O Captain my Captain!: Seven facts about birthday boy Sunil Chhetri that make every Indian proud

India's talismanic skipper, who has been iconic in the recent rise of football's popularity in the subcontinent, turns 37 today. The Bengaluru FC spearhead scaled heights that no other Indian footballer could dream of over a career lasting more than 15 years. Here are some facts about India's 'Captain Fantastic.'

India's talismanic skipper, who has been iconic in the recent rise of football's popularity in the subcontinent, turns 36 today. The Bengaluru FC spearhead scaled heights that no other Indian footballer could dream of over a career lasting more than 15 ye

Updated on:

03 Aug 2021, 6:06 am

2 min read

During his career that has lasted over a decade and half, Chhetri became the first Indian footballer to score 50 international goals. (Photo | PTI)

Sunil Chhetri is the thirteenth footballer to have scored most international goals. 'Captain Fantastic' have scored 74 times from 118 outings, while Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo has 109 goals to his credit from 179 outings. Apart from the Juventus striker, Lionel Messi is ahead of Chhetri with 76 goals (151 games). (Photo | PTI)

Having donned the Blue stripes for a record 115 times have made him the most capped footballer of the country. (Photo | PTI)

It was during the 2018 Intercontinental Cup that Chhetri made his famous request to fans on Twitter. India lifted the trophy beating Kenya in the final, and Chhetri was declared the Best Player of the tournament, having scored 8 times - more than any other player. (Photo | AFP)

In 2010, Sunil Chhetri was part of the Kansas City Wizards team that pulled a surprise win over English giants Manchester United. Chhetri replaced Teal Bunbury on the field with 21 minutes left on the clock and managed to take a couple of shots. The Red Devils were beaten 2-1 despite Chhetri's side getting reduced to 10 men even before the half-time came. (Photo | AFP)