Portugal football team captain Cristiano Ronaldo's 130 goals make him the player with the most goals in international football.

Cristiano Ronaldo initially broke the record for the most goals in international football after his brace in a 2-1 win against Ireland in 2021.

The former Manchester United forward surpassed former Iran center-forward Ali Daei for most goals in international football. Daei’s record of 109 goals stood untouchable for 15 years, since 2006, until Ronaldo matched the figure at the re-scheduled Euro 2020.

58 - Against Luxembourg this evening, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 58th hat-trick of his professional career and his 10th for Portugal. Incredible. pic.twitter.com/qAFsZO2Slq

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 12, 2021

Cristiano Ronaldo, who made his debut for the Portugal national team in a 1�? win over Kazakhstan, is the highest appearance maker for the Euro 2016 winners. During his 181st international cap on October 9, Ronaldo broke the European record for most-capped players in men’s international football which former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos held since 2020. The Portuguese star continues to represent his national side after the FIFA 2022 World Cup and has become the first player to reach 200 international caps for his country.

Ronaldo's major rival and FIFA World Cup 2022-winning captain, Lionel Messi is third on this list with 106 goals. The former Barcelona captain had earlier surpassed Brazil icon Pele to become the most prolific international goalscorer from South America and is now the first South American footballer to have more than 100 international goals.

Meanwhile, the Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri is in the fourth spot on this list. The tally of Sunil Chhetri's international goals is 94 goals.

Most international goals in football

No.	Player	Country	Goals
1.	Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	130*
2.	Ali Daei	Iran	109
3	Lionel Messi	Argentina	106*
4.	Sunil Chhetri	India	94
5.	Mokhtar Dahari	Malaysia	89
6.	Romelu Lukaku	Belgium	85
7.	Ali Mabkhout	United Arab Emirates	85
8.	Ferenc Puskas	Hungary	84
9.	Robert Lewandowski	Poland	82*
10	Godfrey Chitalu	Zambia	79

Featured photo: AFP / BERNADETT SZABO

India national football team captain Sunil Chhetri has been one of the most successful sports personalities in the country.

Born in Secunderabad, Telangana, Sunil Chhetri began his professional football career at Mohun Bagan in 2002.

Chhetri later made his India national U-20 football team debut at the 2004 South Asian Games in Pakistan. India registered a 1-0 win against Pakistan U-23 side on March 30, 2004.

Four days later, the talented forward netted a brace in India’s 4-1 victory over Bhutan U-23 team.

Having impressed at the junior level,Chhetri then made his senior India national football team debut against Pakistan in June 2005.

Since then, Chhetri has emerged as a goal-scoring machine for India in international football. 

The Indian star footballer has netted 94 goals in 150 appearances for the India national football team. He is currently India’s all-time top goal-scorer and is in the fourth position for most goals in international football. 

Chhetri is currently the third-highest active goalscorer in international football after Cristiano Ronaldo (128) and Lionel Messi (106).

He is also the most-capped player for India, having made 150 official appearances for the Blue Tigers at international level.

Meanwhile, Chhetri has announced his retirement from international football after the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match against Kuwait at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on June 6.

Apart from his international exploits, Chhetri has also bagged more than 150 goals at club level.

He has also won several prestigious awards, including the Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honour, the Arjuna Award - the country's second-highest sporting award, and the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award.

Following his successes on the football field, Chhetri has become a reputed brand himself. He is one of the richest Indian footballers and also one of the top-earning sports personalities in the country. Let’s have a look at Sunil Chhetri’s net worth.

Sunil Chhetri net worth

Sunil Chhetri’s net worth is estimated at INR 8 crore ($1 million) in 2024, which includes his salary and earnings from various endorsement deals and business ventures. 

The Indian Super League 2018-19 winner is estimated to earn INR 5 crore every year, including his INR 1.5 crore annual contract with Bengaluru FC in the ISL.

