Many great footballers have come out of India but only a few have been able to establish the kind of respect, love and legacy that Sunil Chhetri has. For over two decades, he has been the flag bearer of Indian football and served even in the tough times,” Andrés said. From a boy who aspired to make it to the India national team, he is now among those with the most goals for the nation ever.
The article provides deep insights into Sunil Chhetri life, career, stats, achievements both on and off the field and how he influenced Indian sports with curated sections like Sunil Chhetri jersey number, age, last match, wife, stats and net worth.
Sunil Chhetri Age and Jersey Number all Details
| Full Name | Sunil Chhetri |
| Date of Birth | 3 August 1984 |
| Age | 40 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Secunderabad, Telangana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Playing Position | Forward/Striker |
| Jersey Number | 11 |
| Current Club | Bengaluru FC |
| National Team | India |
| Wife | Sonam Bhattacharya |
| Father’s Name | Kharga Chhetri |
| Mother’s Name | Sushila Chhetri |
| Total International Goals | 90+ goals |
| Matches Played (International) | 150+ |
| Net Worth | Approx. ₹8–10 Crore |
| Major Awards | Padma Shri, Arjuna Award |
| Last International Match | 2024 (Retirement match) |
| Known For | Leadership, goal scoring, Indian football icon |
| Sunil Chhetri Instagram | chetri_sunil11 |
Early Life and Background
Sunil Chhetri Date of Birth: Sunil Chhetri was born on 3 August 1984 so, as in 2025 Sunil Chhetri is age around 40 Years. He is from an athletic family. His father Kharga Chhetri was a former Indian Army personnel and his mother Sushila Chhetri played for the Nepal national women’s team. It’s no surprise that someone who grew up in such an environment developed an affinity for sports.
Chhetri, who because of his father’s transferrable job has lived in cities such as Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. This enabled him to experience the various football cultures throughout India from a young age. He was disciplined early, having grown up in an army family, and his ability to play under pressure showed through his leadership on the field.
Read Also: Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 Auction
Club Career Journey
Club career Chhetri joined Mohun Bagan, his first professional club, in 2002. At an early age, he caught the eye with his quick movement, positioning and nose for goal. He has donned the jerseys of several big clubs throughout his profession, like JCT FC, East Bengal and Churchill Brothers with whom he won the I-League, as well as scored crucial goals while playing as a striker.
One of his notable turning points was when he signed for Bengaluru FC in 2013. Chhetri tasted phenomenal period of success with this club, he became both the image and the face of the franchise. During his tenure, Bengaluru FC won several titles including the I-League and Indian Super League (ISL). His commitment to the team and regular good performances contributed to Bengaluru FC becoming one of India’s most powerful footballing team.
Sunil Chhetri and the Indian National Team
Sunil Chhetri’s international career began in 2005. He has been an automatic pick to the squad ever since. His leadership skills gained him captaincy and he knew how to wear that armband.
During his captaincy, India won various prestigious events including the SAFF Championship and Intercontinental Cup. But more than just a trophy collector, Chhetri has been one of the most important men keeping Indian football relevant when times got rough. His impassioned plea to fans to come and support Indian football won millions of hearts, led to packed stadiums and showed his sway on and off the pitch.
Sunil Chhetri Stats – Numbers That Define Greatness
His goal-scoring stats are probably his most impressive when we talk about Sunil Chhetri. He is the highest goal scorer for India.Of his 29 international goals, he scored 15 of those in the Nehru Cup.
He netted some 90+ international goals, which makes him the top draw in world football. At another, he was the third-leading active international goal scorer in the world, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. His numbers for India are over 150 ODIs, so the fact he’s played that many says a lot about his fitness, how fit he is and consistent he is and how much work he puts in.
He has also equally impressive numbers at club level, scoring hundreds of goals across domestic leagues and tournaments. The special thing about his numbers is he’s been able to do this while playing for a country where football gets nowhere near the same support that cricket does.
Sunil Chhetri Jersey Number and Playing Style
Sunil Chhetri Jersey Number 11, a legendary number in Indian football. When supporters of the beautiful game spot 11 in blue, they link it instantly to Chhetri leading India.
Playing style Chhetri’s playing style is characterized by his great positioning, powerful shots with both feet, and adept heading. He might not be the tallest, but he is deadly when he gets inside the box. His pressing and general work rate defensively would rub off on younger players, too.
Read Also: Lionel Messi Jersey Number | Virat Kohli Jersey Number 18
Sunil Chhetri Wife and Personal Life
Sunil Chhetri wife is Sonam Bhattacharya and their father-in-law Subrata Bhattacharya in himself a former Indian footballer. Sunil Chhetri wife Sonam, has been a great support member in his life. Their relationship is noted for its simplicity and shared respect.
Chhetri has always managed to stay away from the limelight and has maintained a grounded personal life. And he’s proud of his tongue lashings, preaching about the importance of family and discipline and staying grounded in a choppy world that doesn’t value hard work.
Sunil Chhetri Last Match and Retirement Talk
Sunil Chhetri’s last game has been an emotional discussion for the Indian football faithful. In the past years, the Chhetri was said to retire from his glorious international career. At his farewell match there were heartwarming scenes as fans, teammates and rivals bade farewell to an epic career.
And even after retiring from the country’s duties, he is still contributing his bit at club level in the I-League and pushing for development of the game in India. His final India game wasn’t merely a match but a celebration of all that he has given to the sport.
Sunil Chhetri Net Worth and Endorsements
Having had such a long and successful career, the Sunil Chhetri net worth would be on everyone’s mind. His net worth is estimated to be approximately ₹8-10 crores. His earning is derived from football contracts, match fees, endorsements and brand collaborations.
Chhetri has featured in marketing campaigns for several big brands, and also worked on government-supported sports programmes. But unlike lots of stars, he leans toward a quiet lifestyle and dedication to the game over luxury.
Impact on Indian Football and Legacy
The greatest kids-story-heroism of, say, Sunil Chhetri is not going to be in the shiny trophies or goals he has racked up; it’s in inspiring millions of young boys and girls of India play football. At a time when football’s struggle for notice was at its peak, he was an ambassador on two feet, an example of how if Indian players are encouraged, they can challenge the best in business.
His discipline, professionalism and dedication to the national jersey will be a role model for many young players. Many of India’s new crop of young players in the side now openly acknowledge being inspired by Chhetri to take football seriously.
Sunil Chhetri Met with Lionel Messi during his India Tour
Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri shares rare picture with Lionel Messi during his India visit, fans love it Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri bumped into global icon Lionel Messi when the Argentine came to India and it turned out to be a special moment for every fan in country. The meeting between the two football legends soon became a social media sensation, as fans rejoiced at the rare sight of India’s greatest footballer sharing stage with one of world football’s all-time greats. Chhetri incorporated his humility and leadership when he took time off to chat with Messi, in what was a warm moment which represented the increasing recognition of Indian football around the globe. The interaction was not only a delightful moment for the fans but also a must-reflecting on how much Indian football has advanced on the international stage and Chhetri’s identity with it even after he hangs up his boots.
Final Thoughts
Sunil Chhetri is not just a footballer, he’s an embodiment of determination, grit and national pride. From his nascent years to century of centuries, from donning the famous number 11 jersey for India to his last match in Indian colors, it has been an extraordinary adventure. When it comes to his stats, age, wife, net worth and leadership skills even – everything about Sunil Chhetri speaks of excellence and humbleness. With Indian football taking steady strides, the succession of Sunil Chhetri’s stature will also bind and influence the sport for many years to come.
