“Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement from International Football, Ending Stellar Career”
May 16 marked the moment Indian football enthusiasts had long feared: Sunil Chhetri, India’s captain and all-time leading goalscorer, declared his retirement from the sport. His final appearance for India will be on June 6, when the team faces Kuwait in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
Chhetri’s departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the national team, with no current player seen as his direct successor. The 39-year-old striker has been a stalwart for India since his debut against Pakistan in 2005, serving as the primary forward for 19 years.
Ranked third among active international goalscorers, Chhetri’s tally of 94 goals places him behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. His achievement in reaching this rank is significant for Indian football on the global stage.
Born in Secunderabad on August 3, 1984, Chhetri’s football lineage traces back to his father, who played for the Indian army team, and his mother, a former member of the Nepal women’s football squad. Raised in Darjeeling after his father’s transfer, Chhetri’s passion for the sport ignited early, leading to his rapid rise in the football world.
Initially understudy to Bhaichung Bhutia, Chhetri assumed the mantle of India’s main striker after Bhutia’s retirement, establishing himself as the nation’s foremost football icon.
Reflecting on Chhetri’s retirement, Victor Amalraj, a former national team captain, acknowledged the challenge of filling his shoes: “Igor Stimac, the Indian coach, has been experimenting with various players to find a suitable replacement for Sunil. However, identifying a player of his caliber will undoubtedly take time. Nevertheless, every era produces its heroes, and with India’s vast talent pool, another champion will inevitably emerge.”
Chhetri’s impending departure marks the end of an illustrious career that has not only inspired a nation but also elevated Indian football to new heights on the global stage.
