Sunil Chhetri will retire from international football following India's FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6, the Indian captain announced on Thursday, May 16.
The 39-year-old is set to draw curtains on his phenomenal 19-year-long love affair with the Indian national team next month and will go down as the greatest player to don the Indian colours.
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Chhetri made his debut for India in 2005 on June 12, 2005, against Pakistan, capping off his maiden appearance for the senior team with a goal on debut.
The Bengaluru FC forward has been India's talisman and the face of Indian foGotball for a long time, especially after legend Bhaichung Bhutia retired in 2011.
As the incredible footballer walks into a new chapter of life that is retirement, The Sporting News takes a look at his record for India in international football.
MORE: Tributes pour in for Sunil Chhetri as he announces retirement from international football
How many goals has Sunil Chhetri scored for India?
| Goals | Appearances |
| 94 | 150 |
Chhetri has scored 94 goals for India, which the most scored by any Indian player in international football history by a country mile. The second-highest goal scorer in India history I.M. Vijayan, who found the back of the net 32 times in 73 games.
Chhetri is also the record-holder for the most appearances by any Indian footballer with 150 caps to his name. Bhutia, with 88 caps, is the second-most capped Indian footballer ever.
In international football, he is third on the list of most goals scored by active players - just behind Cristiano Ronaldo (128) and Lionel Messi (106). He is fourth in the overall list of most goals scored.
How many trophies has Sunil Chhetri won with India?
Although Chhetri could not lead India to an appearance at the World Cup or any other major trophies such as the AFC Asian Cup, he won as many as 11 trophies with India.
The following is a list of trophies won by Chhetri with India:
- AFC Challenge Cup (2008)
- Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012)
- SAFF Championship (2011, 2015, 2021, 2023)
- Intercontinental Cup (2018, 2023)
- Tri-Nation Series (2023)
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