Football has been one of the most fan favourite sports in India. Many numerous Indian players have made their mark on national and international stages for the nation. From the early days of the sports till modern era India has seen many great football players who played for the country. We should know our country’s top 10 Indian football players who were just phenomenal in their era and we should acknowledge their efforts. Indian football has seen several footballing legends who made their rise from the bottom and have made a huge contribution in development of the sports in their particular time. In this blog we will get to know about the top 10 Indian football players who have played for us.
• Top 10 Indian Football Players
No.1 Sunil Chhetri
Status: Retired
Age: 39
Without any doubt Sunil Chhetri is the greatest Indian football player with over 94 international goals he also has the record for the 4th most international goals scored by an football player. Sunil Chhetri has been the saviour of the Indian football team with countless individual brilliance whenever the team needed he would always be there. His contribution to clubs like Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) have further cemented his legacy.
No 2 Bhaichung Bhutia
Status: Retired
Age: 49
Baichung Bhutia also referred as the “Sikkimese Sniper” was the face of the Indian football team before the rise of Sunil Chhetri. Baichung Bhutia was also one of the very first to play professionally outside India. He also led the Indian football team with countless glory in the South Asian Football Federation. He also played a key role in (SAFF) Championships and played a major role for the national team’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
No.3 I.M Vijayan
Status: Retired
Age: 55
Another icon legend of Indian football IM Vijayan was known for his speed and goal scoring ability. He has won Total of three AIFF Player of the Year award which says a lot about his career. He was also an important player for team India and was instrumental for India’s victories in SAFF Championship. IM Vijayan also played for East Bengal and helped them to win the ASEAN cup scoring 142 goals in 248 appearances in Club competition.
No.4 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Status: Playing
Club: Bengaluru FC
Age: 32
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is one of India’s best goalkeepers in the history of the game.Gurpreet’s have been a key player for the Indian national team and Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). Also he is the first Indian to play in a UEFA Europa League match, showcasing his talent on a global stage. Gurpreet’s consistent performances and being a wall in front of the goal post have solidified his status in the Indian football.
No.5 Chuni Goswami
Status: Retired
Age: 1938-2022
Chuni Goswami was one of the very first athletics who have played two different sports like football and cricket. As an football player Chuni Goswami came as one of the best football player for team india in the late 60’s. He captained team India in 1962 Asian Games where he won a gold medal for India and a silver medal at the 1964 AFC Asian Cup scoring total of 9 goals in 30 apperance for India. Goswami also represented Mohan Bagun on club level.
No.6 P.K Banerjee
Status: Retired
Age: 1936-2020
Pradip Kumar Banerjee was one the best Indian football players in the early years of sports for India. He represented India in Asian Games and Olympics between 1950s to 1960s. He was also the first Indian football player to win the prestigious Arjuna award. After retiring from the team Pradip Kumar Banerjee became a successful coach, contributing to the growth of football in india.
No.7 Sandesh Jhingan
Status: Playing
Club: FC Goa
Age: 30
One of India’s best Centre backs, Sandesh Jhingan presence as a central defender was instrumental for India in AFC Asian Cup and the SAFF Championship. His leadership and defensive capabilities have earned him a lot of praise from the Indian fans, including being named the AIFF Player of the Year. He continues his contribution to the Indian National team.
No.8 Subrata Pal
Status: Retired
Age: 37
Subrata Pal has a great contribution in Indian football, he also became the first Indian goalkeeper to play professionally abroad, with a stint in Denmark. He also played a crucial role in India’s 2008 AFC Challenge Cup win, earning them a spot in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. Pal also have multiple AIFF Player of the Year awards at his name. He is one of India’s most celebrated player.
No.9 Jeje Lalpekhlua
Status: Retired
Age: 33
Jeje Lalpekhlua is one of India’s best striker, he is also known as Mizo Sniper. He was also a crucial player for India and has scored important goals in the SAFF Championship and the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. He also had a very good career with Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), winning the ISL title twice. Jeje Lalpekhlua has also won two AIFF Emerging Player of the Year awards in 2013 and another in 2016.
No.10 Lallianzuala Chhangte
Status: Playing
Club: Mumbai City FC
Age: 27
Lallianzuala Chhangte made headlines when he became one of the youngest Indian players to score in an international match. He quickly established himself as one of Indian’s best left winger’s, his precise crosses and agility made him a vital asset for both club and country. He is also a key player for Mumbai City clubs recent success.
• FAQ
What is the rank of Sunil Chhetri?
Sunil Chhetri is ranked as the third-highest international goal scorer among active players, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He is also India’s all time top scorer.
Who is the richest footballer in India?
Gouramangi Singh is the richest football player in India. His networth is estimated around Rs 41 crore according to zee news. Currently Gouramangi Singh works as an assistant coach for the club FC Goa.
• Conclusion
These ten players have inspired countless young football player’s in India. The list of top 10 Indian football player are based on their achievements and their contribution towards Indian football. From the early days to the modern football players our team has tried best to include best Indian football player. We hope the blog has been useful in a way for you.