Football has a rich history in India, with legends who have significantly contributed to the sport’s growth. While cricket dominates the Indian sports scene, football has seen remarkable talent over the years, producing players who have represented the nation with pride and excellence. From the golden era of Indian football in the 1950s to the modern-day football stars, these players have left an everlasting impact.
Here is a list of the top 9 best Indian footballers of all time, based on their achievements, contributions, and influence on Indian football.
1. Sunil Chhetri – India’s Goal Machine
Career Highlights:
- Position: Forward
- Years Active: 2002–Present
- National Team Caps: 140+ (Most-capped Indian player)
- International Goals: 90+ (Third-highest active goal scorer in the world, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi)
Why He’s Among the Greatest?
- India’s most successful footballer in modern times
- Captain and leader of the Indian national team
- Won multiple SAFF Championships, AFC Challenge Cup (2008), and AIFF Player of the Year awards (7 times)
- Played internationally for Sporting CP (Portugal) and Kansas City Wizards (USA)
- Helped Indian football gain global recognition
Legacy: Sunil Chhetri is the face of modern Indian football, carrying the team on his shoulders for nearly two decades.
2. Bhaichung Bhutia – The Sikkimese Sniper
Career Highlights:
- Position: Forward
- Years Active: 1993–2011
- National Team Caps: 80+
- International Goals: 40+
Why He’s Among the Greatest?
- The first Indian footballer to sign a contract with a European club (Bury FC, England)
- Helped India win SAFF Championships (1997, 1999, 2005, 2009) and the AFC Challenge Cup (2008)
- Inspired a new generation of footballers in India
- Received the Padma Shri (2008) for his contribution to Indian football
Legacy: Bhaichung Bhutia was the pioneer of Indian football’s modern era and remains an icon in the sport.
3. PK Banerjee – The Leader of India’s Golden Era
Career Highlights:
- Position: Forward
- Years Active: 1954–1967
- National Team Caps: 45
- International Goals: 15
Why He’s Among the Greatest?
- Gold medalist in the 1962 Asian Games, India’s biggest football achievement
- Played in the 1956 Olympics, where India reached the semifinals
- Awarded the Arjuna Award (1961) and Padma Shri (1990)
- Coached India and clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal
Legacy: A true legend of Indian football, he shaped India’s golden era both as a player and a coach.
4. Chuni Goswami – The Multi-Sport Genius
Career Highlights:
- Position: Forward
- Years Active: 1954–1968
- National Team Caps: 50+
- International Goals: 9
Why He’s Among the Greatest?
- Captain of India’s 1962 Asian Games gold-medal-winning team
- Played for Mohun Bagan for 15 years, winning multiple domestic titles
- Dual-sport athlete – Played first-class cricket for Bengal
- Honored with Arjuna Award (1963) and Padma Shri (1983)
Legacy: A versatile sportsman, Chuni Goswami was one of India’s finest forwards in history.
5. Jarnail Singh – The Defensive Wall
Career Highlights:
- Position: Defender
- Years Active: 1959–1970
- National Team Caps: 50+
- International Goals: 10
Why He’s Among the Greatest?
- Key player in India’s 1962 Asian Games victory
- Played in the 1960 Olympics, earning praise for his solid defense
- Became the first Indian footballer to play for the Asian All-Star team
- Honored with the Arjuna Award (1964)
Legacy: Considered India’s best-ever defender, known for his aggressive yet composed playing style.
6. IM Vijayan – The Kerala Football Sensation
Career Highlights:
- Position: Forward
- Years Active: 1987–2006
- National Team Caps: 70+
- International Goals: 30+
Why He’s Among the Greatest?
- 3-time AIFF Player of the Year (1993, 1997, 1999)
- Scored one of the fastest goals in international football (12 seconds against Bhutan)
- Won the SAFF Championship (1997, 1999, 2005)
- Awarded the Padma Shri (2020) and Arjuna Award (2003)
Legacy: One of India’s most skillful strikers, famous for his goal-scoring ability.
7. Neville D’Souza – India’s Olympic Hero
Career Highlights:
- Position: Forward
- Years Active: 1950s
- National Team Caps: 15+
- International Goals: 11+
Why He’s Among the Greatest?
- First Asian footballer to score a hat-trick in the Olympics (1956 Melbourne Olympics)
- Helped India reach the semifinals of the 1956 Olympics
- Key player in India’s golden era
Legacy: India’s first true football superstar, leaving an unmatched mark in Olympic football.
8. Subrata Paul – The Spiderman of India
Career Highlights:
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Years Active: 2004–Present
- National Team Caps: 90+
Why He’s Among the Greatest?
- One of India’s best-ever goalkeepers, famous for his reflex saves
- Hero of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, earning the nickname “Spiderman”
- Won the SAFF Championship & Nehru Cup
- Awarded the Arjuna Award (2016)
Legacy: A modern legend, known for his spectacular saves and leadership.
9. Syed Abdul Rahim – The Greatest Indian Football Coach
Career Highlights:
- Position: Coach
- Years Active: 1950–1963
Why He’s Among the Greatest?
- Coach of India’s 1962 Asian Games gold-winning team
- Guided India to the semifinals of the 1956 Olympics
- Developed modern football tactics in India
- Influenced generations of Indian footballers
Legacy: The architect of Indian football’s golden era, his coaching shaped India’s best-ever football performances.
Final Thoughts
These 9 legendary Indian footballers have shaped the country’s football history, inspiring millions of aspiring players. From Sunil Chhetri’s modern dominance to PK Banerjee’s golden era leadership, these players brought glory to Indian football.
