Updated: 31 July 2023
Sunil Chhetri: Age, Career, Goals, And Net Worth. Sunil Chhetri, an esteemed Indian professional footballer, excels as a forward and leads both the India national team and Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League with exceptional skill and leadership. His impressive link-up play, goal-scoring ability, and remarkable leadership have earned him the title of the greatest Indian footballer ever.
Among active players, he is the fifth-highest international goalscorer, just behind football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Chhetri holds the record for most appearances for the Indian national team and is also their all-time leading goalscorer with an impressive tally of 90 goals in 138 matches.
Born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, his inspiring journey from playing street football to captaining the national team showcases his dedication, perseverance, and talent. Today we explore not only his on-field achievements but also delve into this iconic footballer’s net worth – a topic that often sparks intrigue among people. His father, K.B. Chhetri, served in the Indian Army, which led to Sunil moving to various Indian cities during his childhood.
Soccer became Sunil’s passion at an early age, which he pursued seriously while still in school. He attended Bahai School in Gangtok, Sikkim, where he played for the school team and attracted the attention of scouts from various soccer clubs. At the age of 17, Sunil moved to New Delhi to join the prestigious Tata Soccer Academy, known for training top footballers in India.
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Career
Mohun Bagan AC
Sunil Chhetri began his professional career with Mohun Bagan AC in 2002, a Kolkata-based club. He spent three seasons there, playing 24 games and scoring 14 goals. In 2005, Sunil moved to JCT FC, based in Punjab, where he played for three seasons and scored 21 goals in 48 appearances.
East Bengal FC
Chhetri then joined another Kolkata-based club, East Bengal FC, in 2008. During his two seasons with the team, he made 48 appearances and scored an impressive 27 goals.
In 2010, he got an opportunity to play abroad when he signed for the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer. However, he only made one appearance for the team before returning to India.
Bengaluru FC
In 2013, Chhetri joined Bengaluru FC, a club he continues to play for today. His time with the club has been highly successful, as they won several titles, including the Indian Super League in 2018-19, the I-League in 2013-14, 2015-16, and 2016-17. Throughout his career at Bengaluru FC, he has scored an impressive 101 goals in 208 appearances.
Chhetri started his international career when he made his debut against Pakistan in Quetta.
One of the highlights of his early career occurred during the 2007 Nehru Cup when India defeated Cambodia with a score of 6-0. Chhetri played a vital role in this win, scoring two goals himself and earning the title of Player of the Tournament after netting four goals overall.
In the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, Chhetri was the top scorer with eight goals, leading India to victory. He played a vital role in the final by scoring two crucial goals against Tajikistan and was deservedly awarded Player of the Tournament.
Chhetri played a vital role in helping India qualify for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. He scored three goals, including two against Thailand. However, India did not advance past the group stage despite his contributions.
The football maestro was once again named Player of the Tournament when India won the 2011 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship. He showcased his talent by scoring three goals.
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On June 10, 2018, Chhetri showcased his brilliance in the Intercontinental Cup final against Kenya. He scored two goals, securing a 2-0 victory and becoming the tournament’s top scorer with eight impressive goals.
His impressive skills shone during the qualifiers for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, where Chhetri scored four goals that helped India qualify for the prestigious event. Currently, he is the third-highest international goalscorer still playing, with a record of 90 goals in 138 appearances. He trails only football legends, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The Net Worth of Sunil Chhetri
As of 2023, Sunil Chhetri’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 Million i.e. approximately 12.30 Crore Rupees. Now, you might be wondering, how does a footballer in India amass such wealth? However, it goes beyond how much money they bring in from the field. It’s also about the brand they build off it.
Chhetri’s main source of income is his salary from Bengaluru FC, a club he has been with since 2013. The estimated annual pay of this legend is around 90 Lakh Rupees, making him one of the highest-paid players in India. But that’s not all. Chhetri also earns a significant amount from endorsements and sponsorships. He has partnerships with brands such as Nike, Puma, and Samsung, which contribute to his overall net worth.
Moreover, Chhetri is also the co-owner of a residential football academy in Bangalore, known as the Sudeva Residential Football School. This venture not only adds to his income but also reflects his commitment to nurturing the future of Indian football.
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The Face of Indian Football
Sunil Chhetri’s net worth reflects his successful career and the brand he has built over the years. However, if you ask him, he would probably say that the real value lies in the love and respect he has earned from millions of fans across the country and beyond. Chhetri’s journey reminds us that success is not only about accumulating wealth but also about making a meaningful impact. In this regard, Chhetri is truly invaluable.
His contribution to Indian football is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. So, the next time you see Chhetri on the field, remember, you’re not just watching a footballer with an impressive net worth. You’re watching a man who dedicates his life to the sport he loves, inspiring a nation to dream big. His worth cannot be measured in mere numbers.
