June 2024, after the World Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Kolkata
Comeback
March 2025, at the request of then head coach Manolo Márquez
Final match
14 October 2025 v Singapore, AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier (lost 1-2)
AFC Challenge Cup
Winner 2008
SAFF Championship
Winner 2011, 2015, 2021, 2023
Nehru Cup
Winner 2007, 2009, 2012
Intercontinental Cup
Winner 2018, 2023
Sunil Chhetri Club Career
Years
Club
2001 to 2002
City Club Delhi
2002 to 2005
Mohun Bagan
2005 to 2008
JCT
2008 to 2009
East Bengal
2009 to 2010
Dempo
2010
Kansas City Wizards, USA (first Indian signed by an MLS club)
2011 to 2012
Chirag United, then Mohun Bagan
2012 to 2013
Sporting CP B, Portugal
2013 to present
Bengaluru FC (apart from a 2015-16 spell with Mumbai City)
At Bengaluru FC he won two I-League titles, the 2018-19 Indian Super League, the Super Cup and the 2022 Durand Cup, and helped the club reach the 2016 AFC Cup final. According to Khel Now, he had made 318 appearances and scored 134 goals for the club across competitions by July 2026.
Sunil Chhetri Records and Milestones
India’s record goalscorer (95) and most capped player (157)
Indian Super League’s all-time leading goalscorer
Oldest player to score an ISL hat-trick, against Kerala Blasters in December 2024
Record seven-time AIFF Player of the Year
First footballer to receive the Khel Ratna, in 2021
Sunil Chhetri Awards and Honours
Year
Award
2011
Arjuna Award
2019
Padma Shri
2021
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
2007 to 2022 (seven times)
AIFF Player of the Year
2025
Bhogeswar Baruah National Sports Award (lifetime achievement)
