Sunil Chhetri is a name that needs no introduction and a symbol of passion, emotion, and unrelenting commitment to Indian football.

The veteran forward has been a shining beacon in the Indian Super League (ISL) over the years, known for his clinical goal-scoring and influential leadership on and off the pitch.

As Bengaluru FC's captain and talisman, Chhetri leads the ISL goal charts with a record-breaking 75 goals. His presence, both on the field and in the dressing room, continues to inspire countless footballers who have grown up idolising him.

Chhetri’s consistency in front of goal, knack for delivering in high-pressure moments, and ability to uplift his teammates with rousing speeches all contribute to his dynamic presence. Beyond the statistics, his decorated career serves as motivation for the next generation, pushing them to chase their dreams with discipline and heart.

Even in his 40s, Chhetri is defying time, rewriting records and proving that age is no barrier. His stellar ISL 2024-25 campaign saw him emerge as the highest-scoring Indian in the league, registering 16 goal contributions which was his joint-best tally in an ISL season.

But his legacy extends beyond numbers. From scoring a hat-trick as the oldest player in league history to delivering a soaring header against FC Goa in the semifinals that secured a fourth Cup final appearance for the Blues, Chhetri continues to etch his name in ISL folklore with every passing match.

Throughout the 2024-25 season, Chhetri experienced numerous crunch moments and racked up a couple of records in the process. Here's a closer look at the standout statistics that defined his record-breaking run in the eleventh edition of the Indian Super League.

  • With his goal against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on 28 September 2024 (his 64th), Sunil Chhetri became the outright highest scorer in the ISL (now 75).

  • Sunil Chhetri’s assist against Jamshedpur FC on 9 February 2025 took his goal contribution tally to 85, making him the highest goal contributor in the ISL; he now has 88 goal contributions in the league (75G 13A).

  • With his hat-trick against Kerala Blasters FC on 7 December 2024, Sunil Chhetri became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the ISL (aged 40y 126d).

  • With his goal against FC Goa in the second leg of the semi-final, Sunil Chhetri became the first player to score 10 playoff goals in the ISL.

  • Sunil Chhetri’s goal against FC Goa in the second leg of the semi-final was his 11th as a substitute in the ISL, the outright highest by any player in competition history; in fact, his six goals off the bench this term is the highest such tally by any player in a single season of the league.

  • Sunil Chhetri now has 23 headed goals in the ISL, the outright highest by any player in league history.

  • With his 14 goals in 2024-25 ISL season, he became just the second Indian to score 10+ goals in two different ISL seasons (also 2017-18) after Lallianzuala Chhangte (2022-23 and 2023-24).

  • With his ISL final appearance on 12 April 2025 (vs MBSG) aged 40y 252d, Sunil Chhetri became the second oldest Indian player to ever make an appearance in the ISL behind Sandip Nandy (41y 334d).

Related tags:

Bengaluru FC2024-2025 Sunil Chhetri