Football has been steadily gaining ground in India, a country where cricket has historically dominated the sports scene. With the rise of the Indian Super League (ISL) and better infrastructure, Indian footballers have earned recognition on both national and international levels. Here’s a look at the top 10 most famous football players in India, who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
1. Sunil Chhetri – The Undisputed King of Indian Football
Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian national football team, is India’s most celebrated footballer. With over 140 international caps and 90+ goals, he is among the world’s highest international goal scorers, surpassing even Lionel Messi at times. Chhetri’s leadership, skill, and consistency have earned him six AIFF Player of the Year awards. His club career includes spells at Bengaluru FC, Sporting CP (Portugal), and Mumbai City FC. His incredible longevity and goal-scoring prowess make him India’s greatest football ambassador.
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2. Bhaichung Bhutia – The Torchbearer of Indian Football
Bhaichung Bhutia is regarded as the pioneer of modern Indian football. Known as the “Sikkimese Sniper” for his precise finishing, he played for clubs like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Bury FC (England). His leadership guided India to multiple SAFF Championship titles and a historic Nehru Cup victory in 2007. Bhutia’s influence extends beyond his playing days, as he has actively promoted football development in India.
3. IM Vijayan – India’s First Football Superstar
IM Vijayan, a former Indian striker, was a footballing genius with a lethal left foot. He won the AIFF Player of the Year award three times and played for clubs like East Bengal, JCT, and Kerala Police. Vijayan’s ability to score breathtaking goals made him one of India’s most entertaining footballers. His partnership with Bhaichung Bhutia in the late 1990s and early 2000s formed a golden period for Indian football.
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4. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – The Wall of Indian Football
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is India’s top goalkeeper and one of the few Indian players to have played in Europe. He had a successful stint with Stabæk FC in Norway, becoming the first Indian to play in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers. Now Bengaluru FC’s No.1, Gurpreet has been a consistent performer for the national team, keeping multiple clean sheets in crucial World Cup qualifiers. His commanding presence in goal has made him India’s best shot-stopper.
5. Sandesh Jhingan – The Defensive Rock
Sandesh Jhingan has established himself as India’s most reliable central defender. A crucial part of the national team since 2015, he played a key role in India’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification. Jhingan’s aggressive defending and leadership qualities have made him a fan favorite, with successful stints at Kerala Blasters, ATK Mohun Bagan, and HNK Šibenik (Croatia).
6. Jeje Lalpekhlua – The Silent Assassin
Jeje Lalpekhlua, hailing from Mizoram, is India’s second-highest active goal-scorer after Sunil Chhetri. His clinical finishing and ability to perform under pressure have earned him widespread recognition. He was a vital part of Chennaiyin FC’s ISL-winning campaigns and played a key role in India’s 2015 SAFF Championship victory. Despite injuries slowing him down, Jeje remains one of India’s most respected forwards.
7. Subrata Paul – The “Spiderman” of Indian Football
Subrata Paul, a veteran goalkeeper, earned the nickname “Spiderman” for his incredible reflex saves, particularly in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. He was instrumental in India’s 2008 AFC Challenge Cup victory, which secured their place in the 2011 Asian Cup. With an illustrious club career, including stints with Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC, Subrata remains an inspiration for young goalkeepers.
8. Clifford Miranda – The Midfield Magician
Clifford Miranda was one of India’s most skillful midfielders in the 2000s. A longtime Dempo SC star, he played a crucial role in India’s 2008 AFC Challenge Cup win. Known for his playmaking and set-piece ability, Miranda was a key figure in the national team for over a decade. Post-retirement, he has transitioned into coaching and is now part of the development setup for young Indian players.
9. Syed Abdul Rahim – The Legendary Coach Who Transformed Indian Football
While not a player, Syed Abdul Rahim deserves a special mention for revolutionizing Indian football. As India’s coach from 1950 to 1963, he led India to the 1951 and 1962 Asian Games gold medals. His tactical brilliance helped India reach the 1956 Olympics semi-finals, the country’s best-ever football achievement. Rahim’s legacy continues to inspire Indian footballers today.
10. Ashique Kuruniyan – The Next Big Star
Ashique Kuruniyan represents India’s new generation of footballers. A dynamic winger with exceptional speed, he has been a standout performer for Bengaluru FC and FC Pune City. Kuruniyan played a crucial role in India’s 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification. With his attacking mindset and versatility, he is expected to play a pivotal role in Indian football’s future.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Indian Football
Indian football has come a long way, with legends like Bhaichung Bhutia and IM Vijayan paving the way, and stars like Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan carrying the torch forward. With the rise of the Indian Super League (ISL) and increased investment in grassroots programs, India’s football future looks promising.
With young talents like Liston Colaco, Suresh Singh Wangjam, and Anwar Ali emerging, Indian football is poised for a bright future. The dream of seeing India in the FIFA World Cup might still be a long road ahead, but with continued progress, it may not be too far-fetched.
Anurag is the founder and editor of SportsScroller.com, a premier platform dedicated to delivering comprehensive coverage of various sports, including cricket, football, volleyball, basketball, and chess. With a deep passion for sports journalism, Anurag ensures that the content is both engaging and informative, catering to sports enthusiasts and professionals alike. Because of his passion and under his leadership, SportsScroller.com has become a trusted source for the latest sports news, in-depth analyses, and insightful articles, reflecting his commitment to excellence in sports media.
