Sunil Chhetri Is Oldest Goal Scorer in ISL History

Sunil Chhetri has become the oldest player to score in the Indian Super League. He scored for Bengaluru FC in their recent 2-0 win. This shows his lasting skill in the game.
By Newsroom | Football, India |

Sunil Chhetri has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the oldest player to score in the Indian Super League (ISL) during Bengaluru FC's recent 2-0 win against Sporting Club Delhi. This achievement marks a new chapter in Chhetri's decorated career, further solidifying his enduring presence in the league.

Chhetri becomes oldest scorer in ISL history as Bengaluru FC defeats SC Delhi - 1

Match Overview and Chhetri's Historic Goal

The match, held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, saw Bengaluru FC open their ISL 2025-26 campaign with a victory. Goals from Sivasakthi Narayanan in the 45th minute and Sunil Chhetri in injury time (90+4') secured the three points for the home side. Chhetri, who came on as a substitute in the 78th minute, found the net with a composed left-footed strike into an empty net after the SC Delhi goalkeeper, Vishal Yadav, ventured out of his position. This goal, scored at 41 years and 196 days, surpassed the previous record for the oldest scorer in ISL history.

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Chhetri becomes oldest scorer in ISL history as Bengaluru FC defeats SC Delhi - 2

Previous Records and Chhetri's Longevity

Chhetri's latest record adds to a series of age-related milestones. He previously became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the ISL on December 8, 2024, at the age of 40 years and 126 days, during Bengaluru FC's win against Kerala Blasters. This indicates a sustained high level of performance and a remarkable ability to compete and score effectively at an advanced stage of his career.

Chhetri becomes oldest scorer in ISL history as Bengaluru FC defeats SC Delhi - 3

  • Oldest Goal Scorer in ISL: Sunil Chhetri (41 years, 196 days) vs. SC Delhi, February 15, 2026.

  • Previous Oldest Goal Scorer: Robert Pires (41 years, 15 days) vs. Delhi Dynamos.

  • Oldest Hat-Trick Scorer: Sunil Chhetri (40 years, 126 days) vs. Kerala Blasters, December 8, 2024.

Bengaluru FC's Season Opener

Bengaluru FC, playing in front of an attendance of approximately 12,300 spectators, dominated possession against the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi, who struggled to maintain control of the ball throughout the match. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu also played a crucial role, making a key save in the first half that helped Bengaluru maintain momentum.

Chhetri becomes oldest scorer in ISL history as Bengaluru FC defeats SC Delhi - 4

  • Bengaluru FC Starting XI: Gurpreet (gk), Bheke, Sana, Poojary, Roshan, Sanchez, Fanai, Suresh, Sivasakthi, Ashique, Williams.

  • Sporting Club Delhi Starting XI: Vishal (gk), Ribeiro, Clarence, Manoj, Gogou, Azhar, Augustine, Devendra, Hudu, Babovic, Aimen.

Contextualizing Chhetri's Records

Sunil Chhetri's goal-scoring prowess in the ISL is well-documented. He holds the record for the most goals in the league, with 76 goals in 184 matches. He also holds the record for the most playoff goals in the ISL, with 10 goals. Articles from April 2025 highlighted his exceptional performance in the ISL 2024-25 season, where he was the league's second-highest goal scorer at the age of 40, matching his best-ever goal tally in a single season. This sustained excellence and ability to consistently find the back of the net, even in his later career, are defining characteristics of his legacy.

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Expert Commentary and Analysis

The persistent performance of veteran players like Sunil Chhetri in leagues globally offers a compelling narrative on the evolution of professional football training and sports science. Such athletes demonstrate that experience and tactical intelligence, when combined with diligent physical maintenance, can extend playing careers at a competitive level. This trend challenges earlier assumptions about the typical decline in performance for players in their early forties.

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Conclusion and Implications

Sunil Chhetri's latest achievement as the oldest goal scorer in ISL history underscores his remarkable longevity and continued impact on Indian football. His performance in the opening match of the 2025-26 season against Sporting Club Delhi highlights his unwavering dedication and skill. This milestone is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to his sustained influence on the league and an inspiration for aspiring footballers. The coming matches will likely see further examination of his role and contributions as Bengaluru FC progresses through the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the oldest goal scorer in ISL history?
Sunil Chhetri is the oldest goal scorer in ISL history. He scored at 41 years and 196 days old.
Q: Which team did Sunil Chhetri score against?
He scored against Sporting Club Delhi. This was Bengaluru FC's first match of the ISL 2025-26 season.
Q: How old was Sunil Chhetri when he scored?
Sunil Chhetri was 41 years and 196 days old when he scored his historic goal.
Q: What was the score of the match?
Bengaluru FC won the match 2-0 against Sporting Club Delhi.