Did you know that football is actually the 2nd most popular sport right here in India? Sure, there aren’t as many fans as crickets of this sport in the county, but there sure are hundreds and thousands of loyal fans, and many more are starting to follow this sport very closely. And the change in the number of people who follow as well as play football in India is rising super fast, especially the numbers that have gone really high in the last few years or so. But why’s that? Well, that’s because now India is on the path to becoming a well-known football team on the international stage, and that’s only because of some phenomenal football players who have made it possible. That is precisely what today’s post is all about because here we will be talking about the top 10 famous football players in India as of 2024. So, let’s get to the list, shall we?
1. Sunil Chhetri
If you are a fan of football in India, then that’s probably because of Sunil Chhetri, right? Yes, that’s how famous he is in India. Beginning with Mohun Bagan in 2002, his career spans more than two wonderful years including stints with prominent teams such as JCT, East Bengal, Dempo, and Bengaluru FC. Having scored 94 goals in 150 international games, Sunil Chhetri is the third-highest current international goal scorer behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. For the national squad, his leadership has been absolutely vital; it has guided them into Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship successes. Though, our legend announced his retirement just this last month in June 2024, and with that, his legacy will be remembered forever, that’s for sure.
2. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Born on February 3, 1992, in Chamkaur Sahib, Punjab, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s path to the top started with East Bengal and then progressed to Norwegian side Stabaek, making him the first Indian to play in a top-tier European league. Returning to India with Bengaluru FC, he amassed clean sheets and trophies including the ISL championship. Sandhu, well-known for his shot-stopping ability, has been crucial for India’s international campaigns, especially for his heroics in a goalless draw against Qatar in the World Cup qualifiers for 2022, you know?
3. Sandesh Jhingan
Renowned for his strong defending and leadership, Sandesh Jhingan’s ascent started with United Sikkim and shot with Kerala Blasters in the ISL, where he was crowned “Emerging Player of the League”. His 2015 international debut confirmed his reputation and was super important in events such as the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. For sure, now aspiring football players look up to Sandesh Jhingan off the field for his rigorous way of life and commitment to fitness.
4. Jeje Lalpekhlua
Starting with Pune FC, Jeje’s path developed with Chennaiyin FC, where he won two ISL championships, did you know that? Jeje’s influence on the national team has been notable with 23 goals in 56 international games. Though Jeje retired in 2023 due to a major knee injury, his “Jeje12 Football Academy” in Mizoram helps to shape the next generation of potential, you know?
5. Pronay Halder
Beginning with Pailan Arrow, Halder’s career saw him rise to be a major contributor for teams such as Dempo, Mohun Bagan, and ATK Mohun Bagan. His achievements in the ISL alongside Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC have been exceptional, that’s for sure. Halder started internationally in 2015 and has been a regular in the midfield, noted for upsetting opposition play and offering consistency.
6. Anirudh Thapa
Anirudh Thapa, born in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on January 15, 1998, is the poster kid for Indian middle-class brilliance. Thapa’s aptitude was shown early on, first at St. Stephen’s Football Academy then at AIFF Elite Academy. He joined Chennaiyin FC in 2016 and soon became well-known for his vision and passing accuracy, which was super important for their 2019–20 ISL effort. All in all, he is among India’s greatest midfield players because of his game management and under-pressure decisive pass abilities.
7. Pritam Kotal
Pritam Kotal’s path from the young team of Chirag United to become a main player at ATK, where he won ISL medals, is amazing. Joining Kerala Blasters in 2023, Pritam Kotal’s flexibility as a right-back or center-back has been much valued. Having more than fifty caps for the national team, his participation in events including the Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Championship are notable, you know?
8. Rowllin Borges
Beginning with Sporting Goa, Rowllin Borges excelled in the ISL at NorthEast United and Mumbai City FC. And yes, with Borges central in their midfield, his transfer to FC Goa in 2023 signaled a new phase. Borges debuted internationally in 2015 and has been a major player, especially highlighted for his performance in the 2015 SAFF Championship, we all remember that, right?
9. Manvir Singh
And for those who don’t know, Manvir Singh actually started his path with Minerva Academy FC under the influence of his father, then made his professional debut with FC Goa. And yes, after his outstanding performance in the 2018-19 season, he was moved to ATK Mohun Bagan where he helped guarantee the 2023 Durand Cup and the 2022–23 ISL title. All in all, Manvir has been consistent internationally since 2017, scoring key goals including a historic one against Kuwait in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying round.
10. Amarjit Singh Kiyam
Last on the list, but no less talented is Amarjit Singh Kiyam who really is a gifted midfielder distinguished by passing and leadership ability. Amarjit made history capturing the India U-17 team in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, remember him now? Amarjit debuted internationally in 2019 and soon proved to be a consistent midfielder with extraordinary ability.
Conclusion
There you have it. Sure, there are many more rising stars in the football scene of India, but these are by far the biggest superstars when it comes to football in the country. If you really consider yourself a football fan, you must follow the journey of these footballers from India.
