Football is rapidly gaining popularity in India. Children in the country have taken up football as a hobby thanks to the ISLand European leagues. Furthermore, there are only a few Indian superstars who have shown this generation’s kids that if they devote their lives to the sport, they may play in Europe or in a foreign land.
As a result, let us look at some of the Indian footballers who have represented their country in foreign leagues and inspired future generations.
1. Mohammed Salim
Mohammed Salim is the first Indian player to play for a club outside of India. Salim was born and reared in Calcutta, where he played for Mohammedan SC, which won the Calcutta Football League five times in a row. As a result, he impressed and drew the notice of a Scottish team. As a result, he signed a deal with Celtic and became the first Indian footballer to play for a European team.
2. Bhaichung Bhutia
Due to his successes in the sport, Bhaichung Bhutia is regarded as a national hero in India. Furthermore, when the Sikkimese Sniper signed a deal with an English club called Bury in 1999, he brought honor to his homeland. Bhutia made 37 appearances for the English club during which time he scored eight goals, which is an incredible achievement for any new player.
3. Sunil Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri is widely regarded as one of the top Indian players of the previous ten years. Furthermore, his contribution to the country is unparalleled. With 74 goals, Chhetri is India’s leading goal scorer and stands fourth in the world. He was the third Indian subcontinent player to play for a foreign club. In 2010, he joined Kansas City, however, he never played for the team. However, he was given a second shot after making a few games for Sporting CP, Portugal’s reserve team.
4. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is the first and only Indian player to appear in a UEFA Europa League match. Sandhu is currently India’s number one goalkeeper, and his outstanding exploits have aided India on numerous occasions. In 2014, he signed with FC Stabaek, a Norwegian club. He made his first appearance for the club, though, in 2015. Later, he competed in the UEFA Europa League qualifying stages against Connah’s Quay Nomads. As a result, it is a historic occasion, as no other Indian has ever competed in such a prominent tournament.
5. Subrata Pal
Subrata Pal, who made his debut in 2004, was a stalwart in the Indian team and is still playing at a high level. He was also the first Indian goalkeeper to play in a foreign country. Pal joined FC Vestsjaelland, a Danish team, in 2014. He was a member of their reserve team and appeared on multiple occasions.
As a result, these elite players have laid the groundwork for future generations to follow in their footsteps and surpass their successes in major events such as the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and other top leagues.