Fifteen years and 72 international goals ago, Sunil Chhetri was repeatedly kicked, and found himself limping badly in front of 20,000 howling Pakistanis at Ayub National Stadium in Quetta, Balochistan. The 20-year-old kept going anyway. It was his India debut, and nothing was going to deny him an opportunity for glory.
The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute of the scoreless match, when former India captain Climax Lawrence took aim, and his volley deflected off defender Tanveer Ahmed. Chhetri pounced, collected the ball and spun to his left to shoot low and hard, just past the keeper’s outstretched right hand. Goal. Delirium. Blood pounding in his ears, he vaulted the railing and ran to face the crowd. They stared back, hushed and angry. This was the surreal starting point of one of the most improbable, incredible stories in the annals of Indian sports.
Ronaldo, Chhetri, Messi: the records don’t lie. We all recognise 35-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo as the real-life superhero who has pocketed five Ballon D’Or awards (for the best player in the world) and 30 major trophies, while scoring 101 goals for Portugal. That’s the most of any active player. His constant rival Lionel Messi has six of his own Ballons D’Or, plus 34 major trophies, as well as 71 goals for Argentina. While undeniably spectacular, that tally ranks Messi only third in the world, because just ahead is the jaunty India number 11. Sunil Chhetri is the second highest scorer amongst active players, and tenth (and rising) in football history.
Denne historien er fra February 2021-utgaven av GQ India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 2021-utgaven av GQ India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE FUTURE SOUNDS LIKE AT EEZ
The Coachella-slaying, multi-language-singing, genre-obliterating members of Ateez are quickly becoming load-bearing stars of our global pop universe.
DEMNA UNMASKED
He's the most influential designer of the past decade. He's also the most controversial. Now the creative director of Balenciaga is exploring a surprising source of inspiration: happiness. GQ's Samuel Hine witnesses the dawn of Demna's new era, in Paris, New York, and Shanghai. Photographs by Jason Nocito.
Inside the undercover adventures of a full-time fraud sleuth.
HOW TO MAKE A FORTUNE AS A PROFESSIONAL WHISTLE-BLOWER
A LIFE OF FASHION
In an extensive conversation, the menswear icon discusses his rise, his mistakes, his triumphs, his retirement, and what the future holds for him and his beloved brand.
IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE WITH GEORGE & BRAD
They've spent three decades living intertwined lives at the inconceivably glamorous height of Hollywood. Now, having crossed the threshold of 60, they're more comfortable than ever throwing bombs, dispensing hard-won wisdom, and, yes, arguing about who had the better mullet in the '80s.
ALEXANDER THE GRITTY
One of India's most creative chefs comes of age.
Penning History
Montblanc marks 100 years of its iconic Meisterstück with new writing instruments inspired by the 1924 Olympic Games.
Royal Enfield Forges a New Path
Say hello to the company's most cutting-edge roadster.
Arooj Aftab Owns the Night
The Grammy Award-winning artist, fresh off a Glastonbury set, speaks to GQ about her new album, Night Reign, from the ideas that led to its conception to its genre-defying collabs with Elvis Costello, Kaki King and more.
Louis Vuitton's New Beat
The luxury maison's latest addition to the Tambour line reiterates its commitment to watchmaking and craftsmanship.