Sunil Chettri becomes the only Indian footballer to feature in Forbes 2017 Celebrity 100

What's the Story?

Forbes India just released its annual list Celebrity 100 which is a collection of the top 100 Indian Celebrities in terms of net worth. The list mainly comprises of actors, there are however sportspersons too in the list from cricket, badminton, tennis, golf, and football.

The list is dominated by cricketers and badminton players amongst sportspersons and there is only one footballer in the entire list. Virat Kohli is at number 3 with a net worth of over 100 crores which makes him the highest places sportsperson in the list.

In case you didn't know...

Sunil Chettri has scored 56 goals for India. He is ahead of Neymar (53) in the list of players who have scored 50 or more goals for their countries, he is just 5 goals behind Lionel Messi who is at 61 goals.

Heart of the Matter

Indian captain Sunil Chettri holds the distinction of being the only footballer in the list. Chettri is at number 100 and has a net worth of 2.30 crores according to Forbes India. Chettri is presently playing for Bengaluru FC in the ongoing Hero Indian Super League. He is one of the marquee players for Bengaluru FC and his form is key to BFC's success this season.

Chettri is placed 100 and is preceded by cricketer Bhuvaneshwar Kumar at 99 and tennis star Sania Mirza at 98.

What's Next?

Bengaluru FC just suffered an agonizing defeat vs Jamshedpur FC, a 0-1 loss which saw a 91st-minute winner from the away side. This is BFC's second defeat in a row after they lost to Chennaiyin FC earlier this month. Chettri's side is all set to take on Kerala Blasters FC on 31st. Chettri will have to play a crucial role if BFC has to get back to winning ways.

Author's Opinion

Chettri has been one of India's most influential and successful players over the years. He holds the distinction of being one of the very few Indian players to have played in overseas leagues. He made a single appearance for Kansas City Wizards who play in the MLS. It is no surprise that Chettri was the only football to appear in Forbes India's Celebrity 100, he might just be the only football next year too.