Sunil Chhetri From Schoolboy to Football Legend

Pic credit: Pinterest

From the school grounds to the global stage, Sunil Chhetri's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

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A true football icon whose passion and dedication have carved his name in history. Saluting the legend! ⚽🌟

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1. Early Life: Born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, Sunil Chhetri was exposed to football early due to his family's sporting background.

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2. Football Legacy: His mother and sisters played for Nepal's women's national team, fostering his early interest in football.

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3. Army Brat: As the son of an army officer, Chhetri moved frequently, attending various schools across India, but his passion for football remained constant.

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4. Professional Debut: Chhetri began his professional career with Mohun Bagan in 2002, marking the start of his remarkable journey in Indian football.

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5. International Debut: He made his international debut for India in 2005 against Pakistan and scored his first international goal in the same match.

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6. Goal-Scoring Record: With 94 international goals, Chhetri is India's all-time top scorer and ranks third among active international goal-scorers, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

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7. Historic Achievements: In 2021, he equaled Pelé's record of 77 international goals and later surpassed Lionel Messi to become the second-highest active goal-scorer.

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8. Awards and Honors: Chhetri has received numerous accolades, including the Arjuna Award in 2011, the Khel Ratna Award in 2021, and the Padma Shri in 2019.

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9. Club Success: He has played for various clubs, including East Bengal, JCT, Dempo, and Bengaluru FC, leading Bengaluru FC to multiple titles and becoming a fan favorite.

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10. Inspiration: Known as "Captain Fantastic," Chhetri's dedication and achievements continue to inspire young footballers across India and the world.

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With each accolade, Sunil Chhetri’s legacy grows, inspiring generations of young football enthusiasts across the nation.

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