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Indian football has grown immensely in the last few years and is anticipated to achieve greater heights in the upcoming years. In its history of more than 150 years, there have been several Indian footballers who have given tough competition to some of the greatest footballers in the world.
With time, Indian football has seen players who have ruled the heart of fans with their striking and goal scoring abilities. In the following listicle, we will talk about the top 10 all-time highest goal scorers in Indian football.
Most goals in Indian football
10. C huni Goswami - 9 goals
Known as the first hero of Indian football, Chuni Goswami, is also among the highest goal-scorers in India. Goswami has scored nine goals in 32 appearances for India.
9. Tulsidas Balaram - 9 goals
Tulsidas Balaram was one of the best Indian footballers in the decade of 1950s and 60s, playing in several tournaments like Asian Games, the Merdeka Cup, and the Olympics. He has scored nine goals in 29 matches for the Indian football team.
8. Neville D'Souza - 11 goals
Despite a short span of career, Neville D'Souza is among the highest goal-scorers of all time in Indian football. Playing in the decade of 50s, D’Souza has scored 11 goals in 15 appearances for India.
7. PK Banerjee - 15 goals
PK Banerjee was known for his sharp striking skills and goal scoring abilities. He was also honoured with Padma Shri in 1990 and ‘FIFA Order of Merit' in 2004. Banerjee has scored 15 goals in 45 appearances for the Indian football team.
6. Magan Singh Rajvi - 15 goals
Magan Singh Rajvi was a part of the Indian football team that won the bronze medal in the 1970 Asian Games. He has also captained the national team in 1973 and 1974. Rajvi has 15 goals to his name in 33 matches for India.
5. Shabbir Ali - 23 goals
Shabbir Ali is regarded as the best player in Indian football in the decade of 1970s and 1980s. In his captaincy, Ali led the Indian team to the Asian Youth Championship jointly with Iran in 1974. He has scored 23 goals in 66 appearances for India.
4. Jeje Lalpekhlua - 23 goals
Jeje Lalpekhlua is fourth in the list of highest goal-scorers in Indian football. He is also the second highest scorer of all time in the Indian Super League (ISL). Lalpekhlua has scored 23 goals in 56 matches for India.
3. Bhaichung Bhutia - 27 goals
Bhaichung Bhutia is known to be one of the finest strikers in Indian football in the decade of 1990s. He has scored 27 goals in 82 appearances for the Indian football team.
2. I.M. Vijayan - 29 goals
Inivalappil Mani Vijayan, former captain of the Indian football team, was known for his great attacking skills in the decade of 90s. Vijayan has scored 29 goals in 66 matches for the Indian football team.
1. Sunil Chhetri - 94 goals
The absolute legend of Indian football, Sunil Chhetri has played a monumental role in taking Indian football to new heights in the last few years. Coming in the league of legendary football players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano and Ali Daei, he is also the fourth highest goal-scorer of all time in international football. Chhetri has scored 94 goals in 151 matches for the Indian football team.
