Famous Indian Football Players

Sunil Chhetri is a highly accomplished Indian professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a forward. He has played for various clubs in India and abroad, showcasing his goal-scoring abilities and leadership on the field. Chhetri has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, including leading India to victories in prestigious tournaments such as the Nehru Cup and SAFF Championship. Recognized for his outstanding performance, he has received multiple awards, including the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri. Chhetri's impressive goal tally ranks him among the top international goal-scorers globally, cementing his status as one of the greatest Indian football players of all time.

Baichung Bhutia is an Indian former professional footballer known for his prolific career as a striker. He made history by signing with English club Bury, becoming the first Indian footballer to play professionally in Europe. Bhutia also had successful stints with clubs like East Bengal FC, JCT Mills, and Mohun Bagan in India. His international achievements include winning various tournaments and being India's second most capped player. Off the field, he has been involved in reality TV, activism, and football development initiatives.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is a prominent Indian professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a goalkeeper. He currently plays for Indian Super League club Bengaluru and serves as the captain of the India national team. Sandhu has made significant achievements in his career, including being the first Indian to play a competitive match for a top-division European club and the first Indian to participate in the UEFA Europa League. His leadership qualities were highlighted when he was named captain of the India national team for a victorious friendly match against Puerto Rico.

Romeo Fernandes is an Indian professional footballer known for his role as a winger at Indian Super League club East Bengal. With a career focused on showcasing his skills on the field, he has gained recognition for his speed, agility, and technical abilities. Fernandes has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the pitch, contributing to his team's success with his strategic gameplay and goal-scoring capabilities. His dedication to the sport and commitment to excellence have solidified his reputation as a talented and valuable asset in the world of professional football.

Arata Izumi is a professional football coach and former midfielder who has had a diverse career in various clubs across Asia. He began his career in Singapore and Japan before moving to India, where he played for clubs such as East Bengal, Mahindra United, Pune, Atlético de Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune City, NEROCA, and Kerala Blasters. Izumi also represented India at the international level, playing nine matches between 2013 and 2014. Currently, he serves as the assistant coach for I-League club Inter Kashi.

Jeje Lalpekhlua is a former professional footballer who played as a striker and later transitioned into politics. He achieved success in both the I-League and the Indian Super League, winning titles with Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin. Jeje is known for his prolific goal-scoring abilities, being the second-highest Indian goalscorer in ISL history and holding the record for most goals scored for Chennaiyin. He also represented India in international matches, scoring 23 goals in 56 appearances between 2011 and 2019.

Subrata Pal is an Indian former professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a goalkeeper. He has been recognized as one of India's top goalkeepers and was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2016 by the government of India. Throughout his career, Pal showcased remarkable talent and dedication on the field, earning respect and admiration from fans and fellow players alike. His contributions to Indian football have left a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as a respected figure in the sport.

Yan Cheng Law is an Indian football coach currently coaching the I-League club Delhi. In addition to his club coaching responsibilities, he was offered the position of assistant coach for the India national under-17 football team in 2024, which he declined. This decision showcases his focus on his current coaching role and his commitment to his club team. Law's professional life is characterized by his dedication to developing players and leading his team to success in the competitive world of Indian football.

Kiyan Nassiri Giri is a talented Indian professional footballer known for his skills as a winger. He currently showcases his abilities as part of the Indian Super League club Chennaiyin. With a passion for the sport and a strong work ethic, Kiyan has made a name for himself in the footballing world. His agility, speed, and technical prowess on the field have helped him become a valuable asset to his team, contributing significantly to their success in various competitions.

Sanjeev Stalin is an Indian professional footballer known for his role as a full back in the Indian Super League club Mumbai City. He has showcased his talent on the international stage by representing India in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and various youth international levels. With a promising career ahead of him, Sanjeev has demonstrated skill, dedication, and determination in his professional journey, earning recognition for his contributions to the sport both at home and abroad.

Pradip Kumar Banerjee was an Indian professional footballer who played as a striker for the India national football team. He captained the national team and later became its coach. Banerjee represented India in 52 official matches, scoring 16 goals. He was a recipient of the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri. Additionally, he was named Indian Footballer of the 20th century by IFFHS and was awarded the FIFA Order of Merit in 2004. Banerjee passed away on 20 March 2020 after battling age-related issues and other health complications.

Paul Wilson was a professional footballer who played as a forward for Celtic, Motherwell, and Partick Thistle. His career peaked in the 1974–75 season when he scored 29 goals for Celtic, including two in the Scottish Cup final win. He represented Scotland once in 1975, becoming the only non-white player to do so in the 20th century. Wilson was the first footballer with Asian origins to represent Scotland, England, Wales, or Northern Ireland at the senior level. He retired from professional football at the age of 29.