EP-243 | Sunil Chhetri on Fitness, Food, Football, Friendship with Kohli, Retirement & Family

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