When people think about football in India, Baichung Bhutia is the first name that comes to mind. Over the years, Baichung has become a legend of Indian football. He won the Indian Player of the Year award three times and helped make football popular in India. He inspired many people to play the sport and is still a well-known name. Baichung has set many records and been part of many memorable football moments. On his 45th birthday,
This article highlights the 5 best moments of Baichung Bhutia’s amazing career.
1. First Indian Player to play professional football in England
Baichung Bhutia is a true legend in Indian football and holds many records. He was the first Indian player to sign a professional contract with a European team when he joined Bury for three years. He made his debut on October 3, 1999, against Cardiff City. Bhutia scored his first goal in the English League on April 15, 2000, against Chesterfield. Although injuries limited his time at Bury, his move to English football was a major moment for Indian football.
2. MVP of AFC Challenge Cup
In 2008, Bhutia led the Indian team to win the AFC Challenge Cup. He scored two goals in the final group stage match against Turkmenistan, which helped India reach the semi-finals. Bhutia scored again in the final against Tajikistan, and India won 4-1. This win guaranteed India a spot in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. Bhutia earned the title of Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
3. Becoming the youngest Indian International goalscorer
Baichung Bhutia was called a prodigy when he was a teenager. He first played for the Indian National team against Thailand on March 10, 1995, when he was 19 years old. Bhutia scored his first goal in that tournament against Uzbekistan, becoming the youngest Indian to score for the national team. Later, this record was broken by Jerry Zirsanga.
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4. Heroics in the ASEAN Cup
In 2003, Bhutia joined East Bengal, the champions of the National Football League. The Indian striker was in great form and helped East Bengal win the ASEAN Club Championship. He scored a key goal in the final against BEC Tero Sasana and earned the man of the match award.
5. Scoring hattrick in the famous Kolkata derby
In 1997, Bhutia came back to East Bengal for his second term at the club. He helped East Bengal reach the Federation Cup semi-finals, where they were set to play their biggest rivals, Mohun Bagan.
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