Did you know that Sunil Chhetri is the 4th highest international goalscorer in the world — ahead of legends like Neymar and Lewandowski? With 95 international goals in 157 appearances, India’s captain fantastic has single-handedly put Indian football on the global map. Whether you’re searching for Sunil Chhetri’s age, his iconic jersey number, or where India stands in the FIFA world ranking — this is your complete guide to everything about Sunil Chhetri, the man, the myth, and the legend.
Who is Sunil Chhetri?
Sunil Chhetri is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) and captains the Indian national football team. He is widely regarded as the greatest Indian footballer of all time and one of the most prolific international goalscorers in the history of the sport.
His journey from a small town in Secunderabad to becoming a global football icon is nothing short of extraordinary. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Chhetri has broken records, won trophies, and inspired an entire generation of Indian footballers.
Sunil Chhetri Age — How Old is He?
Sunil Chhetri was born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. As of 2026, he is 41 years old — and still playing professional football at the highest level in India.
- Date of Birth: August 3, 1984
- Place of Birth: Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Age (2026): 41 years old
- Nationality: Indian
- Position: Forward / Striker
What makes his age even more remarkable is that he scored a hat-trick in the ISL at age 40 — becoming the oldest player ever to do so in the league’s history. Age is truly just a number for Chhetri.
Sunil Chhetri Jersey Number
Sunil Chhetri wears the iconic jersey number 11 — both for the Indian national team and for his club, Bengaluru FC. The number 11 has become synonymous with his identity in Indian football.
- National Team Jersey: #11
- Club Jersey (Bengaluru FC): #11
- Instagram Handle: @chetri_sunil11
The number 11 is traditionally worn by a left winger or a creative forward — a role that perfectly suits Chhetri’s dynamic, goal-hungry style of play. Fans across India associate the number 11 jersey with his brilliance on the pitch.
Sunil Chhetri World Ranking — Where Does India Stand?
When people search for Sunil Chhetri’s world ranking, they’re often asking two things: where does India rank in FIFA, and where does Chhetri rank among international goalscorers?
India’s FIFA World Ranking
India’s FIFA ranking has fluctuated over the years, but Chhetri’s era saw the team climb significantly. Under his captaincy, India reached a peak ranking in the 90s — a historic high for Indian football.
Chhetri Among World’s Top Goalscorers
In terms of international goals, Sunil Chhetri ranks 4th in the world among active and all-time goalscorers:
- 🥇 Cristiano Ronaldo — 130+ goals
- 🥈 Ali Daei — 109 goals
- 🥉 Lionel Messi — 109 goals
- 4️⃣ Sunil Chhetri — 95 goals
This places him ahead of global superstars like Neymar, Lewandowski, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic — a fact that still surprises many football fans around the world.
Sunil Chhetri Career Stats at a Glance
Here’s a quick snapshot of Chhetri’s incredible career numbers:
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| International Goals | 95 |
| International Caps | 157 |
| ISL Goals (All Time) | 64+ |
| AIFF Player of the Year | 7 times |
| ISL Seasons | 10+ |
| AFC Challenge Cup Wins | 1 (2008) |
| SAFF Championship Wins | Multiple |
| Nehru Cup Wins | 3 (2007, 2009, 2012) |
Early Life and Family Background
Sunil Chhetri’s love for football was inherited. His father, KB Chhetri, was an officer in the Indian Army who played football for the Army team. His mother, Sushila Chhetri, hails from Nepal. Growing up in a football-loving household, it was only natural that Sunil would pick up the sport early.
- Father: KB Chhetri — Indian Army officer and footballer
- Mother: Sushila Chhetri — originally from Nepal
- Family roots: Nepal (migrated to India)
- Wife: Sonam Bhattacharya (married December 4, 2017)
Chhetri began his professional career with Mohun Bagan in 2002 before moving to JCT FC, and later making his mark at Kansas City Wizards (MLS) and Sporting Kansas City — becoming one of the first Indians to play in Major League Soccer.
Awards and Honours
Sunil Chhetri’s trophy cabinet is the most decorated in Indian football history:
- 🏆 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021) — India’s highest sporting honour
- 🏅 Arjuna Award (2011)
- 🌟 Padma Shri (2019) — India’s fourth-highest civilian award
- ⚽ AIFF Player of the Year — 7 times (record)
- 🥇 AFC Challenge Cup — 2008
- 🏆 SAFF Championship — Multiple titles
- 🏅 Nehru Cup — 2007, 2009, 2012
- 🏆 ISL Winner with Bengaluru FC
The Viral Fan Plea That Changed Indian Football
In 2019, after scoring a brace against Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Chhetri did something no Indian athlete had done before — he made an emotional public appeal to fans to come and watch Indian football.
The video went viral overnight. Within days, the next home match was sold out. Stadium attendance across India skyrocketed. It was a turning point — not just for Chhetri, but for the entire sport in the country.
“Please come and watch us play. If you don’t like it, don’t come back. But please give us a chance.”
— Sunil Chhetri, 2019
Sunil Chhetri at 41 — Still Going Strong
Most footballers retire in their early 30s. Chhetri is still playing competitive football at 41. In December 2024, he became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in ISL history — at 40 years and 126 days old. He continues to play for Bengaluru FC in the 2025/26 ISL season.
- Still active at Bengaluru FC (2025/26 season)
- Oldest ISL hat-trick scorer — December 2024
- Continues to mentor young Indian footballers
- Remains India’s most recognisable football ambassador
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions covering everything about Sunil Chhetri — from his age and jersey number to his world ranking and legendary career records.
What is Sunil Chhetri’s age?
Sunil Chhetri was born on August 3, 1984. He is 41 years old as of 2026.
What jersey number does Sunil Chhetri wear?
Sunil Chhetri wears jersey number 11 for both the Indian national team and Bengaluru FC.
What is Sunil Chhetri’s world ranking as a goalscorer?
Chhetri is the 4th highest international goalscorer in the world with 95 goals, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi.
How many international goals has Sunil Chhetri scored?
Sunil Chhetri has scored 95 international goals in 157 appearances for India.
Is Sunil Chhetri still playing?
Yes! As of 2026, Sunil Chhetri is still playing for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League.
Who is Sunil Chhetri’s wife?
Sunil Chhetri married Sonam Bhattacharya on December 4, 2017.
Sunil Chhetri is more than just a footballer — he is the face of Indian football, a national icon, and proof that passion and perseverance can take you to the very top. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering Indian football, one thing is certain: there will never be another Sunil Chhetri.
We hope this complete guide covering everything about Sunil Chhetri has been insightful. Explore more at sunilchhetri.in — dive into his career, achievements, and gallery.