Sunil Chhetri is hailed as the face of Indian football. He has not only been an exceptional player on the field but also an inspiring figure off it. His influence on the sport in India is profound, affecting various aspects such as the popularity of the game, the performance of the national team, and the development of future talents.
Sunil’s journey began in the early 2000s. He made his debut into the Indian national team in 2005 against Pakistan. His early promise was evident, and he quickly became a mainstay in the squad. Sunil’s talent shone through as he led India to multiple victories, including the Nehru Cup, the SAFF Championship, and the AFC Challenge Cup. His ability to consistently find the back of the net has made him one of the top international goal scorers in the world.
“Sunil has since long played football, at all levels in India. He has contributed greatly towards football in India. Besides, seeing him on field, many youngsters have also seen him off field. He drew a lot of attraction. Only those who take football seriously, watching him will definitely help them grow to better heights. Footballers of high caliber during particular era are special. Balaram, P K Bannerjee, Chuni Goswami before Inder Singh, Shabir Ali, Mohammed Habib, Bhaichung Bhutia, Bruno Coutinho, IM Vijayan. Now Sunil Chhetri. Let’s look forward to who’s going to be the next,” says Padma Shri Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, a former Indian footballer and a captain of the Indian team from 1983 to 1986.
In Sunil’s era, football in India was and is still overshadowed by cricket. However, his captivating presence and remarkable performances have significantly boosted the sport’s popularity. One of the most prominent moments was in 2018, when Sunil made a heartfelt plea on social media for fans to come and support the team during the Intercontinental Cup. The video went viral, and the stadium was filled with passionate supporters, marking a turning point in the fan engagement with Indian football.
“As a football lover, one thing I can say is that the nation loves Sunil for his total commitment and service that he have given to the Indian National Team. He has truly been an inspiration to me and many others to work hard, to achieve ones dreams, to aim higher and not to give up when things do not go as planned. I would like to say that he has truly lived by what he ones said, “The joy and love that I get from playing football are unbelievable. It is such a feeling that I want to give everything that I got. And I just want to say a big thank you to the Legend of Indian football. He will be missed, because it’s difficult to replace a legend like him,” says Nion Colaco from Nuvem.
Sunil’s influence extends beyond the pitch. His interactions with fans on social media, his approachable personality, and his role as a sports ambassador have helped raise the profile of football in our country. His endorsements and appearances have brought much-needed attention and investment into the sport.
“Sunil Chhetri is an inspiration for young Indian footballers due to his extraordinary passion and unwavering dedication. As India’s all-time leading goal scorer, his success on the international stage demonstrates the heights Indian players can achieve. Sunil’s relentless work ethics, discipline, and fitness serve as a model for aspiring athletes. His leadership quality and confidence is something not to be overlooked. Sunil’s efforts to promote football in India and his global recognition motivate young players like us to dream big and strive for excellence in their careers” says Fluino Carvalho from Ambaulim.
As the captain of the Indian national team, Sunil’s leadership has been essential. He has led by example, both in terms of performance and professionalism. Under his captaincy, the team has achieved significant milestones, including a respectable performance in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Sunil’s knack for scoring crucial goals in high-pressure situations has often been the difference between victory and defeat for India.
“As an iconic player rendering consistent service to Indian football and being recognized by FIFA as the 3rd highest active goal scorer after Ronaldo and Messi we Indians should be proud of the greatest Indian player of all times. Believing his legacy would inspire the generations to come,” says, ex-national player Priestly Pereira from Chinchinim currently the coach of The Kings Sports Academy, Margao.
Sunil’s work ethic and dedication have set high standards for his teammates. His assertion on discipline, fitness, and teamwork has instilled a professional mindset in the squad, contributing to the overall improvement in the team’s performance and ranking over the years. Beyond his personal achievements, Sunil has been instrumental in mentoring young talents. He often takes time to work with younger players, sharing his experiences and guiding them in their professional journeys. His presence in the Indian Super League (ISL) with Bengaluru FC has also been influential. The ISL has become a vital platform for nurturing young Indian footballers and Sunil’s involvement has added inspiration for aspiring players.
Sunil’s success story has motivated many youngsters to pursue football as a career. His journey from a young boy with a dream to one of the world’s top goal scorers is a testament to what can be achieved with talent and hard work, providing a beacon of hope for many aspiring footballers in India.
“As a footballer, Sunil Chhetri has always been an inspiration to me and many out there. His motivational words, his hard work, his game play and the way he leads the team inspires me to be someone like him. My favorite quote by him is, ‘It doesn’t matter who you are - if you dream big and if you work really hard, you can achieve unimaginable results, and that’s really good for the nation.’ Sunil is not only an inspiration on the field but also in his life. He teaches us how to never give up in life and face the difficulties.” says Anslan Vaz, ex-FC Goa player from Navelim.
Sunil Chhetri’s legacy in Indian football is already well established. His contributions have been laying a solid foundation for the future of the sport in India. His influence has led to increased investment in grassroots football, better infrastructure, and more professional management of football clubs and leagues.
Sunil Chhetri’s influence on Indian football is massive. He has not only been a prolific goal scorer and a dedicated leader but also an ambassador of the sport, inspiring millions and making the way for future generations. His legacy will always remain as a symbol of hope and excellence in Indian football.