However, the majority of Sunil Chhetri’s income comes from his various endorsement deals. Chhetri has endorsed brands like Pepsi, Puma, Tata Motors, and Iodex.

In 2019, the Indian football team captain signed a three-year deal with Puma. He later became the face of the football fantasy gaming platform Twelfth Man in 2020.

Sunil Chhetri’s cars and other assets

Sunil Chhetri owns a beautiful house in Bengaluru, which is worth around INR 3 crore. The luxurious home has all the modern facilities including huge living room, dining area, kitchen, family room, gym, home theatre and a well maintained garden with a swimming pool and barbecue area. 

The 39-year-old also has a huge car collection which comprises an Audi A6 (INR 56 lakh), Toyota Fortuner (INR 47 lakh), Kia Seltos (INR 16 lakh) and Mahindra Scorpio (INR 14 lakh).

Photo credit: Alamy

India national football team captain Sunil Chhetri has announced his retirement from international football.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian footballers of all time, Sunil Chhetri brought the curtains down on his legendary two-decade career with the Indian football team.

The 39-year-old made the announcement in an emotional video he posted on his social media accounts on Thursday, May 16.

“The feel that I recollect in the last 19 years is a very nice combination of duty, pressure and immense joy,�?Chhetri said while announcing his retirement.

“I never thought individually these are the games I've played for the country, this is what I've done good, I've done bad. But, now I did it, this last one-and-a-half two months. It felt very strange. I did it because I was going towards the decision that the next game was going to be my last,�?the Indian captain added.

I'd like to say something... pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV

�?Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024

Know more about Sunil Chhetri retirement date, opponent and venue. 

Sunil Chhetri retirement date

Sunil Chhetri has decided to retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match against Kuwait at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday, June 6.

Under head coach Igor Stimac, the Indian football team is currently placed second in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Second Round Group A standings with four points from as many games.

Earlier, India started their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Kuwait courtesy Manvir Singh’s match-winning strike in November 2023.

The Blue Tigers, however, later went down to Qatar 0-3 in their next qualifying match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

In March, India were held to a goalless draw by Afghanistan before losing 1-2 to the same opponents at home in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

India will play Kuwait (June 6) and Qatar (June 11) in their final two qualifying games.

The top two teams from the group will qualify for the third qualifying round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. They will also earn a direct entry in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 to be held in Saudi Arabia.

Sunil Chhetri International Goals

Sunil Chhetri is the all-time top goalscorer of the Indian national football team. He has netted 94 goals in 150 appearances for India since his international debut in 2005.

Known lovingly as ‘captain, leader, legend�?by fans, Chhetri is currently the third-highest active goalscorer in international football after Cristiano Ronaldo (128) and Lionel Messi (106).

Apart from being India football team’s all-time leading goal-scorer, Sunil Chhetri is also the most-capped player for India. He has made 150 official appearances for India at international level.

Chhetri’s first international tournament was the 2007 Nehru Cup held in New Delhi. Till date, he has netted nine goals in 14 appearances in Nehru Cup history.

Apart from the Nehru Cup, Chhetri has represented India in SAFF Championships, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Intercontinental Cups, AFC Asian Cup and King’s Cup.

Chhetri has been a prolific goal-scorer for India, having scored four hat-tricks in international football. He recorded hat-tricks against Tajikistan in 2008, Vietnam in 2010, Chinese Taipei in 2018, and Pakistan in 2023.

As far as a favourite opponent is concerned, Chhetri has scored his most international goals against Nepal and Maldives. While he has netted nine goals in 13 appearances versus Nepal, he has scored the same number of goals in just six games against Maldives.

Apart from his international exploits, Chhetri has also scored more than 150 goals at club level.

He has also won several prestigious awards, including the Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honour, the Arjuna Award - the country's second-highest sporting award, and the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award.

With his unmatched legacy and incredible career achievements, Sunil Chhetri will go down as one of the greatest footballers to have ever graced the beautiful game.

