The Indian football fraternity experienced shockwaves after India’s national football team captain, Sunil Chhetri, announced his retirement through a heartfelt video message on his social media accounts. Chhetri is set to play his 151st and last game for the Blue Tigers on June 6 against Kuwait. The 39-year-old leaves behind a monumental legacy spanning almost two decades, marked by numerous magical moments and a plethora of accolades. Sunil Chhetri is widely recognized as India’s most decorated footballer, both for his individual achievements and his contributions to the national team.
As we bid farewell to a legend, let’s take a comprehensive look at the list of all trophies and awards won by Sunil Chhetri with the Indian national team.
Trophies Won by Sunil Chhetri for India
AFC Challenge Cup: 2008
- This victory marked a significant milestone in Indian football, with Chhetri playing a crucial role in the triumph.
SAFF Championship (4): 2011, 2015, 2021, 2023
- Chhetri’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess were instrumental in India’s dominance in the South Asian Football Federation Championship across four editions.
Nehru Cup (3): 2007, 2009, 2012
- The Nehru Cup victories were highlights of Chhetri’s early career, showcasing his ability to perform on big stages.
Intercontinental Cup (2): 2018, 2023
- Chhetri’s performance in these tournaments further solidified his status as a football icon in India.
Tri-Nation Series: 2023
- A fitting addition to his trophy cabinet, this victory came in the twilight of his illustrious career.
Awards and Accolades Won by Sunil Chhetri
AIFF Player of the Year (7): 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018–19, 2021–22
- Chhetri’s consistency and excellence on the field earned him the All India Football Federation’s top honor a record seven times.
FPAI Indian Player of the Year (3): 2009, 2018, 2019
- Recognized by his peers, Chhetri was named the Football Players Association of India’s Player of the Year three times.
SAFF Championship Player of the Tournament (4): 2011, 2015, 2021, 2023
- His outstanding performances in the SAFF Championships did not go unnoticed, earning him the Player of the Tournament accolade four times.
SAFF Championship Top Scorer (3): 2011, 2021, 2023
- Chhetri’s goal-scoring abilities shone through in the SAFF Championships, making him the top scorer in three editions.
Hero of the Intercontinental Cup: 2018
- His heroics in the 2018 Intercontinental Cup were pivotal in India’s success.
Indian Sports Honors: Sportsman of the Year 2019 (team sports)
- This award recognized Chhetri’s contributions to Indian sports on a broader scale.
Football Ratna Award (first recipient) by Football Delhi: 18 February 2019
- Chhetri was honored as the first recipient of this award, underscoring his impact on football in Delhi and beyond.
The Times of India TOISA Best Footballer: 2021
- Another feather in his cap, this award celebrated his excellence on the field.
National Awards Won by Sunil Chhetri
Arjuna Award: 2013
- This prestigious award is the second-highest sporting honor in India, acknowledging Chhetri’s exceptional contributions to football.
Padma Shri: 2019
- India’s fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, was conferred upon Chhetri for his outstanding achievements.
Khel Ratna Award: 2021
- The highest sporting honor in India, the Khel Ratna, was bestowed upon Chhetri, making him the first footballer to receive this accolade.
Honorary Mentions
AFC Asian Icon: 3 August 2018
- Recognized by the Asian Football Confederation for his contributions to football in Asia.
2019 AFC Asian Cup: Favorite Player (voted by fans)
- His popularity among fans was evident when he was voted the favorite player of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
AFC Cup All-time XI (The Strikers): 2021
- Chhetri was named in the all-time XI for the AFC Cup, highlighting his enduring legacy.
FIFA’s Official Docu-Series: The Captain Fantastic
- FIFA produced a docu-series chronicling Chhetri’s footballing journey, celebrating his career and impact on the sport.
Pioneering Milestones
- First Indian player to have played in three different continents.
- Most appearances for India (150).
- Most international goals by an Indian (94).
- Most hat-tricks for India (4).
- Most goals for India in AFC Competitions (19).
- All-time top goal scorer in SAFF Championship (23).
- First footballer to receive the Khel Ratna Award.
- AIFF Player of the Year a record seven times.
Sunil Chhetri’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football. His contributions to the sport are unparalleled, and his legacy will inspire future generations of footballers. As he prepares to don the Indian jersey for the last time, the entire nation celebrates his illustrious career and the indelible mark he has left on Indian football.