In recent years, Indian football has grown remarkably in both popularity and talent. With a growing fan base and increasing global recognition, the country’s football prowess has been highlighted on the international stage like never before. At the heart of this revival is a group of exceptional Indian football players who have etched themselves in the annals of Indian football history. In this article, we delve into the lives and achievements of India’s top ten football players of recent times, highlighting their remarkable journeys and the indelible mark they have left on the beautiful game.
Captain Marvel: Sunil Chhetri
The legendary Sunil Chhetri, the embodiment of dedication, skill and leadership, leads the attack. Chhetri is one of the most famous Indian football players of all time. He captained the Indian national team and scored an astonishing 84 goals. His prolific scoring prowess and unwavering determination have earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Arjuna Award and a record seven AIFF Player of the Year awards.
๐๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐๐, ๐๐ฃ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐. ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ฃ๐๐จ๐จ! ๐ช๐ป๐คด
A tremendous achievement for our captain @chetrisunil11 because he marks his 1๏ธโฃ5๏ธโฃ0๏ธโฃ. Appearance for the national team! ๐ฎ๐ณ
150 games and still going strongโณ๐#BlueTigers ๐ฏ #IndianFootball โฝ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/QduVhLGlKq
โ Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 26, 2024
Goalkeeping Titans: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan, two standouts among India’s best footballers, form the bedrock of the country’s defensive line. Sandhu, the first Indian to play for a top European club, has emerged as the national team’s first-choice goalkeeper and won the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2019. A rock-solid defender, Jhingan has represented India in several matches. He took part in major tournaments including the 2019 Asia Cup and was named India’s FPAI Player of the Year in 2016.
The guards are preparing for this #SUBMIT ๐งค๐ฎ๐ณ#FIFAWorldCupQualifiers ๐ #IndianFootball โฝ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/XDJmPps7bH
โ Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 19, 2024
Striking Force: Jeje Lalpekhlua and emerging talent
While Chhetri is widely regarded as the undisputed king of Indian strikers, Jeje Lalpekhlua has made a name for himself as one of India’s best footballers with 23 international goals to his name. His predatory instincts and clinical finishing have made him a formidable force on the field. Along with him, a new generation of talented strikers such as Anirudh Thapa and Udanta Singh are making their mark among India’s elite footballers, with Thapa previously named the AIFF Emerging Player of the Year in 2017.
Full pressure for the opening goal ๐ช๐ปโณ#FIFA World Cup #AsianQualifiers ๐ #BlueTigers ๐ฏ #IndianFootball โฝ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/LL7ItdOPat
โ Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 21, 2024
Midfielders: Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Pronay Halder and Rowllin Borges
The backbone of any successful team lies in the midfield and India is blessed with a number of talented Indian football players who have excelled in this crucial role. Eugeneson Lyngdoh, a versatile midfielder who has represented India in various tournaments, has been named the AIFF Young Player of the Year 2015. Pronay Halder, a tenacious defensive midfielder, and Rowllin Borges, a versatile midfield engine, have also made an impact. Halder was named India’s FPAI Player of the Year in 2018 and Borges won the AIFF Emerging Player of the Year award in 2016.
Defensive star: Pritam Kotal
Pritam Kotal, a reliable right-back who has played regularly for the Indian national team, completes the list. His consistent performances and defensive solidity earned him the FPAI’s Indian Player of the Year award in 2017, cementing his place among the country’s top football talents.
Read more: Clash of the Titans
These ten players not only raised the profile of Indian football on the international stage but also served as role models for countless aspiring footballers across the country. Their unwavering commitment, exceptional skills and determination have paved the way for a brighter future for sports in India. As the country’s football journey continues, these shining stars will remain in the hearts and minds of fans and serve as a testament to the incredible potential of Indian football.