Photo credit: Alamy

Sunil Chhetri is arguably one of the greatest footballers that India has ever produced. 

Born in Secunderabad, Telangana, Sunil Chhetri made his India national U-20 football team debut at the 2004 South Asian Games in Pakistan. India registered a 1-0 win against Pakistan U-23 side on March 30, 2004.

Four days later, Sunil Chhetri netted a brace in India’s 4-1 victory over Bhutan U-23 team.

Having impressed at the junior level, the talented forward later made his senior India national football team debut against Pakistan in June 2005.

Since then, Chhetri has emerged as a goal-scoring machine for India in international football. 

How many goals has Sunil Chhetri scored for India in international football?

Sunil Chhetri has scored 94 goals in 150 appearances for the India national football team. He is currently India’s all-time top goal-scorer and is in the fourth position for most goals in international football. Known lovingly as ‘captain, leader, legend�?by fans, Chhetri is currently the third-highest active goalscorer in international football after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Year	Appearances	Goals
2005	5	1
2006	1	0
2007	7	6
2008	13	8
2009	6	1
2010	6	3
2011	17	13
2012	8	4
2013	11	5
2014	2	3
2015	12	6
2016	4	2
2017	6	5
2018	6	8
2019	11	7
2021	10	8
2022	6	4
2023	14	9
2024	5	1
Total	150	94

Apart from being India football team’s all-time leading goal-scorer, Sunil Chhetri is also the most-capped player for India. He has made 150 official appearances for India at international level.

Chhetri’s first international tournament was the 2007 Nehru Cup held in New Delhi. Till date, he has netted nine goals in 14 appearances in Nehru Cup history.

Apart from the Nehru Cup, Chhetri has represented India in SAFF Championships, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Intercontinental Cups, AFC Asian Cup and King’s Cup.

Sunil Chhetri goals by competition

Competition	Appearances	Goals
SAFF Championship	27	23
FIFA World Cup qualifiers	23	10
Nehru Cup	14	9
AFC Asian Cup qualifiers	12	8
Intercontinental Cup	11	13
AFC Challenge Cup	8	4
AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers	6	3
AFC Asian Cup	8	4
King's Cup	1	1
Merdeka Tournament	1	1

Chhetri has been a prolific goal-scorer for India, having scored four hat-tricks in international football. He recorded hat-tricks against Tajikistan in 2008, Vietnam in 2010, Chinese Taipei in 2018, and Pakistan in 2023.

As far as a favourite opponent is concerned, Chhetri has scored his most international goals against Nepal and Maldives. While he has netted nine goals in 13 appearances versus Nepal, he has scored the same number of goals in just six games against Maldives.

Sunil Chhetri’s favourite opponents

Opposition	Appearances	Goals
Nepal	13	9
Maldives	6	8
Bangladesh	6	6
Chinese Taipei	5	6
Cambodia	3	5

Having bagged several records to his name, Sunil Chhetri will go down as one of the greatest footballers to have ever graced the beautiful game. Apart from his international exploits, Chhetri has also scored more than 150 goals at club level.

Photo credit: Alamy

Bengaluru FC and Indian national football team captain Sunil Chhetri has scored the most goals for India. He has 94 goals in 150 appearances to his name.

Chhetri, one of India’s most celebrated sports personalities, made his international debut in June 2005 against Pakistan and thanks to his only goal, the team managed to salvage a 1-1 draw.

Two years on from his debut game against the arch-rivals, Chhetri appeared in his first-ever international tournament in the 2007 Nehru Cup. In the opening match against Cambodia, the star forward scored twice in a 6-0 win. He registered four goals in the tournament as India went on to their first Nehru Cup title.

During this 16-year stint with the Indian national football team, Chhetri has scored four hat-tricks, most by any Indian, while getting braces on more than fifteen occasions. Furthermore, among all the teams he has played against, the likes of Maldives and Nepal have been his favourite victims, having scored eight goals against them each.

