In what has become a familiar sight for Indian football fans, Sunil Chhetri once again etched his name into the record books. The legendary striker netted two goals in Bengaluru FC’s commanding 3-0 win over Hyderabad FC on Thursday, becoming the joint-highest scorer in Indian Super League (ISL) history. Chhetri’s brace brought him level with Bartholomew Ogbeche at 63 goals, adding another milestone to his illustrious career.
The match started with an early breakthrough for Bengaluru. Just five minutes in, Rahul Bheke, one of the club’s key summer signings, opened the scoring with a composed finish. Bheke calmly side-footed the ball past Hyderabad’s goalkeeper, Arshdeep Singh, giving Bengaluru the perfect start to their home game.
However, the evening belonged to Chhetri. Despite starting on the bench, the 39-year-old striker made his presence felt immediately after coming on in the 57th minute. Chhetri was clinical in the second half, converting both of his chances and completing all nine of his attempted passes. His performance not only secured the win but also placed him alongside Ogbeche as the ISL’s all-time leading scorer, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s greats.
Chhetri’s achievement adds to a career filled with records and accolades. He has won the AIFF Player of the Year award seven times and has had an extraordinary journey that spans multiple continents.
In 2010, Chhetri became the first Indian footballer to play in the United States, signing with Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards. Two years later, he joined the reserve team of Sporting CP in Portugal, making him the first Indian player to play in both North America and Europe.
On the domestic front, Chhetri has played for some of the biggest clubs in Indian football, including East Bengal, Dempo, and Mumbai City FC, before finding a long-term home at Bengaluru FC. His leadership and goal-scoring ability have been instrumental in Bengaluru’s rise as one of the most successful teams in the ISL.
Internationally, Chhetri has been the face of Indian football for over a decade. He has led India to victories in the Nehru Cup and the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship on multiple occasions. Chhetri also represented India in two editions of the AFC Asian Cup, showcasing his talent on the biggest stage of Asian football.
Despite a recent disappointment in India’s 0-0 draw against Kuwait in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Chhetri’s legacy remains intact. His latest record in the ISL only adds to his remarkable career, one that has inspired a generation of footballers in India. As Chhetri continues to break records and set new standards, it is clear that his influence on Indian football is far from over.
