Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua are two of the most influential figures in Indian football in recent years, particularly in terms of goal-scoring contributions for both the Indian national team and their respective clubs.
Sunil Chhetri (30 Goals)
- Full Name: Sunil Chhetri
- Nationality: Indian
- Position: Forward / Striker
Sunil Chhetri is widely regarded as one of the best footballers India has ever produced. With 30 goals for the national team, he is India’s all-time top scorer, surpassing legends like Bhaichung Bhutia and Mohammad Habib.
Chhetri is the captain of the Indian national team and has been an instrumental figure in the team’s recent successes. His goal-scoring record of 30 goals makes him the top scorer for India, and his leadership has helped India perform well in regional tournaments like the SAFF Championship and the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
He is also among the highest goal scorers in the history of international football for active players, having surpassed players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in certain contexts.
Chhetri has enjoyed a highly successful career at the club level, playing for East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and more recently, Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL).
His time at Bengaluru FC has been particularly successful, where he has been a key figure in the team’s rise to prominence in the ISL, helping them win the 2018-19 ISL title.
Known for his work ethic, finishing, and leadership on the field, Chhetri has been a key figure for both his national team and his clubs. He is a highly versatile forward, capable of playing as a central striker or on the wings.
He is also known for his ability to score in crucial moments, be it in domestic competitions or international fixtures.
Sunil Chhetri has established himself as India’s most iconic footballer and continues to be the face of Indian football both domestically and internationally. His commitment, leadership, and performances have inspired countless young players and raised the profile of Indian football globally.
Jeje Lalpekhlua (23 Goals)
Full Name: Jeje Lalpekhlua
Nationality: Indian
Position: Striker
Jeje Lalpekhlua has been one of the key figures for the Indian national team and Indian Super League (ISL) clubs in recent years. With 23 goals for India, he is one of the most reliable goal-scorers the country has seen.
Jeje Lalpekhlua has been a consistent performer for the Indian national team, particularly in the SAFF Championship and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
While Jeje has not reached the goal-scoring heights of Chhetri, he has still been a crucial part of the team and has often stepped up in important fixtures, contributing both goals and assists.
Jeje has had a successful club career in the Indian Super League (ISL), playing for clubs like Chennaiyin FC and Mohan Bagan (before joining ATK Mohun Bagan).
He played a significant role in Chennaiyin FC’s successes, including their ISL title wins in 2015 and 2017. He has been particularly known for his ability to finish chances and his presence in the attacking third.
Jeje Lalpekhlua is a clinical striker, known for his finishing ability and aerial strength. His ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play has been an asset to both his national team and his club sides.
Although not as versatile as Chhetri, Jeje’s poaching ability inside the box and his knack for scoring in critical moments make him an important part of the Indian setup.
While Jeje Lalpekhlua may not have the same national and international stature as Chhetri, his contributions to Indian football and his consistent performances in the ISL and national team have earned him respect.
Jeje remains one of India’s most reliable goal-scoring forwards, and his legacy is tied to the success of Chennaiyin FC in the ISL and his regular appearances for the Indian national team.
Sunil Chhetri: 30 goals for the Indian national team, making him the all-time top scorer.
Jeje Lalpekhlua: 23 goals for India, ranking among the top scorers but behind Chhetri.
Sunil Chhetri has a much higher goal tally than Jeje Lalpekhlua. As India’s all-time top scorer, Chhetri leads the way by a significant margin.
Chhetri has had an illustrious career at East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Bengaluru FC, with immense success in both domestic leagues and international tournaments.
Jeje Lalpekhlua has also been a key player for Chennaiyin FC and Mohan Bagan, with two ISL titles under his belt.
Both players have had successful club careers, but Chhetri’s influence and success have been more widespread across multiple clubs and leagues.
Chhetri has been the captain of the Indian national team for many years and has been central to India’s rise in international football. His leadership and ability to score goals in high-stakes games have made him an iconic figure.
Jeje Lalpekhlua has been a key player for India but in a more supporting role, alongside Chhetri, contributing when needed but not quite at the same level of prominence.
Chhetri is known for his versatility, leadership, and ability to score in various ways, making him a more complete and influential player.
Jeje is a more traditional striker, known for his goal-scoring instinct and strength in the box, although his style is more centered around finishing than Chhetri’s all-around play.
Sunil Chhetri’s legacy is unparalleled. He is regarded as the face of Indian football and has made a major impact on the development of the sport in India. His ability to inspire and lead by example has cemented his status as an Indian footballing legend.
Jeje Lalpekhlua’s legacy is still in the making, but he is certainly considered one of the top strikers of his generation and has been part of the Indian team’s transition in recent years.
Sunil Chhetri, with 30 goals, is undoubtedly India’s most iconic and influential footballer. His leadership, versatility, and goal-scoring prowess have made him a legend in Indian football.
Jeje Lalpekhlua, with 23 goals, is an important player in his own right. While not at the level of Chhetri, Jeje has been a reliable goal-scorer for India and an integral part of Chennaiyin FC’s ISL successes.
Both players have made invaluable contributions to Indian football, but Chhetri’s leadership, influence, and consistency set him apart as one of the greatest players India has ever produced.