As far as international competitions are concerned, the SAFF Championship has been the most productive tournament for the forward as he scored more than 20 goals in it.

Chhetri’s tally of 90 international goals is significantly higher than second-placed I.M Vijayan, who has netted 29 goals for India. The legendary striker is followed by Bhaichung Bhutia, who has 26 international goals to his name.

From making his debut in 1995 to his retirement in 2011, Bhutia earned 80 international caps, winning the SAFF Championship on three occasions and the Nehru Cup twice.

Shabbir Ali, a former Mohammedan Sporting Club player and manager, shares the fourth spot with Jeje Lalpekhlua with 23 goals each. Sunil Chhetri, I.M Vijayan, Bhaichung Bhutia, Shabbir Ali and Jeje Lalpekhlua are the only players who scored goals in double figures for the Indian team.

Most goals for India

Player	Span	International caps	Goals
Sunil Chhetri	2005-present	150	94
I.M. Vijayan	1989-2004	66	29
Bhaichung Bhutia	1995-2011	80	26
Shabbir Ali	1974-1984	66	23
Jeje Lalpekhlua	2011-present	56

Featured photo: AFP / Khaled Desouki

The India national football team will lock horns with Afghanistan in their third match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers second round campaign at Damac Stadium in Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia. 

The Group A IND vs AFG match will start at 12:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) on Friday, March 22.

Led by their talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri, India will look to bounce back after succumbing to a 0-3 defeat against two-time Asian champions Qatar in their previous FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifying game at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in November.

Earlier, the Igor Stimac-coached Blue Tigers started their FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifying campaign with an impressive 1-0 win over hosts Kuwait at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.

With three points from two matches, India are currently placed third in the Group A standings.

After a disappointing AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign, India have dropped to 117th in the FIFA men’s rankings.

On the other hand, the Afghanistan national football team has lost both their matches in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifiers.

Afghanistan began their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers campaign with a 1-8 thrashing against Qatar before losing 0-4 to Kuwait.

Currently placed 158th in the FIFA men’s rankings, Afghanistan are languishing at the bottom of the Group A standings.

The top two teams from the group will qualify for the third qualifying round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. They will also earn a direct entry in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 to be held in Saudi Arabia.

India’s national football team squad vs Afghanistan

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith

Defenders: Akash Mishra, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Subhasish Bose, Anwar Ali, Amey Ranawade, Jay Gupta

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Imran Khan

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Vikram Partap Singh

India vs Afghanistan football head-to-head

India have a dominant head-to-head record against Afghanistan in international football. The Blue Tigers have won seven of the 11 matches while Afghanistan have registered just a solitary victory. As many as three matches have ended in draws.

The last time these two sides met, India beat Afghanistan 2-1 in an AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata in June 2022. Sunil Chhetri and Sahal Abdul Samad were on the scoresheet for the Blue Tigers.

Where to watch India vs Afghanistan FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers live 

Live streaming of the India vs Afghanistan FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers second round match will be available on the FanCode app and website in India.

The India vs Afghanistan FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match will be telecast live on DD Sports.

Photo credit: Alamy

The India national football team will lock horns with Syria in their final Group B match of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. 

The India vs Syria AFC Asian Cup 2023 Group B match will start at 5:00 PM IST on Tuesday, January 23. Live streaming and telecast of the match will be available in India.

Under head coach Igor Stimac, India will look to bounce back after suffering a 0-3 defeat to Uzbekistan in their second group game.

Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Igor Sergeev and Sherzod Nasrullaev scored a goal each in the first half to help Uzbekistan beat the Blue Tigers convincingly.

Earlier, the Sunil Chhetri-led team produced a spirited performance before going down 0-2 to Australia in their campaign opener.

Despite consecutive defeats, India can still qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 knockouts. 

Sunil Chhetri’s men need to win, ideally with a high goal margin in order to eliminate Syria from the tournament.

However, in case India lose or draw, they will be knocked out of the competition.

