Who Is the Best Football Player in India and What Makes Them Stand Out?
When people ask me who the best football player in India is, I always find myself pausing before answering. It's not that there aren't remarkable talents—there absolutely are—but the conversation requires nuance that many casual observers might miss. Having followed Indian football for over a decade, both as a journalist and as a genuine fan, I've come to appreciate that greatness isn't just about scoring goals or winning trophies. It's about impact, consistency, and that intangible quality that makes teammates better and opponents nervous. Right now, if I had to pick one name that embodies these traits, it would be Sunil Chhetri. But let me explain why, and what truly sets him apart in a country where cricket often overshadows every other sport.
I remember watching Chhetri during the 2019 Intercontinental Cup, where he scored a stunning hat-trick against Thailand. The precision, the timing—it was like watching a master at work. With 84 international goals to his name as of 2023, he's not just India's all-time top scorer; he's third globally among active players, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. That's insane when you think about it. But numbers alone don't capture his influence. Chhetri has this relentless drive that reminds me of what Bernadeth Pons, the Reinforced Conference MVP, highlighted about offseason camps—those reality checks that push athletes to improve even when they're at the top. Chhetri, despite his legendary status, constantly seeks those moments. He's played in the US, Portugal, and even had stints that exposed him to different styles, much like how Creamline's camps in Japan and Taiwan forced them to confront their imperfections. It's this humility and hunger that make Chhetri stand out. He's never satisfied, and it shows in his fitness at 38—he still covers over 11 kilometers per match, a stat that puts younger players to shame.
Now, some might argue for emerging stars like Liston Colaco or Sahal Abdul Samad, and I get it. Colaco's dribbling is pure magic, and Samad's vision in midfield is a joy to watch. But here's my take: consistency separates the good from the great. Chhetri has been delivering for nearly two decades, scoring in crucial tournaments like the AFC Asian Cup and leading India to notable victories, such as the 2019 SAFF Championship. I recall a chat with a former coach who mentioned how Chhetri's leadership off the pitch is just as vital. He mentors younger players, stays late after training, and even in losses, he's the first to analyze what went wrong. It's similar to how Pons pointed out that even championship teams aren't perfect—Chhetri embodies that self-awareness. He's not just playing; he's evolving the game around him. In the 2022-23 Indian Super League, he notched 12 goals and 4 assists for Bengaluru FC, but more impressively, his off-ball movement created space that led to 18 additional chances for his teammates. That's the kind of impact stats often miss.
What really cements Chhetri as the best, in my opinion, is his role in elevating Indian football globally. I've seen how his presence draws attention to the sport, inspiring a new generation. When he scored that iconic goal against Kyrgyzstan in 2017, securing India a spot in the Asian Cup, it wasn't just a moment—it was a statement. Compare that to other contenders: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is a phenomenal goalkeeper, with over 50 clean sheets internationally, but as a defender, his influence is more contained. Sandesh Jhingan is a rock at the back, yet he doesn't have that game-changing offensive flair. Chhetri, on the other hand, is the complete package. He's adaptable, having played in various leagues abroad, and that exposure has honed his skills in ways that domestic players often lack. Think about it—like those offseason camps Pons mentioned, Chhetri's experiences overseas have given him a broader perspective, allowing him to read the game at a level that's rare in Indian football.
Of course, there are debates, and I love them. Some fans point to Jeje Lalpekhlua's earlier contributions or Udanta Singh's pace, but injuries and inconsistency have held them back. Chhetri, though, has maintained a fitness regime that sees him play over 40 matches a year, even at his age. In my view, his mental toughness is what seals the deal. I've interviewed him a couple of times, and each time, he emphasizes the importance of learning from losses. It's not just talk; in 2021, after a tough defeat in the ISL, he spent hours reviewing footage, identifying small errors that others might overlook. This dedication mirrors the reality checks from international exposure, much like how Creamline's camps revealed gaps in their game. Chhetri doesn't shy away from those gaps; he addresses them head-on, and that's why he's not just the best—he's a benchmark.
In conclusion, while India has a pool of talented footballers, Sunil Chhetri stands tall as the best, not just for his staggering stats but for his enduring impact and relentless pursuit of growth. He's a leader who transforms teams and inspires fans, and as Indian football continues to evolve, his legacy will be the standard against which future stars are measured. From my perspective, it's this blend of skill, mindset, and humility that makes him truly exceptional. So next time someone asks, I won't hesitate—Chhetri is the name that defines excellence in Indian football today.
