Sunil Chhetri - players.bio

"Hope 2025 Is Good For Indian Football And We Find Our Next Sunil Chhetri": Bhaichung Bhutia

Former Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia expressed hope that this year will be a fine one for the Indian football and said that the team needs a consistent striker to replace the retired legend and former captain Sunil Chhetri. Bhutia was talking to ANI in Siliguri and said, "After a disastrous 2024, I hope 2025 will be a good year for the team. We have the Asia Cup qualifier which I believe we will be able to qualify. We have got a couple of good matches coming, some friendlies. The team also looks good." Talking about replacing Chhetri, Bhutia said that the team needs someone who can score goals as consistently as the 40-year-old icon.

Yearender: Indian Legend Sunil Chhetri Bows Out To International Football After Iconic Career

The torchbearer of Indian football, Sunil Chhetri, announced his retirement in 2024, bidding farewell to a career that spanned over two decades. From a humble boy with dreams of representing India to becoming the country's all-time highest scorer and one of its most revered football icons, Chhetri's all-inclusive success is truly remarkable. Chhetri made his professional debut for Mohun Bagan in 2002, where he played until 2005, scoring eight goals in 18 matches. Though the early years were challenging, his talent quickly caught the attention of larger clubs across India. Over the years, Chhetri played for JCT (2005-08), East Bengal (2008-09), Dempo FC (2009-10), Chirag United (2011), Mohun Bagan (2011-12), Churchill Brothers (2013 on loan), Bengaluru FC (2013-15, 2016-present), and became a household name in Indian club football.

Indian Football In 2024: A Disastrous Year Of Heartbreaks And Controversies

Eleven matches. Six defeats and five draws. Four goals scored and 15 conceded. As far as results are concerned, 2024 was arguably the worst year ever for the Indian men's football team. It was a year that started with hopes of a strong campaign at the AFC Asian Cup. However, with some disastrous results and the controversial departure of head coach Igor Stimac, it was anything but an easy journey. Manolo Marquez taking over the reins midway but he had a tough task with the team missing their talisman Sunil Chhetri who bid farewell to the game after an illustrious career. The final half of the year saw some new faces make their presence felt for the side but sadly, the team still ended the year without a single victory.

"Making Runs And Not Making Runs Is...": Sunil Chhetri's Ultimate Praise Amid Virat Kohli's Lean Patch

Former India footballer Sunil Chhetri showered praise on talisman cricketer Virat Kohli and said that he's genuinely a nice guy and can crack anyone up. Chhetri and Kohli have a special and endearing relationship. Being two of the most prominent athletes in India, they have bonded by their extraordinary levels of fitness and love for both their nation and their respective sports. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Chhetri lauded Kohli and said that it's very rare nowadays to find someone like the Indian batter.

Sunil Chhetri Creates History, Becomes Oldest Hat-Trick Scorer In ISL In Bengaluru's Win

The legendary Chhetri etched his name in the Indian Super League (ISL) record books on Saturday, becoming the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the league's history as he powered Bengaluru FC to a commanding 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters. At 40 years and 126 days, Chhetri became the oldest hat-trick scorer in the ISL history, surpassing Bartholomew Ogbeche who did it for Hyderabad FC against FC Goa at 38 years and 96 days old in January 2023. The former India captain, who retired from international football earlier this year, struck in the 8th, 73rd and 90 8 minutes, while Ryan Williams scored the other goal for the Blues in the 38th minute.

Sunil Chhetri Rolls Back The Years, Scores Brace To Send Bengaluru FC Top Of ISL

Bengaluru FC left it late to edge past Mohammedan SC 2-1 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Wednesday. The Blues now have registered a win against all three Kolkata clubs this season. It was Cesar Manzoki who handed the hosts an early lead, but Sunil Chhetri came on as a substitute and scored two goals to see the visitors return home with a famous win. He became the first player to score against all 15 ISL teams and now also leads the league in scoring the most spot-kicks (20) in the competition's history, as per a press release from ISL.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Backs Manolo Marquez, Says Asian Cup Qualification Is India's 'Minimum Goal'

India may still be searching for their first win under Manolo Marquez nearly four months into his tenure but goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu on Wednesday backed the head coach and said qualifying for the next AFC Asian Cup is the team's "minimum" target. The Indian football team's last victory was a 1-0 win against Kuwait in the World Cup Qualifiers on November 16 last year. Since then, the side has struggled, losing seven of its last 11 matches and falling in FIFA rankings from a sub-100 position in July 2023 to 125.

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Sunil Chhetri Sport News

"Hope 2025 Is Good For Indian Football And We Find Our Next Sunil Chhetri": Bhaichung Bhutia

Yearender: Indian Legend Sunil Chhetri Bows Out To International Football After Iconic Career

Indian Football In 2024: A Disastrous Year Of Heartbreaks And Controversies

"Making Runs And Not Making Runs Is...": Sunil Chhetri's Ultimate Praise Amid Virat Kohli's Lean Patch

Sunil Chhetri Creates History, Becomes Oldest Hat-Trick Scorer In ISL In Bengaluru's Win

Sunil Chhetri Rolls Back The Years, Scores Brace To Send Bengaluru FC Top Of ISL

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Backs Manolo Marquez, Says Asian Cup Qualification Is India's 'Minimum Goal'