As per the format, the top two teams from each group along with the four best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 16.

On the other hand, the Syria national football team played out a goalless draw against Uzbekistan in their campaign opener.

Ranked 91st in the FIFA rankings, Syria lost to Australia 0-1 in their previous group match on Thursday.

With a solitary point from two matches, Syria are placed third in the Group B standings. Australia are leading the standings with six points, followed by Uzbekistan with four points.

Heading into the crucial game, Syria will start as favourites against India, who are currently ranked 102nd in the FIFA rankings.

India vs Syria football head-to-head

India holds a slight edge over Syria in international football, winning three of the six matches that they have played so far. Syria registered two victories while one game ended in a draw.

The last time these two sides met, India and Syria played a 1-1 draw in an Intercontinental Cup clash in Ahmedabad in 2019.

Where to watch India vs Syria AFC Asian Cup 2023 match live in India 

The India vs Syria AFC Asian Cup 2023 match will be telecast live on Sports18 3 and Sports18 1 HD TV channels in India.

Live streaming of the India vs Syria AFC Asian Cup 2023 match will be available on the JioCinema app and website.

Photo credit: Alamy 

The Indian men’s football team will lock horns with Australia in its AFC Asian Cup 2023 opener at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on January 13.

Led by talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri, the Indian football team has been drawn in Group B alongside Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria. India’s matches in the AFC Asian Cup football tournament will be available on live streaming and telecast in India.

After facing Australia in their campaign opener, the Blue Tigers are scheduled to face Uzbekistan at the same venue on January 18.

Under the tutelage of head coach Igor Stimac, India will take on Syria in the third and final group match to be played at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on January 23.

As many as 24 teams will participate in the 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup to be hosted by Qatar. These participating teams have been divided into six groups of four teams each. 

Each team will play the other sides in their group once. The top two teams from each group along with the four best third-placed teams will advance to the knockout stage that comprises the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 final is scheduled to be played at the Lusail Stadium on February 10.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a 26-member squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2023. The Sunil Chhetri-led side includes several familiar names including goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, defender Sandesh Jhingan, midfielder Anirudh Thapa and forward Lallianzuala Chhangte.

The likes of Brandon Fernandes and Sahal Abdul Samad, who were earlier doubtful, have also been selected.

However, India will miss the services of Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Ashique Kuruniyan and Rohit Kumar due to injuries. 

Since the inception of the AFC Asian Cup in 1956, India has qualified for the continental football championship on five occasions in 1964, 1984, 2011, 2019 and 2023.

AFC Asian Cup 2023 Indian football team squad

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith

Defenders: Akash Mishra, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Pritam Kotal, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh

Forwards: Ishan Pandita, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh

Indian football team’s AFC Asian Cup 2023 schedule and live match start times

All match times are in India Standard Time (IST)

Day and Date	Match	Venue	Time (IST)
Saturday, January 13	Australia vs India	Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan	5:00 PM
Thursday, January 18	India vs Uzbekistan	Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan	8:00 PM
Tuesday, January 23	Syria vs India	Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor	5:00 PM

Where to watch AFC Asian Cup 2023 live in India

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 matches will be telecast live on Sports18 Network’s TV channels in India.

Live streaming of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 will be available on the JioCinema app and website.

Photo credit: Alamy

The Intercontinental Cup 2023 will start on June 9 and conclude on June 18. 

The Intercontinental Cup is a four-nation football tournament which is organised by the All India football federation (AIFF). 

Hosts India, Mongolia, Lebanon and Vanuatu are the four teams that will feature in the upcoming edition of the tournament.

According to the FIFA rankings, Lebanon are the top-ranked team (99) in the tournament, followed by India (101) and Vanuatu (164). Meanwhile, Mongolia (183) will be the lowest-ranked side in the competition.

All matches of Intercontinental Cup 2023 will be played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.

