Sunil Chhetri: Records held by Indian Football Team Captain

Indian Football Team Captain Sunil Chhetri has been an inspiration for football lovers in India, and his recent performance in the World Cup Qualifier fixture against Bangladesh was a testament of his brilliance over the years. Chhetri scored two goals to win his side the game.

As a result of his recent goals, Sunil Chhetri with 74 goals is now 11th in the all time leading goalscorers list in international football. However, he has surpassed the likes of Neymar, and Lionel Messi, while being behind Cristiano Ronaldo among active players.

Indian Football Team Captain Sunil Chhetri Goals Record

? He’s now got more than Messi! Sunil Chhetri’s double earns the Blue Tigers a 2-0 win in #WCQ and moves him on to 74 international goals – above Lionel Messi and one off entering world football’s all-time top 10 ?‍♂️@chetrisunil11 | @IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/sCCd6BgS9H

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 7, 2021

Ever since his debut in 2005, Sunil Chhetri has been the most influential player for the Blue Tigers. With him still going strong in 2021, here are a few more records secured by the Indian captain over the course of time.

1. Most goals by an Indian

Sunil Chhetri is comfortably the leading goal scorer for India in the international stage with 74 goals from the 117 matches so far. He has overtaken Lionel Messi for the time being and is behind Cristiano Ronaldo (103) as the second highest active goal scorer in world football.

2. Most international appearances

Sunil Chheti’s 117 appearances for India makes him the most capped player for his nation. The 36-year-old has overtaken former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia who had 107 appearances.

3. Six-Time AIFF Player of the Year

Sunl Chhetri holds the record with six Player of the Year Awards from the All India Football Federations (AIFF). Since the start of the awards in 1992, no other player has won it more. IM Vijayan comes in second with three, while, Jo Paul Ancheri and Bhaichung Bhutia have won two awards each.

4. Most number of hat-tricks for India

The Indian football captain has  bagged three hat-tricks in the international circuit, which is the most by anyone who has featured for India. The first hat-trick was over Tajikistan in the AFC Challenge Cup Final in 2008. His next hat-trick was over Vietnam in an international friendly. His most recent one was against Chinese Taipei in 2018 in the Intercontinental Cup.

5. Most goals in the I-League

Suinl Chhetri has represented the like of Mohun Bagan, JCT, Dempo SC, United Sports Club and Bengaluru FC, and leads the pile with 90 goals in the I-League.

6. First Indian Player to score a hat-trick in the ISL

Sunil Chhetri became the first ever Indian to register a hat-trick in the Indian Super league (ISL). The three goals came against NorthEast United, while playing for Mumbai City FC in 2015. The veteran centre forward bagged another hat-trick in the 2017-18 seasons for Bengaluru FC, while facing Pune City.

7.Most goals in AFC Competitions

Chhetri has scored 19 goals in the AFC Cup and AFC Championship qualifiers, making him the highest goal scorer in AFC Competitions.

Indian Football Team Next Match

The Blue Tigers will be taking confidence from their recent win against Bangladesh as they take on Afghanistan up next at the Jassim Bin Hammad Stadium. The World Cup Qualifier kicks off 7:30 PM (IST).