Sunil Chhetri Footballer Age, Biography, Family, Wife
Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri, celebrated as one of the greatest players in Indian football history, announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
Sunil Chhetri’s Final Match for India
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Chhetri’s farewell match will be a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Salt Lake Stadium in West Bengal. At the age of 39, Chhetri is on the verge of completing an illustrious 20-year career with the Indian men’s football team that began in 2005.
Early life and family
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Born on August 3, 1984 in Secunderabad, Sunil Chhetri belongs to a Kshatriya family. His father, K.B. Chhetri, served in the Indian Army's Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers and played for the Indian Army football team, while his mother, Sushila Chhetri, along with her twin sister, represented Nepal in the women’s national team. Growing up in Darjeeling, Chhetri attended Bethany School and spent his early years actively concerned in soccer, competing in numerous adolescents tournaments.
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On December 4, 2017, Chhetri married Sonam Bhattacharya, daughter of former Indian international and Mohun Bagan player Subrata Bhattacharya.In 2018, Chhetri was recognized as an "Asian Icon" by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on his 34th birthday. In 2020, it signed a three-year endorsement deal with global sports activities emblem Puma. The couple welcomed their son Dhruv on August 31, 2023.
Achievements and Legacy
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Chhetri holds the title of India's all-time leading scorer and is the third most active international player in the world, right behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.His achievements have led to his status as a national hero and inspiration for budding footballers in India and around the world is .
Individual Honors:
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Arjuna Award (2011): In recognition of his contribution to Indian football.
AIFF Player of the Year: Seven times (2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019).
Padma Shri (2019): Honored with India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Khel Ratna Award (2021): India’s highest sporting honor.
FPAI Indian Player of the Year: Multiple-time recipient (2009, 2018, 2019).
Golden Boot Winner: Awarded in numerous home and worldwide tournaments.
SAFF Championship Top Scorer and Player of the Tournament: Achieved in numerous variations, consisting of 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023.
Sunil Chhetri’s House in Bengaluru
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Chhetri’s Bangalore home in an upscale neighborhood in North Bengaluru (PIN code 560001) is his resort. Priced at around Rs 2.5 crore, the house combines style with comfort. There is a large deck decorated with potted plants, a hammock and a kitchen garden tended by Sonam. Inside, the open island kitchen seamlessly integrates the kitchen, dining and living areas into a warm and inviting space for meetings the Mediterranean design inspired this room, overlooking the master bedroom and it’s a popular spot for couples.
Net Worth and Endorsements
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Sunil Chhetri’s net worth is Rs 8 crore, thanks to his various income streams like football salaries, sponsorships, brand endorsements and his associations with big brands like Pepsi, Puma and Tata Motors have contributed significantly to his wealth.
While Chhetri has retired from international football, he left behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of Indian players.