The top five Indian male footballers who made their mark abroad. From Bhaichung Bhutia’s pioneering move to England, to Sunil Chhetri’s brief stint in MLS, these players paved the way for Indian footballers on the global stage, gaining invaluable experience and inspiring future generations.
5. Romeo Fernandes
Romeo Fernandes, a dynamic winger known for his dribbling and passing, made headlines in 2017 by signing with Brazilian club Atlético Paranaense. Although his playing time in Brazil was limited, exposure to a highly technical style of football enhanced his creativity and vision, benefiting the Indian teams he represented afterward.
4. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Nicknamed the “Indian Wall,” Gurpreet Singh Sandhu rose to prominence as a goalkeeper with agility, sharp reflexes, and commanding presence. On August 15, 2014, he signed with Norwegian club Stabæk, making appearances in the Europa League. Training in a professional European setup sharpened his shot-stopping abilities and boosted his confidence, strengthening India’s national team defense.
3. Subrata Pal
Known as the “Indian Spiderman,” Subrata Pal signed for Danish club FC Vestsjaelland in 2014. While he mainly played for the reserve team, the experience gave him exposure to European football, improving his goalkeeping techniques, decision-making, and adaptation to a professional environment, enhancing his overall performance for both club and country.
2. Bhaichung Bhutia
A legend of Indian footballers, Bhaichung Bhutia captained the national team for a decade and made history in 1999 by signing for English club Bury F.C. Though brief, his stint in England was groundbreaking, opening doors for Indian players abroad. Bhutia also played for Malaysian clubs Perak F.C. and Selangor MK Land, showcasing that Indian footballers could compete internationally and inspiring future generations.
1. Sunil Chhetri
Widely regarded as India’s greatest footballer, Sunil Chhetri holds the record for the most international goals by a male Indian player. In 2010, he signed for MLS side Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City). Though his time there was short, it allowed him to refine his skills and compete at a high level. Chhetri also had a stint with Sporting CP B in Portugal, solidifying his international credentials and setting a precedent for Indian players aspiring to succeed abroad.
