Indian football has steadily ventured beyond domestic boundaries, with players making strides in international leagues across Europe, South America, and beyond. These trailblazers, whether experienced stars or emerging talents, have carried India’s flag onto foreign soils, breaking new ground despite the challenges of adapting to different styles of play, climates, and cultures. Their journeys not only highlight individual resilience but also represent growing recognition of Indian talent on the global stage. Below, we profile ten such players who have taken the bold step to represent Indian football internationally, outlining the clubs they joined and the durations of their stints.
Top 10 Indian Football Players in International Clubs
Sunil Chhetri – Kansas City Wizards (USA, 2010) & Sporting CP B (Portugal, 2012–2013)
India’s iconic striker, Sunil Chhetri, became the third Indian to play abroad when he signed for Kansas City Wizards in MLS in March 2010. Though he didn’t make an official league appearance, he featured in the U.S. Open Cup and played several friendlies before returning home within the same year.
In July 2012, Chhetri signed a three-year contract with Portugal’s Sporting CP, primarily with their B team. His stint lasted about nine months, during which he struggled to break into the first team, before mutually agreeing to return to India.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – Stabæk (Norway, 2014–2017)
Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made history as the first Indian to play in a top division European league when he signed for Stabæk in Norway on 15 August 2014. He debuted in a league match in May 2016 and became the first Indian to feature in a UEFA Europa League match later that month. He played for Stabæk until August 2017 when he returned to India.
Subrata Paul – FC Vestsjælland (Denmark, Jan–June 2014)
Renowned goalkeeper Subrata Paul signed a six-month contract with Danish Superliga club FC Vestsjælland, making him the first Indian to join a top-tier European side. The contract spanned from January to June 2014, following a successful trial.
Bijay Chhetri – Colón (Uruguay, 2024–2025)
Bijay Chhetri, a young centre-back born in 2001, joined Uruguay’s Colón FC on loan in March 2024, marking himself as only the second Indian to appear in a South American professional league. He made his debut in November 2024 and secured a permanent move in 2025.
Ishan Pandita – Lorca FC (Spain, 2019–2020)
Ishan Pandita, after progressing through youth setups in Spain, signed his first senior contract with Lorca FC in Spain’s Tercera División in August 2019. Over the 2019–20 season, he played 26 matches and scored 6 goals, becoming the club’s top scorer.
Aayushmaan Chaturvedi – Polish Clubs (2022–2025)
Attacking midfielder Aayushmaan Chaturvedi has been plying his trade in Poland’s lower divisions since 2022. He played for Włodawianka Włodawa (2022), Spółdzielca Siedliszcze (2022–2023), Grom Kąkolewnica (2023–2024), Szczakowianka Jaworzno (2024), and as of 2025, he represents Polonia 1908 Marcinki Kępno.
7–10. Emerging and Women Players Abroad
Although detailed duration info is limited, these four players mark important recent milestones:
Harshika Jain – Romanian Club (2025–)
In July 2025, Harshika Jain, aged 22, became the first Indian woman to sign with a Romanian club, reflecting expanding international opportunities for Indian women’s football.
Aditi Chauhan – Europe (retired 2025)
Aditi Chauhan, a women’s football pioneer, was the first Indian woman to play professionally in Europe. She announced her retirement in July 2025, concluding a 17-year career that broke barriers for Indian women’s football.
Sarpreet Singh – Bayern Munich II / 2. Bundesliga (Germany, early 2020s)
Though of Indian origin and raised in New Zealand, Sarpreet Singh became the first Indian-origin player to break into a Bundesliga system by joining Bayern Munich II and later playing on loan in the 2. Bundesliga, where he scored 7 goals in around 20 appearances in the early 2020s.
Yan Dhanda & Other Indian-Origin Players Abroad
While not capped by India yet, several Indian-origin players thrive abroad — for instance, Yan Dhanda, Danny Batth, Neil Taylor, and Arjan Raikhy. These players continue to represent the growing diaspora of Indian heritage in European football.
Summary Table
| Player | Club(s) (Country) | Duration |
| Sunil Chhetri | Kansas City Wizards (USA) | 2010 (approx. ≤1 year) |
| Sporting CP B (Portugal) | 2012–2013 (~9 months) | |
| Gurpreet Singh Sandhu | Stabæk (Norway) | 2014–2017 (~3 years) |
| Subrata Paul | FC Vestsjælland (Denmark) | Jan–Jun 2014 (~6 months) |
| Bijay Chhetri | Colón FC (Uruguay) | Loan 2024, permanent 2025 |
| Ishan Pandita | Lorca FC (Spain) | 2019–2020 (~1 season) |
| Aayushmaan Chaturvedi | Various Polish clubs | 2022–2025 |
| Harshika Jain | Romanian club (unnamed) | 2025– (current) |
| Aditi Chauhan | Europe | Pro career; retired 2025 |
| Sarpreet Singh | Bayern Munich II / 2. Bundesliga (Germany) | Early 2020s |
These remarkable journeys—from Chhetri’s brave MLS and Portugal moves to Harshika Jain’s groundbreaking Romanian signing—highlight Indian football’s growing footprint abroad. Each player’s experience enriches India’s footballing narrative, inspiring a new generation aiming to wear the blue jersey internationally.
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