Sunil Chhetri
Awards & Honours
9
Awards Won
5
Honours
3
Rankings
2
Covers
4
Records
Sunil Chhetri's career is a testament to sustained excellence, marked by a record seven AIFF Player of the Year awards that span over a decade. He holds the distinction of being the first footballer to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honor, underscoring his impact on the nation's sports landscape. His ability to maintain peak performance into his 40s, setting records for most international goals by a male player, places him in a rare echelon of global footballers. His leadership in guiding India to the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup victory and securing their first Asian Cup berth in 27 years remains a defining achievement in Indian football history.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Padma Shri
Fourth-highest civilian award for contributions to sports.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
Highest sporting honor in India, awarded to the first footballer.
Arjuna Award
Recognized for outstanding performance in sports.
Key to the City of Kolkata
Honored for contributions to football in West Bengal.
Key to the City of Bangalore
Recognized for leading Bengaluru FC to the AFC Cup final.
Rankings & Lists
FIFA All-Time Top Scorers (Men)
Greatest Indian Athletes
Top Asian Players by Goals
Magazine Covers
Sportstar
2019-08-03
The Captain Fantastic
The Hindu Sports
2021-02-15
Legacy of a Legend
Records & Feats
Most International Goals by a Male Player
Scored 94 goals in 151 appearances for India, ranking 4th globally.
First Footballer to Win Khel Ratna
Became the first footballer to receive India's highest sporting honor.
Most AIFF Player of the Year Awards
Won the award a record seven times between 2007 and 2020.
Most Goals in ISL History
Holds the record for the highest number of goals scored in the Indian Super League.