Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from international football on May 16, 2024. The India vs Kuwait, FIFA World Cup Qualifier on June 6 will be Chettri’s last in national colours.

New Delhi: Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from the sport on Thursday after a long and illustrious career. During his 19-year-long career, Chhetri scored 94 goals in 150 international matches for the Blue Tigers. He is also third in the list of active goalscorers in international football after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. India’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6 will be Chhetri’s last in international football. Among the 94, some of were truly magnificent. Here is a list of the top five goals scored by the living legend.

1. Goal Against Kyrgyzstan

The first goal on this list is the goal scored against Kyrgyzstan. It came against Kyrgyzstan back in 2017 during an AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match. Chhetri rushed with the ball from his own half towards the opponents goal and passed the ball to Jeje Lalpekhlua. The Sikkimese passed the ball with pinpoint accuracy back to Chhetri who finished with a beautiful goal.

2. Goal Against Vietnam

In a friendly match against Vietnam, Chhetri scored a goal in an interesting manner. He received a pass inside the box and scored with a scissor flick for his second goal in that match. Chhetri went on to score a hattrick in the game and India eventually winning the match 3-1 but this goal was quite memorable.

3. Goal Against Kenya

The third goal in this list came against Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup in 2018. In the match Chhetri scored a fabulous chip shot goal dribbling the on-rushing goalkeeper. India won the game 3-0.

4. Goal Against Vanuatu

That day in 2023 was special for Chhetri. While India were facing Vanuatu in the Intercontinental Cup, the same day he became a father too. Chhetri scored with a half-volley from inside the box which rocketed into the net. India won the game 1-0.

5. Goal Against Oman

This is by far the best from Chhetri in the list. During a game against Oman in the FIFA World Cup qualifier, Chhetri rushed into the open space and received a ball which he put into the back of the net with a beautiful running finish. However, Chhetri’s goal went in vain as India ended up losing 1-2.