Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, one of the most celebrated footballers in India’s history, announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
Sunil Chhetri’s final match for India
Chhetri’s final match for India will be a critical FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Salt Lake Stadium in West Bengal. The 39-year-old captain, who began his international career in 2005, is concluding an extraordinary 20-year tenure with the Indian men’s football team.
Sunil Chhetri’s early life and family
Born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, into a Kshatriya family, Sunil Chhetri’s father, K.B. Chhetri, was an officer in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers of the Indian Army and played football for the Indian Army football team. His mother, Sushila Chhetri, and her twin sister played for the Nepal women’s national team. Chhetri spent much of his childhood in Darjeeling, where he attended Bethany School and grew up in Pashupati Fatak. From a young age, he was actively involved in football, participating in various tournaments.
About Sunil Chhetri’s wife Sonam Bhattacharya
On December 4, 2017, Chhetri married his long-time girlfriend Sonam Bhattacharya, daughter of former Indian international and Mohun Bagan player Subrata Bhattacharya. Recognised for his contributions to football, Chhetri was named an ‘Asian Icon’ by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on his 34th birthday in 2018. In 2020, he signed a three-year deal with global sports brand Puma.
Sunil Chhetri and his wife Sonam welcomed their son Dhruv on August 31, 2023.
Sunil Chhetri’s achievements
As the all-time leading goalscorer for India, Chhetri is also the third-highest goal scorer among active players worldwide (fourth overall), trailing only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
Chhetri’s outstanding career achievements have solidified his status as a national hero. With his retirement from international football, the ‘Captain Fantastic’ leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire young footballers across India and around the world.
Individual Honours for Sunil Chhetri
Arjuna Award: Chhetri received the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2011 for his achievements in football.
AIFF Player of the Year: Sunil Chhetri has been named AIFF Player of the Year seven times (2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019).
Padma Shri: In 2019, Chhetri was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Khel Ratna Award: He was awarded the Khel Ratna Award in 2021.
Football Players’ Association of India (FPAI) Indian Player of the Year: Chhetri has received this award multiple times (2009, 2018, 2019).
International Goal Scoring: Chhetri ranks third among active international goal-scorers, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
ISL Leading Goal-Scorer: He has consistently been among the top goal-scorers in the Indian Super League (ISL).
AIFF Federation Cup Best Player: Chhetri has been recognized for his outstanding performances in the AIFF Federation Cup.
Golden Boot: He has won the Golden Boot in various domestic and international tournaments.
Hero of the Intercontinental Cup: Chhetri was named Hero of the Intercontinental Cup during the 2017-18 ISL season.
SAFF Championship Top Scorer: He has been the top scorer in multiple editions of the SAFF Championship (2011, 2021, 2023).
SAFF Championship Player of the Tournament: Chhetri has won this award in 2011, 2015, and 2021.
Sunil Chhetri’s house in Bengaluru
Sunil Chhetri’s home in Bengaluru is situated in the city’s most coveted pin code, 560001. This residence in North Bengaluru is where Chhetri relaxes and unwinds when he’s off the football field. According to Housing.com, the house is valued at around Rs 2.5 crore.
The deck is beautifully designed with an abundance of potted plants, making it a prime photo spot. It also features a charming swing and a kitchen garden where Chhetri’s wife, Sonam, grows various herbs.
The living room boasts an open island kitchen, which serves as the heart of the home, encouraging gatherings and social interactions. The kitchen, dining, and living areas flow seamlessly into one another, while the study and bedrooms remain separate for added privacy.
The swanky deck, with its Mediterranean vibe, faces the master bedroom and is a favorite spot for the couple to enjoy coffee together. The master bedroom is filled with natural light, thanks to large French windows, and features metal bedside lamps and a leather headboard. The glass walk-in closet overlooks the deck, adding a touch of luxury.
The study area, complete with a throne-like winged chair, serves as Chhetri’s private den and office space. The shelves are packed with his trophies, and a sports bike parked in the hallway adds a quirky décor element. The couple has thoughtfully incorporated wedding gifts into the home décor, including mirrors, clocks, paintings, and statues, primarily chosen by Sonam.
The home’s interior design blends warm woodwork with pristine white touches, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. Dark walnut finishes on cabinets, flooring, consoles, and tables are balanced with cooler shades of grey and blue.
Sunil Chhetri’s cars
He owns Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes Benz GLC, Audi Q5, and Toyota Fortuner.
Sunil Chhetri’s net worth and endorsements
Sunil Chhetri has amassed an estimated net worth of Rs 8 crores, as per reports. This impressive figure stems from multiple income streams, including his professional football salary, sponsorships, and endorsements. His partnerships with prominent brands such as Pepsi, Puma, and Tata Motors have significantly boosted his net worth.
