Top 5 : The most influential footballers in their own countries

2. Bhaichung Bhutia in India

Bayern Munich was called upon from Germany to play in his farewell game where every player on the field wore a No.15 jersey. An extremely influential person who hails from the North – Eastern part of the largest democracy in the world, Bhaichung Bhutia, recently kicked off Tibet’s elite footballing competition - Gyalyum Chemo Memorial Gold Cup.

India vs. Bayern Munich F.C

His abnegation to carry the Olympic torch as a protest to boycott the games caused a stir in the country and outside. Bhutia, widely regarded as the greatest footballer from India, has actively participated and played in the various charity fund raisers alongside the greatest footballers like Zidane, Ronaldo and Andriy Schevchenko. Bhutia was the first footballer to raise his voice against the Tibet issue and had often gone public to emphasize his benevolence towards the issue.