Crazy Time: 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.
Table of Contents
5. Romeo Fernandes
Romeo Fernandes, a talented winger recognized for his dribbling and passing, was a prominent figure in the Indian Super League. In 2017, he made headlines by signing with Brazilian club Atlético Paranaense — a major milestone for an Indian footballer.
Though his game time in Brazil was limited, the experience introduced him to a new tactical environment and a highly technical style of football. This exposure significantly sharpened his creativity and vision, ultimately benefiting the Indian teams he played for upon his return.
4. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Nicknamed the “Indian Wall,” Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has made a strong mark as a goalkeeper with his agility, sharp reflexes, and commanding presence. His rise to fame paralleled the launch of the Indian Super League. On August 15, 2014, he achieved a major milestone by signing with Norwegian club Stabæk.
During his time in Europe, including appearances in the Europa League, Sandhu gained invaluable experience. Training in a professional European setup helped him polish his shot-stopping abilities and return as a more confident and reliable goalkeeper, ready to strengthen the Indian national team’s defense.
3. Subrata Pal
Known as the “Indian Spiderman” for his agility and quick reflexes, Subrata Pal became one of India’s most celebrated goalkeepers. In 2014, he took a significant step in his career by signing for Danish club FC Vestsjaelland. Although he primarily played for their reserve team, the move provided him with invaluable exposure to European football.
During his time in Denmark, Pal honed his goalkeeping techniques, improved his decision-making, and adapted to a more professional environment. This experience added a new dimension to his already impressive skill set, helping him further elevate his performance with both club and country.
2. Bhaichung Bhutia
Bhaichung Bhutia is a true legend in Indian football, celebrated for his speed, technique, and leadership. Captaining the national team for an impressive 10 years, he made history in 1999 by signing for English club Bury F.C.
Although his time in England was short, Bhutia’s move was groundbreaking, paving the way for other Indian players to explore opportunities abroad. Bhutia also played for Malaysian clubs Perak F.C. and Selangor MK Land, further expanding his international career. His achievements demonstrated that Indian footballers could compete at the global level, inspiring future generations of players to aim high and chase their dreams.
1. Sunil Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri, widely regarded as the greatest Indian footballer of all time, needs no introduction. With the most international goals by a male Indian player and numerous domestic titles, Chhetri has carved a legendary status in the sport. His ambition, however, transcended national borders. In 2010, he signed for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City).
Although his time in MLS was brief, largely due to limited playing opportunities, it was a groundbreaking moment for Indian football. Chhetri’s stint in the United States allowed him to refine his skills and demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level. Additionally, Chhetri had the opportunity to play for Sporting CP B in Portugal, further solidifying his international credentials.
Chhetri’s journey abroad not only showcased his immense talent but also set a precedent for Indian footballers looking to make a mark on the global stage.
