Sunil Chhetri Age, Wiki and Bio

Sunil Chhetri

Quick Info

ProfessionIndian Professional Footballer
NationalityIndian
Date of Birth03/08/1984
Age40 years
BirthplaceSecunderabad, India

Bio/Wiki

NicknameBhai

Physical Stats & More

Height5' 7" (170 cm)
Eye ColorDark Brown
Hair ColorBlack

Educational Qualification(s)

SchoolBahai School, Gangtok, Sikkim
CollegeAsutosh College, Kolkata

Personal Life

ReligionHinduism
EthnicityIndian, Nepali
HobbiesListening Music, Playing Cricket, Badminton and Tennis

Family

FatherKB Chhetri
MotherSushila Chhetri
Siblings
BrotherN/A
SisterBandana Chhetri
SpouseSonam Bhattacharya
Children
SonDhruv (born on 30 August 2023)

Career

Football
Professional Debut2002 for Mohun Bagan
RetirementOn 16 May 2024, he announced that he would retire from international football on 6 June 2024.
Jersey Number11
PositionStriker, Centre-forward
MentorSubroto Bhattacharya
Records (main ones)/Achievements
  • Chhetri signed for JCT (Jagatjit Cotton & Textile Football Club), in Santosh Trophy, Chhetri scored two hat-tricks for Delhi in the group stages against both Orissa and Railways.
  • Chhetri scored 11 goals for JCT during the 2006-07 season and the club finished in second place, behind Dempo.
  • In the very first season of Hero I-League 2007, Chhetri scored seven goals as JCT finished the season in third place.
  • In December 2007, Chhetri carried off the AIFF Player of the Year award for 2007 for his excellent performances for his club and country. Even later he has been given AIFF player of the year award in 2011, 2013 and 2014.
  • In 2009, he won the FPAI Indian Player of the Year award.
  • In 2011, he was named 'The Player of the Tournament' in SAFF Championship for scoring 13 goals.
  • In the 2013-14 season, Chhetri scored 14 goals and 7 assist in 23 appearances in the season, Chhetri led Bengaluru FC to their first ever I-League title in its debut season.
  • Chhetri has been the top goal scorer for Indian Football Team scoring 53 goals in 93 appearances.
Awards
  • 2021: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
Career Turning PointIn the Nehru Cup 2007, when he became the top goal scorer for India scoring four goals and helping India win the title.

Favourites

Footballer
  • Lionel Messi
  • David Villa
ActorShah Rukh Khan
ActressKonkona Sen
CricketerSachin Tendulkar

Some Lesser Known Facts

Sunil's parents originally hail from Nepal and later relocated to India.
His father, KB Chhetri, retired as an officer from the EME Corps of the Indian Army.
Sunil's mother, Sushila Chhetri, played for the Nepal women's national team alongside her twin sister.
During his childhood, Sunil's family faced financial challenges that hindered his pursuits.
In 2008, Sunil was close to joining European clubs like Leeds United and Estoril Praia.
Sunil underwent a trial at Coventry City in England in January 2009, but the manager decided not to pursue his signing.
News broke in August 2009 that Sunil had signed with Queens Park Rangers, but a work permit issue prevented him from playing.
He captained the Indian national team from 2011 to 2016.
Sunil Chhetri has been honored with the Arjuna Award by the Indian President.
Sunil and Sonam, daughter of former Indian player Subroto Bhattacharya, have been in a long-term relationship and are set to wed in 2017.