Sunil Chhetri is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in India. Playing as a forward for the national team from 2005 to 2024, he became the country's all-time top goal-scorer and most-capped player. Internationally, he stands fourth on the list of all-time goal-scorers, behind legends like Messi, Ronaldo, and Daei.
In Indian club football, Chhetri has been a star, representing teams like Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan, and Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League. Over his two-decade-long career, he has maintained exceptional fitness and performance, even into his late 30s. He retired from international football in June 2024.
In this podcast with Smita Prakash, you'll see a new side of Sunil Chhetri. He talks openly about his struggles, why he chose football, the role his family played in his journey, and the importance of food and fitness in an athlete’s life.
Chhetri also shares his thoughts on handling criticism on social media, his retirement plans, and his close friendship with Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. He even reveals whether he plans to enter politics after retirement.
Don't miss this candid conversation with India's football legend, Sunil Chhetri, like you've never seen before!
00:00 - Introduction
02:06 - Childhood Memories from Delhi
08:04 - Growing Up: School Days in Delhi
11:52 - Why Chhetri Chose Football
15:33 - Getting into Mohun Bagan Club
21:40 - What Athletes Should Eat
26:25 - Chhetri's Love for Football
29:52 - Struggling in Foreign Clubs
36:05 - Good and Bad Days in Sports
37:59 - Experience Playing for Mohun Bagan
40:44 - How Football Fans Behave
45:29 - Handling Fans in Public
47:12 - Role of Money in Football
54:44 - Underprivileged Kids & Their Desire to Succeed in Sports
01:03:43 - Feeling After Scoring Against Pakistan
01:04:09 - Retirement Announcement
01:09:11 - Fans' Reactions During Matches
01:11:22 - Controversial Kick Against Kerala Blasters
01:14:38 - Dealing with Social Media Trolling
01:17:42 - Football Fans vs. Cricket Fans
01:20:40 - Does Chhetri Play Cricket?
01:21:38 - Common Traits Between Virat Kohli & Sunil Chhetri
01:24:17 - Feeling While Playing Against Pakistan
01:27:49 - Igor Stimac’s Astrologer Allegations
01:28:50 - Does Chhetri Believe in Astrology?
01:30:19 - Failures & Leading the Indian Football Team
01:35:11 - How India Can Beat the US & China in Sports
01:40:24 - Never Endorsing Gutka or Sugary Products
01:41:50 - Veg vs. Non-Veg Food in Sports
01:46:05 - Sleep, Food, and Timing
01:50:14 - Chhetri on His Son Becoming a Footballer
01:51:24 - Athletes Chhetri Admired
01:54:26 - School Days
01:57:39 - Peak Period of Career
02:00:37 - Plans After ISL & Joining Politics
02:03:57 - Benefits of Ice Baths
02:05:24 - Impact of Social Media Usage on Youngsters
02:07:07 - What After Ronaldo and Messi?
02:10:03 - Chhetri on Retirement
02:12:14 - Will Chhetri Become a Coach?
02:15:09 - Helping Underprivileged Kids in Sports
02:18:17 - Hard Work vs. Hunger vs. Talent in Sports
02:21:57 - Parents Watching Chhetri's Games
02:23:19 - Sledging in Football
02:27:55 - Role and Support of Family
02:31:56 - Why India Loves Chhetri
