#2 Baichung Bhutia
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Arguably the best Indian footballer to ever grace the pitch, IM Vijayan called Baichung Bhutia ‘God’s gift to Indian football’. Known as the Sikkimese Sniper for his shooting prowess, Bhutia could possibly do anything on the football pitch.
Bhutia was also regarded as a natural leader who had the instinct to win. Bhutia caught the eye of clubs in India when he won the ‘Best Player’ at the 1992 Subroto Cup, and was subsequently signed by East Bengal FC in 1993.
On the national front, Baichung formed one of the finest partnerships up front with IM Vijayan, leading India to SAFF Cup titles in 1997 and 1999. India also won the 2007 Nehru Cup, Bhutia playing a critical part in the final.
Bhutia captained the India side to victory in the 2005 SAFF Cup, winning the Most Valuable Player and the Fair Play trophy. In the 2009 Nehru Cup, Bhutia earned his 100th National Cap, becoming the first Indian player to do so.
Bhutia hung his boots after the dismal 2011 AFC Asian Cup, and played his testimonial match against Bayern Munich FC on 10th January, 2012. Bhutia has scored 40 goals in 104 International appearances.
Bhutia became the first Indian footballer to have played for an European club when he signed for Bury FC in 1999.
Accolades
Baichung won the Arjuna Award in 1998. The sharp-shooter was anointed the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award in 2008. Bhutia was awarded the Banga Bhushan Award in 2014.
The only Indian to feature in the AFC Hall of Fame, Bhutia was included in the coveted list in 2014. He became the first Indian player to play against Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world.
