Top 5 players in the history of Indian Football Team
There have been many international players in football who have made a name for themselves. From Brazilian superstar Pele, Argentina’s Maradona to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Football is considered one of the best games in the world and over time many great players have emerged in the world, in which India has also not lagged behind. Today we will tell you about the top 5 players in the history of the Indian football team.
5. Magan Singh Rajvi
Magan Singh Rajvi is a former Indian football player from Rajasthan. He was also the captain of the Indian team from 1973 to 1974. He was part of the bronze medal-winning team at the 1970 Asian Games. On 23 July 1974, he scored a hat-trick against Thailand in the Merdeka Cup. He scored 16 goals in 36 matches in his career. He received the Arjuna Award in 1973 for his international achievements.
4. JJ Lalpekhlua
JJ Lalpekhlua Fanai is a former Indian football player who played as a striker. His fans fondly call him “Jeje”. He scored 23 goals in 56 matches in his international career. He is the second-highest goal scorer in the history of the Indian Super League. He made his debut for the Indian team in 2011. Jeje won the Indian Super League and I-League with Chennaiyin FC and Mohun Bagan respectively.
3. I.M. Vijayan
Inivelappil Mani Vijayan is the former captain of the Indian football team. His fans called him “Blackbuck”. He scored 32 goals in 73 matches in his international career. He made his debut as a striker in 1992. Vijayan and Baichung Bhutia were the most lethal pair ever for the Indian football team.
2. Baichung Bhatia
Former captain of the Indian football team Baichung Bhutia has scored 43 goals in 104 matches. He is considered the torchbearer of the Indian football team. He made his debut in 1995 while he played his last match in 2012 against Bayern Munich. He was also awarded the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri.
1. Sunil Chhetri
He is one of the greatest players in the history of Indian football. He has scored 94 goals in 151 international matches. He made his debut against Pakistan in 2004 and he retired in 2024. He was awarded the Arjuna Award. He is the first footballer to receive the Khel Ratna. He is the fourth-highest goal scorer in international football after Cristiano Ronaldo (128), Ali Daei (108) and Lionel Messi (98).