Investments: Chhetri also invested in various business deals and real estate ventures along the years, thereby increasing his wealth.
Sunil Chhetri’s Stats
- ISL Appearances: 158 matches
- ISL Goals: 64
- ISL Assists: 11
- International Appearances: 151 matches
- International Goals: 94
- Major Achievements:
- Top goal scorer in ISL history (2024)
- Padma Shri (2019)
- AIFF Player of the Year (multiple times)
- Arjuna Award (2011)
Legacy and Impact on Indian Football
For Sunil Chhetri, scoring goals for Indian football is not enough. His contribution is more than records. He made Indian football an international sport and motivated a new generation to play the sport.
From very early days, he has always been vocal about the need for growth in Indian football. He continues to be a strong advocate, and through his leadership on as well as off the field, has helped shape the future of Indian football.
FAQs about Sunil Chhetri
Has Sunil Chhetri played for international clubs?
Yes, Chhetri has had brief stints with Sporting CP (Portugal) and Kansas City Wizards (USA).
Who is Sunil Chhetri?
Sunil Chhetri is an Indian footballer and the highest goal scorer in the Indian Super League (ISL) as of September 2024.
What is Sunil Chhetri’s net worth?
As of 2024, Sunil Chhetri’s estimated net worth is $5 million.
How many goals has Sunil Chhetri scored in ISL?
Sunil Chhetri has scored 64 goals in the ISL, making him the top goal scorer in the league’s history.
When did Sunil Chhetri retire from international football?
Sunil Chhetri retired from international football in 2024 after scoring 94 goals in 151 appearances.
Who is Sunil Chhetri’s wife?
Sunil Chhetri is married to Sonam Bhattacharya, the daughter of Mohun Bagan legend Subrata Bhattacharya.
Which club does Sunil Chhetri currently play for?
Sunil Chhetri currently plays for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League.
How many international goals has Sunil Chhetri scored?
Sunil Chhetri has scored 94 goals in international matches for the Indian national team.
What awards has Sunil Chhetri won?
Sunil Chhetri has won numerous awards, including the Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award.
What is Sunil Chhetri’s role in Indian football development?
Sunil Chhetri is a key advocate for the development of football in India and is often involved in initiatives to promote the sport.
It will be a great book to read-from a young boy spending hours playing football to eventually becoming the top goal scorer in the history of ISL. Thousands and thousands of millions of people follow him, and he is one of the greatest sports personalities ever produced in this country.