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Football is one of the most popular sports in India and its ardent fans want their team to record their presence in the FIFA World Cup in the future. During the colonial times, British soldiers introduced the illustrious sport to the country and in the 1930s, when the team did their first international tour organised under the Indian Football Association (IFA), defender Gostha Pal was handed the reins of the side. After independence, when India’s football team visited Great Britain for the Summer Olympics 1948, Talimeran Ao became the skipper of the team.
However, despite being active in the sport for such a long time, India are still awaiting their chance to mark their presence in the FIFA World Cup. In these years, India have also produced some legends who strove to make the team a quality side in the sport. Talking about some, SportsTiger has come up with five legendary Indian footballers of all time.
5. Shabbir Ali
Shabbir Ali served India from 1974 to 1984 and during this period, he scored 23 goals in 66 outings. With these numbers, he is the fourth-most successful India player in terms of goals. His career spanned until 1984 and during this period, he also played for East Bengal and Mohammedan in the club football.
4. Pradip Kumar Mukherjee
Striker Pradip Kumar Mukherjee played for India for 11 years from 1955 to 1966 and during his stint with the national team, he scored 16 goals in 52 contests. Talking about his club career, he also donned the jerseys of Eastern Railway, East Bengal, and Mohun Bagan.
3. IM Vijayan
Inivalappil Mani Vijayan was known for his attacking prowess as a striker. He delivered his service to India from 1992 to 2002 and during this period, he notched up 29 goals in 72 contests. During his stint, he also served the distinguished clubs Mohun Bagan, Churchill Brothers, and East Bengal Club.
2. Bhaichung Bhatia
Bhaichung Bhatia made his debut for India in 1995 and he went on to play for the side until 2011. He also captained the team from 2000 to 2011. His club career spanned from 1993 to 2015 and during these years, he recorded his association with East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.
1. Sunil Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri has been part of India since 2002 and in his vast career. He is currently the most-successful player for the national side, netting 75 times in 182 matches. In the Indian Super League (ISL), he is the player with the most number of goals, scoring in 87 instances. He is currently associated with Bengaluru FC. Earlier, in 2015 and 2016, he was a vital member of Mumbai City.
