Are you interested in Indian football and want to become a football player? What kind of sports fan are you? Maybe you’re even a Blue Pilgrim? I want to honor the best Indian football players of all time in this blog. Ready to learn more about the long past of Indian football? Here are the top 15 players who will always be remembered in the game.

As football continues to grow among young people in India, our players have become role models for many people who want to be athletes. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is in charge of the Indian national football team. This means that our players can do well on both national and foreign stages.

Stay tuned as we learn more about the lives of these famous players who are admired for their talent, skill, and accomplishments. Let’s honor the memories of these football legends who have made India happy, from their great games to their most famous moments on the field.

1. Sunil Chhetri (2002- Present)

In Indian football history, Sunil Chhetri scored more goals than anyone else. He is the captain of the Indian football team and plays for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). Chhetri is widely thought to be one of the best Indian football players, and he has won many awards during his long career.

A turning point in his career came during the 2019 Asian Cup, when Chhetri showed how good he was by scoring two goals in India’s 4-1 win over Thailand in the first game. Following this outstanding effort, Chhetri became India’s all-time top scorer, with an impressive 67 goals for the national team. Chhetri is also the most-capped player in the history of the team, which shows how dedicated and important he has been to Indian football for a long time.

Chhetri’s amazing accomplishments and unwavering commitment have made him an iconic figure in Indian football, inspiring many would-be players and earning him the respect of fans all over the country.

2. P.K. Banerjee (1954-1967)

In 45 international games, Sir Chuni Goswami showed off his amazing skills as a striker for the Indian football team. He was happy to wear the team’s jersey. Several prestigious awards were given to him for his outstanding services to Indian football.

When Sir Goswami won the first Arjuna Award in 1961, he made history. The Arjuna Award is India’s highest honor for outstanding sports. Many people praised and admired him for his great achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport. He received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in 1990, which was a sign of how great he was.

Sir Goswami also left an indelible mark on the world as he was given the FIFA Order of Merit, which is the greatest honor given by FIFA, the international governing body of football. This prestigious award showed how much of an effect he had on football around the world and cemented his place as a revered legend in Indian football history.

3. Subrata Pal (2004 – Present)

Indian football fans became familiar with Subrata Pal after he played for the U-23 team in pre-Olympic trials and showed how talented he was. His great efforts were a big reason why they made it to the group stages, which earned him a lot of praise and attention.

Additionally, Subrata Pal is still involved in international football tournaments, where he helps the national team with their efforts on the world stage. Besides that, he keeps making big contributions to his club, ATK Mohun Bagan, in the Indian Super League (ISL), which makes him an even more important figure in Indian football.

As a role model for the next generation of talented Indian football players, Subrata Pal continues to inspire aspiring footballers across the country with his steadfast dedication and great play.

4. Bhaichung Bhutia (1993-2015)

Indian football fans became familiar with Subrata Pal after he played for the U-23 team in pre-Olympic trials and showed how talented he was. His great efforts were a big reason why they made it to the group stages, which earned him a lot of praise and attention.

Additionally, Subrata Pal is still involved in international football tournaments, where he helps the national team with their efforts on the world stage. Besides that, he keeps making big contributions to his club, ATK Mohun Bagan, in the Indian Super League (ISL), which makes him an even more important figure in Indian football.

As a role model for the next generation of talented Indian football players, Subrata Pal continues to inspire aspiring footballers across the country with his steadfast dedication and great play.

5. Jeje Lalpekhlua (2008 – 2023)

The fact that Jeje Lalpekhlua scored the second-most goals in the history of the Indian Super League (ISL) made him one of the best football players in India.

The FPAI Indian Player of the Year and AIFF Men’s Player of the Year awards for 2015-16 were given to him because of how well he played. His career was cut short, though, by a knee injury that wouldn’t go away. He had to quit. Even with this setback, Jeje’s services to Indian football and his accomplishments are still remembered and honored. He will be remembered for a long time in the sport.

6. Sailen Manna (1940-1960)

A lot of people think that Manna was one of India’s best defenders ever. The English Football Association named him one of the top 10 leaders in the world, making him the only Indian player to receive this honor.

In 1953, at the height of his career, he was recognized for his work. Manna received a lot of praise both in his home country and around the world for his outstanding leadership and defense skills. The things he did for Indian football are still talked about and remembered, making him a respected figure in the sport.

7. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (2009- Present)

Gurpreet is a goalie for India in international games and also plays for Bengaluru FC. He has played more than 50 times for his country’s team.

Gurpreet made history when he joined the Norwegian club Stabaek, becoming the fifth Indian player to play in Europe.

Furthermore, he is the first Indian football player to have played in the UEFA Europa League, which was a major turning point in his career.

8. Tulsidas Balaram (1956-1962)

While playing for East Bengal FC, Tulsidas was known as one of the best players in India because of how well he played as a forward.

Balaram played cricket for India 27 times and also helped teach Kolkata’s Mayor’s XI. He died in February 2023, which was sad.

9. Sandesh Jhinghan (2011- Present)

Sandesh Jhingan has played more than 42 games for Team India and is currently a center back for ATK Mohun Bagan.

The Arjuna Award was given to him in 2020 in honor of his outstanding achievement. He was also named the AIFF Men’s Player of the Year for his outstanding performance during the 2020-21 season.

10. Mohammed Salim (1926-1938)

Before India became its own country, Salim was a famous football player who played for the Mohammedan Sporting Club in the 1930s. During the British era, he made important services to the team. Salim is famous for being the first Indian football player to play for a European team.

Football facts you didn’t know!

Who started football in India?

In the mid-nineteenth century, British soldiers brought football to India. The game’s popularity grew thanks to Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari’s efforts in spreading it across the country.

When was football first played in India?

The first football game in India was played by the “Calcutta Club of Civilians” and the “Gentlemen of Barrackpore” in 1854. This was the first time football was played in the country. In 1872, the first football club in India was formed. It was called Calcutta FC. This club was very important in making the sport famous in the area.

Who is the highest goal scorer in football in India?

The most caps and most goals scored by an Indian player are both held by Sunil Chhetri. Because of how well he played, he is considered a hero in Indian football. Chhetri’s ability to score goals and long time playing the game have made him famous and admired by many. He has set a good standard as captain of the Indian national team, which has inspired football fans all over the country. Chhetri’s hard work and love for the sport continue to inspire fans and people who want to play.

What is the rank of India in FIFA football?

The list of FIFA football teams places India in the 99th position.

The Final Whistle

In the past few years, Indian football has grown a lot. This is because local leagues are becoming more popular and the national team is doing better. This success shows that Indian football has a bright future on the world stage. My goal with this blog is to help you learn more about Indian football and develop a love for the national team. To honor the great work of our best Indian football players, let’s show off the Indian football team of 2023. Let’s all respect how hard they work and how talented they are as they play football for our country. Indian football can go even further in the years to come if people keep supporting and cheering it on. Let’s cheer for our favorite team as they continue to do great things for us.