Football
Who is the Greatest Indian Footballer Ever A Data-Driven Ranking
Indian football may not be in the international spotlight like Europe or South America, but its history is steeped in passion, and there are many players who have stood out for the national team and brought hope. From the days when barefoot heroes shocked the world at the 1948 Olympics to modern times, when the Blue Tigers continue to fight for recognition on the Asian stage, the sport has been woven into the cultural fabric of India. Legends like Chuni Goswami and PK Banerjee brought glory to the golden era of the 1960s, while Bhaichung Bhutia became the icon of Indian football in the contemporary era, inspiring countless youngsters. Today, Sunil Chhetri stands as the nation's most celebrated player, a record-breaking captain whose goals and commitment epitomise the spirit of Indian football. These legends remind us that India's footballing journey, while underrated, is filled with fans and extraordinary desire.
Sunil Chhetri of India looks on prior to the AFC Asian Cup//Getty Images
SB Market Index: How We Evaluate India's Greatest Footballers
This evaluation combines a statistical analysis of their international careers with expert and media perception to provide a comprehensive ranking of India's best ever players.
Industry Insights
A curated analysis from top 10 Indian and Asian football media sources measures how prominently each player is featured in discussions of the "greatest Indian footballers of all time."
Industry Insights
| Source Name | Sunil Chhetri | I. M. Vijayan | Bhaichung Bhutia | Jeje Lalpekhlua | Magan Singh Rajvi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KhelNow – "Top 10 Indian Footballers of All Time" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Sportskeeda – "5 Greatest Indian Football Players Ever" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| ESPN India – "Ranking India's Footballing Icons" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Goal.com India – "India's GOAT Debate" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| The Bridge – "Legends of the Blue Tigers" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wikipedia – "History of the India National Football Team" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| FourFourTwo India – "India's All-Time XI" feature | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| I-League Official Site – "Past Legends" features | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Times of India – "Who is India's Football GOAT?" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Reddit r/IndianFootball – "All-Time Greats" Poll | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Mentions | 10 | 10 | 10 | 2 | 0 |
SB Score
| Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio (GPG) | SB Score |
| Sunil Chhetri | 95 | 155 | 0.61 | 1.000 |
| I. M. Vijayan | 32 | 73 | 0.44 | 0.621 |
| Magan Singh Rajvi | 16 | 36 | 0.44 | 0.472 |
| Jeje Lalpekhlua | 23 | 56 | 0.41 | 0.505 |
| Bhaichung Bhutia | 27 | 84 | 0.32 | 0.536 |
This score is calculated based on three key international career metrics: Goals Per Game (50% weightage), Total Goals (30% weightage), and Total Caps (20% weightage).
SB Market Index
| Rank | Player | SB Score | Industry Insights | SB Market Index |
| 1 | Sunil Chhetri | 1.000 | 10 | 8.200 |
| 2 | I. M. Vijayan | 0.621 | 10 | 8.124 |
| 3 | Bhaichung Bhutia | 0.536 | 10 | 8.107 |
| 4 | Jeje Lalpekhlua | 0.505 | 2 | 1.701 |
| 5 | Magan Singh Rajvi | 0.472 | 0 | 0.094 |
The Unanimous Legends: Chhetri, Vijayan, and Bhutia
At the top of our SB Market Index are three giants of Indian football: Sunil Chhetri, I. M. Vijayan and Bhaichung Bhutia, each with a perfect score in SB Industry Insights. Their unanimous presence in every discussion of India’s great footballers shows how deeply revered they are.
What sets them apart in our model is Chhetri’s phenomenal statistical record. With 95 goals in 155 caps, he not only leads India but is also among the most prolific active international players in the world. His effectiveness over nearly two decades puts him in a league of his own.
Yet the respect for Vijayan and Bhutia remains strong. Vijayan, famous for his Gerd Muller-style flair and finishing, brought joy to fans throughout the 1990s, while Bhutia, the "Sikkimese Sniper", took Indian football into the modern era and inspired a new generation.
Together, they form an untouchable trio, different in style, equal in stature and forever celebrated as Blue Tigers legends.
Sunil Chhetri: The Record-Breaking Captain, Leader, Legend
Sunil Chhetri's position at the top of our SB Market Index is no surprise, his numbers and influence make him the undisputed face of modern Indian football and he is the most famous Indian footballer, not least because he has also had a rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most goals scored for the national team. With 95 goals in 155 appearances, he is not only India's all-time leading scorer, but also one of the world's greatest active international goalscorers. This achievement in itself places him in an international context rarely achieved by players from the Indian world.
But Chhetri's impact goes far beyond statistics. As a captain and leader, he has led Indian football through a period of transformation, instilling confidence both on and off the pitch. His professionalism, longevity and ambition have set new standards for what Indian players can achieve. More than just a goalscorer, he has become a symbol of ambition for the Blue Tigers, a player whose legacy will shape the nation's footballing identity for generations to come. He is considered India's Cristiano Ronaldo because of his striking resemblance to the Portuguese.
The Modern and the Historical: Jeje and Rajvi
Jeje Lalpekhlua and Magan Singh Rajvi may not be at the top of our SB Market index, but both hold significant places in the history of Indian football. Jeje, often called the 'Mizo Sniper', was a crucial player in the 2010s, providing India with a sure-fire way to score goals during a period of transition for the national team. With 23 goals in 56 appearances, his record shows both consistency and importance, especially in tournaments like the SAFF Championship and Asian Cup qualifiers, where his goals often prove decisive. Jeje's presence has given India a much-needed edge in attack and helped bridge the gap to the modern era led by Chhetri.
Magan Singh Rajvi, meanwhile, represents a different chapter in the history of Indian football. A standout figure of the 1970s, he scored 16 goals in 36 caps, an impressive goal-scoring rate for his time. Known for his instincts and finishing ability, Rajvi was among the leading figures of his generation, playing a vital role in sustaining India's competitive spirit on the Asian stage. Together, Jeje and Rajvi showcase the continuity of Indian goal-scoring talent across eras, different contexts, the same lasting impact.
Conclusion on India's Footballing Pantheon
Our model leaves no doubt: Sunil Chhetri is the greatest Indian footballer of all time. His extraordinary tally of goals and caps, combined with his universal acclaim from pundits and the media, cement him at the top. Right behind him, I. M. Vijayan and Bhaichung Bhutia complete the undisputed trio of legends, their flair, leadership and inspirational careers ensuring they remain just as cherished in the nation's footballing memory.
Together, Chhetri, Vijayan and Bhutia showcase India's love for the Blue Tigers' football, each carrying the hopes of India in their own era. And beyond them, figures like Jeje Lalpekhlua and Magan Singh Rajvi remind us that the story of Indian football is one of continuity, a proud history of goalscorers who have kept the flame alive. We think it's no surprise to many that Sunil Chhetri is considered the best Indian footballer of all time given the things that have happened.
With a strong background in journalism and years of experience in sports commentary, Dragoș Șoneriu has written about every aspect of sport, from match reports and features to tactical analyses and investigative pieces. A lifelong Arsenal fan, he dreams of seeing his beloved team lift the Premier League trophy. Outside of work, Dragoș collects anything football-related, from stickers and mugs to vintage shirts and scarves.