At 40, Sunil Chhetri continues to break records, achieves new ISL milestone in Bengaluru 3-0 win vs Mohun Bagan

Sunil Chhetri achieves new milestone, becomes ISL's leading goal-scorer (ISL)

It was yet another glorious night for Sunil Chhetri, who on Saturday became the leading goal-scorer in the Indian Super League (ISL). Chhetri scored one of the three goals Bengaluru FC netted against Mohun Bagan at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Edgar Mendez and Suresh Singh scored the other two goals as Bengaluru finished with a convincing 3-0 win against previous season runners-up.

The former India skipper was tied on 63 goals with Bartholomew Ogbeche, and overtook his tally with a goal from the penalty spot. The goal was Chhetri's 57th for Bengaluru FC in ISL. He had previously scored seven for Mumbai City FC, which was during the 2015 and 2016 season.

At the age of 40 when most footballers are relaxing in their retirement homes, Sunil Chhetri is still breaking records in #IndianFootball
He's now officially the top-scorer of the #ISL, with 64 goals in just 158 games played!Captain. Leader. Legend. Sunil Chhetri for you pic.twitter.com/52tgL7qAwr Hussain (@Hussainov1ch) September 28, 2024

Chhetri had announced retirement from international football earlier this year but has continued to contribute for his club. This was his third goal of the season and he currently leads the goal tally, a spot where he has been often in his career.

Knowing the person Chhetri is, the talismanic footballer was gracious enough to downplay his personal milestone and instead rejoice an important win for his side. “I am really happy to win the game. Whatever goals I have scored is because of the team I have played with. It's been a long journey with Bengaluru FC in the ISL. But I am just happy that we won the game. When the season ends, we will see how many goals I get, but for now, it's (all about) three points,” he told ISL media.

Bengaluru currently head the table with three wins in as many matches. Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, are placed sixth and endured their first defeat of the season. Mohun Bagan have so far won one, played a draw, and lost one in their three matches so far.

Sunil Chhetri ALL-TIME TOP GOAL SCORER IN THE #ISL! #BFCMBSG #ISLonJioCinema #ISLonSports18 #JioCinemaSports #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/P0x36SPxCo JioCinema (@JioCinema) September 28, 2024

The proceedings kicked-off with Bengaluru putting the strong foot forward, which reflects in the final scoreline. Mendez broke the deadlock inside the first ten minutes and Suresh doubled the advantage in the 20th minute, a goal assisted by Chhetri. Mendez made a darting run down the right flank and found Chhetri in the box with a well-weighted cross. The 40-year-old smartly flicked it into Suresh’s path, who slammed it home for the hosts.

Chhetri's goal came in the 51st minute after Dippendu Biswas brought down Mendez in the penalty area, awarding the hosts a spot-kick. Chhetri stepped up and slotted it home to etch his name in the history book as ISL’s highest goal-scorer.