In a recent Instagram story that sent shockwaves across the internet, renowned Bollywood actress Sunny Leone revealed her favorite footballer, and it’s not who you might expect. When faced with the tough decision of choosing between football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Sunny Leone took everyone by surprise with her response: Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian national football team.
Sunny Leone, known for her captivating performances in movies and her philanthropic endeavors, shared her unconventional choice on her Instagram story, where she boasts a massive following of over 40 million fans. Almost instantly, the story went viral, generating thousands of comments and igniting a fervent debate among football enthusiasts worldwide.
This statement from @SunnyLeone won my heart ❤️💜
Always support our Indian footballers.@chetrisunil11.#SunnyLeone #sunilchhetri #justiceforsunilchhetri @IndianFootball #indianfootballteam #IFT pic.twitter.com/SjO0AremIa— NazimxVirat¹⁸👑 (@Nazimtweeet) June 24, 2023
Sunil Chhetri, a 38-year-old striker, has been a prominent figure in Indian football for over a decade. His unwavering commitment to the sport and the national team has garnered him numerous accolades and a devoted fan base. Leone’s endorsement of Chhetri brings attention to the surging popularity of football in India, a nation traditionally more inclined towards cricket.
The actress, who has consistently expressed her passion for sports, justified her choice by emphasizing the significant impact Chhetri has had on promoting football in India and his unwavering dedication to the sport. Leone praised Chhetri’s remarkable skills, exemplary leadership, and his relentless efforts to elevate the profile of Indian football on the global stage.
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Recently, Chhetri achieved yet another remarkable milestone in his illustrious career. During the SAFF Championship opener against Pakistan at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Chhetri delivered a scintillating performance, scoring a remarkable hat-trick.
With these goals, Chhetri’s total goal tally reached an impressive 90 in 138 matches, surpassing Mokhtar Dahari of Malaysia, who had 89 goals in four more games. The match between India and Pakistan commenced with a bang as Chhetri capitalized on a major error by the Pakistan goalkeeper, Saqib Hanif, finding the back of the net just over 10 minutes into the game. He then doubled India’s lead after Pakistan conceded a penalty just six minutes later.
Chhetri’s exceptional performance not only showcased his extraordinary goal-scoring ability but also underscored his invaluable leadership qualities on the field. The Indian captain’s unwavering dedication and outstanding skills have undoubtedly contributed to the growth and recognition of football in India.
Sunny Leone’s endorsement of Sunil Chhetri adds another layer of recognition to his endeavors and sheds light on the rising popularity of football in a nation traditionally obsessed with cricket. As Chhetri continues to make waves domestically and internationally, the support from influential figures like Sunny Leone further amplifies the attention on Indian football and its talented players.
As the SAFF Championship progresses, fans and football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Chhetri’s future performances and the impact he will continue to make on the sport. Sunny Leone’s unexpected choice resonates across social media platforms, serving as a reminder of the diverse and passionate fan base that football has cultivated in India and around the world.
