Top Three Legends of Indian Football Team

While cricket may dominate the sports headlines in India, football has a rich history and passionate following in the country. Over the years, India has produced some extraordinary football talents who have not only excelled on the domestic stage but have also made their mark internationally. These players have inspired generations of young athletes and have played a crucial role in shaping Indian football. Despite not being part of the most coveted FIFA World Cup, India and Indian footballers have made a dent in the minds of the Indian sport enthusiasts. 

In this article, we'll explore the lives and achievements of three legendary figures who have left an indelible mark on Indian football:

1. Pradip Kumar Banerjee (PK Banerjee)

Pradip Kumar Banerjee, popularly known as PK Banerjee, was a true pioneer of Indian football. Born in 1936, he represented India in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and was part of the team that finished fourth in the 1956 Asian Games. Banerjee's exceptional skills and leadership qualities quickly made him a standout player, and he went on to captain the Indian national team for close to a decade.

Banerjee’s goal against France to make the game 1-1 in 1960 still remains as one of the top goals as well as results for India at the international stage. During his illustrious career, he scored an impressive 16 goals in 52 appearances for India. He partnered with the likes of Tulsidas Balram and Chuni Goswami, forming a holy trinity of Indian football. 

Banerjee's contributions to Indian football extended far beyond his playing days. His tactical acumen and understanding of the game made him a natural coach after retirement. He guided several clubs to success and also had a significant impact as the coach of the national team. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian football, IFFHS named him the Indian Footballer of the 20th Century. The Indian government also honored him with the Arjuna Award in 1961 (one of the early winners) and the prestigious Padma Shri in 1990.

2) Bhaichung Bhutia 

The next legend who significantly impacted Indian football is Bhaichung Bhutia, often credited with bringing Indian football into the modern era. Born in 1976 in Sikkim, Bhutia's skill and goal-scoring prowess earned him the nickname "The Sikkimese Sniper." Bhutia's career was groundbreaking in many ways, most notably when he became the first Indian footballer to sign with a European club, joining Bury FC in England.

Bhutia's international career was equally impressive. He captained the Indian national team for over a decade, leading by example with his work ethic and dedication. Throughout his career, he scored 27 goals in 84 appearances for India, making him one of the country's most prolific goal-scorers. His performances earned him the Indian Player of the Year award twice in 1995 and 2008.

What set Bhutia apart was not just his skill on the field, but also his impact off it. His success and popularity helped raise the profile of football in India, attracting more media attention and corporate sponsorship to the sport. Bhutia became a role model for young players, showing that it was possible for Indian footballers to compete at an international level. In recognition of his contributions to Indian sports, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2008.

Bhutia's legacy extends beyond his playing career. He has been actively involved in promoting football at the grassroots level, establishing football schools and advocating for better infrastructure and support for the sport in India. His efforts have played a crucial role in nurturing young talent and creating pathways for aspiring footballers in the country.

3. Sunil Chettri 

Born in 1984, Sunil Chhetri has been the face of Indian football for over a decade, carrying forward the legacy of his predecessors and setting new benchmarks for excellence. Chhetri's goal-scoring record speaks for itself. For India, he is the all-time top goal scorer with 94 goals before he retired, a record that highlights his consistency and skill over a long period.

He is also the most capped Indian player, with over 151 appearances for the national team. For Bengaluru FC, he has been the all-time highest scorer. But not only for club but also for the league, with him recently surpassing Bartholomew Ogbeche with 64 goals*.

Like Bhutia before him, Chhetri has also made his mark outside India. He played for Kansas City Wizards in Major League Soccer in the United States, further raising the profile of Indian footballers on the global stage. He also has earnest distinction of being the first Indian player to have played in three different continents

What sets Chhetri apart is not just his goal-scoring ability, but his leadership and commitment to the national team. He has been a constant presence in the Indian squad, leading by example both on and off the field. He has won seven AIFF Player of the Year awards alongside Arjuna Award in 2011, Padma Shri in 2019 and Khel Ratna in 2021. 

Chhetri's impact on Indian football goes beyond statistics. He has been a vocal advocate for the development of football in India, consistently pushing for better infrastructure, more competitive leagues, and increased support for the sport. His success and popularity have helped to keep football in the public eye, attracting more fans and sponsors to the game.