Football Players Names in India. When someone says sports in India our brains almost instantly go to cricket, right? But hold on a sec because football is seriously kicking up a storm now. And it’s not just in big cities. From tiny towns in the Northeast to the beaches of Kerala, people are going crazy for the game.
We have got some really amazing Indian football players who are making all of this happen. These guys aren’t just kicking a ball around, they are inspiring the next generation, building fanbases, and putting India on the football map.
So whether you are new to the sport or just curious about who’s who in Indian football, stick with me. I’m going to tell you about some of the most exciting names in the game no boring stats, no fancy words, just real talk. Let’s talk about the top 10 Popular Football Players Names in India.
Sunil Chhetri – The GOAT of Indian Football
If you don’t know Sunil Chhetri, then trust me, you have been missing out. He is not just India’s football captain but also the third-highest goal scorer in the world among active players, right behind Ronaldo and Messi. Sunil Chhetri is the Indian football player who has scored a hat-trick (3 goals) in an Indian Super League (ISL) match.
I remember watching one of his games in 2019 and thinking, “How does this guy still have that much energy in the 90th minute?” He is like a machine. A calm, composed, goal-scoring machine. If someone ever asks you about the top football players’ names in India, just say “Sunil Chhetri” with confidence. You’ll sound like a total pro.
Sahal Abdul Samad – The Skill King
You want flair? You want quick footwork? He is one of the younger faces in Indian football, and every time he’s on the ball, you know something exciting is about to happen.
Honestly, watching Sahal play is like watching poetry in motion. He dribbles past defenders like they are standing still. I once showed a clip of his to my younger cousin, who only watches cricket. Now he’s a full-time Sahal fan!
If there’s one up-and-coming name you should remember in football players names in India, it’s definitely Sahal.
Anirudh Thapa – The Midfield Engine
You know how some people quietly get all the work done in a group project? That’s Thapa for you. He runs the midfield, connects passes, and basically makes sure the team doesn’t fall apart.
He is super sharp and reads the game really well. Coaches love him because he listens, learns, and leads all at once.
Udanta Singh – The Flash
If you blink, you all miss him. Seriously. Udanta Singh is super fast, like a cheetah on the field. He mostly plays as a winger and makes those amazing runs that make defenders panic.
What’s cool is that he started his journey from the Tata Football Academy and did not stop chasing his dream since. Pure dedication.
Jeje Lalpekhlua – The Mizo Sniper
Here is someone you might not hear about often, but Jeje is crazy talented. He comes from Mizoram (a small state in the northeast of India), and his story is just amazing.
He’s calm, focused, and has a sharp eye for goals. Like, one moment you think he is chilling, and the next boom! The ball’s in the net. That’s Jeje for you.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – The Wall We Needed
Every good football team needs a reliable goalkeeper. And boy, do we have one! Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is not just tall and strong; he is like a real-life wall. Once he’s in the goalpost, it’s like, “Good luck getting past him.”
He is one of the few Indian footballers who actually played in Europe (for a Norwegian club). He is kind of a big deal. And he’s super humble too, which makes him even cooler.
Sandesh Jhingan – The Rock in Defence
Now, if you need someone to protect the goal like a lion guards its territory, Sandesh Jhingan is your guy. Big, bold, and super serious on the field.
He is one of those defenders who doesn’t let strikers breathe. And off the field? Super cool personality. He started from small local matches and climbed his way up. That kind of hustle? Mad respect!
Liston Colaco – The Speed Demon
Liston is like that one kid in school who was always faster than everyone else. Except now, he’s doing it in stadiums, with fans screaming his name.
He plays as a winger and is known for his insane pace and long-range goals. And let me tell you, when he scores, it’s not just a goal—it’s a banger. I mean, YouTube highlight-reel kind of goals.
So don’t forget to include Liston when you are talking about football players names in India. He is young, he’s quick, and he is going places.
Why Indian Football Is Getting Exciting
Indian football is not just about a few players anymore. There are so many youngsters, so many leagues (like ISL and I-League), and fans are growing like wildfire.
I remember watching a local match in Kolkata once, and oh boy, the crowd was LOUD. It felt like a festival. People cheering, drums beating, flags waving it was like Diwali met football. And the best part? More kids now dream of becoming footballers, not just cricketers. That’s a big change!
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Final Thoughts
Look, football still has a long way to go in India, but these players? They’re doing everything they can to put us on the map. And we should be proud of them. Honestly, if you have never watched an Indian football match, just give it a shot. Maybe start with a Sunil Chhetri goal compilation on YouTube it’ll suck you right in. And now that you know some of the coolest football players names in India, don’t forget to cheer for them, talk about them, and maybe even play a little football yourself.