As per the format of the tournament, each team will play the other sides in a round-robin format. Every participating team will play at least a total of three matches. The top two teams in the standings will lock horns in the Intercontinental Cup 2023 final on Sunday, June 18.

The Intercontinental Cup was introduced by AIFF as a replacement for the Nehru Cup in 2018. 

Led by their talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri, India beat Kenya 2-0 in the 2018 final to clinch the inaugural Intercontinental Cup held in Mumbai.

Under head coach Igor Stimac, the 25-man Indian squad will once again be led by Sunil Chhetri in the upcoming edition. Chhetri is also the leading goal-scorer in the history of the competition with 11 strikes.

Interestingly, North Korea won the last edition of the Intercontinental Cup in 2019. 

Indian football squad for Intercontinental Cup 2023

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh

Defenders: Subhasish Bose, Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Akash Mishra, Mehtab Singh and Rahul Bheke

Midfielders: Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Rohit Kumar, Udanta Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Jeakson Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Lalengmawia Ralte, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rowllin Borges and Nandha Kumar

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Rahim Ali and Ishan Pandita

Where to watch the Intercontinental Cup 2023 live in India?

The Intercontinental Cup 2023 will be telecast live on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.

Live streaming of the Intercontinental Cup 2023 will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

Intercontinental Cup 2023 schedule and live India match times

All match times are in India Standard Time (IST)

Friday, June 9

Lebanon vs Vanuatu - 4:30 PM

India vs Mongolia - 7:30 PM

Monday, June 12

Mongolia vs Lebanon - 4:30 PM

Vanuatu vs India - 7:30 PM

Thursday, June 15

Vanuatu vs Mongolia - 4:30 PM

India vs Lebanon - 7:30 PM

Sunday, June 18

Intercontinental Cup 2023 final - 7:30 PM

Photo credit: Alamy

Bartholomew Ogbeche scored a brace for Hyderabad FC on February 19, 2022, to surpass Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri for the most goals in Indian Super League history. 

The Nigerian produced another scintillating performance to help the Nizams secure a crucial 3-2 win against FC Goa in Indian Super League 2021-22 at the GMC Athletic Stadium. Overall, Ogbeche has netted 63 times in 96 matches in the ISL.

Earlier, Chhetri's 87th-minute goal against Hyderabad FC in a 1-2 defeat witnessed the Indian captain topping the list for most goals in Indian Super League for a short time before Ogbeche took the lead once again. 

The Bengaluru captain has bagged 53 goals in 130 matches while former FC Goa forward Ferran Corominas had scored 48 goals in 57 matches.

Two-time ISL Golden Boot winner Corominas arrived in the Indian Super League in 2017 amidst massive fanfare. The clinical striker had plied his trade in Spain’s La Liga, including a long tenure with Espanyol where he played alongside the former Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino.

After brief stints with Girona, Elche and Mallorca, Corominas joined FC Goa and scored 18 goals in his debut season for the Gaurs. Coro, as he is fondly known by supporters, continued his rich run of form in the subsequent season, scoring 16 goals and winning the ISL Golden Boot for the second time running.

He scored plenty of goals in the 2019-20 ISL season as well, but his tally of 14 strikes was bettered by Roy Krishna, Nerijus Valskis and Bartholomew Ogbeche in that campaign.

Meanwhile, Chhetri, who has played for Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC in the ISL, scored seven goals in his debut ISL season with the Islanders. In his first season with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, Chhetri netted 14 times as his team narrowly missed out on the title.

During Bengaluru’s title winning-run in 2018-19, the Indian stalwart scored nine goals.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC's new talisman Roy Krishna is fourth on the list with 41 goals from 77 matches, while the former NorthEast United winger Marcelinho Leite Pereira completes the top five list with 34 goals in 87 games.

Most goals in Indian Super League

Player	Matches	Goals
Bartholomew Ogbeche	96	63
Sunil Chhetri	131	53
Ferran Corominas	57	48
Roy Krishna	78	41
Marcelinho	87	34

Featured photo: ISL Media