In India, one of the most loved sports is football. The India national football team players have in time become well known for their skills, never-give-up attitude, and passion. The team plays under the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and takes part in international football tournaments, friendly matches, and qualifiers.
The Indian Football team players as well as the legends from the past have been a great source of pride for millions of fans. Supporters are constantly on the lookout for the Indian football team players list, their positions, pay, photos, and their achievements.
Footballers of the senior men’s national team represent various states of the country. A good number of them are active in the Indian Super League and I-League, the premier football competitions in India. The team is a healthy blend of seasoned and youthful players.
If you are a football fan or someone interested in football betting, this article will give you a clear picture of the Indian team football players and their journey in international football.
Indian National Football Team Players Overview: Current Squad Analysis 2025
The India national football team players come from different parts of the country. Many of them play in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League, which are the top football leagues in India. The squad is a good mix of experienced players and young talent.
The number of players in Indian football team is usually 23 for a tournament, but the extended squad may go up to 26 or 27. Out of these, only 11 players play on the field at a time, while the rest sit on the bench as substitutes.
The team is always divided into four main groups:
- Goalkeepers
- Defenders
- Midfielders
- Forwards
Over the years, India has produced legends like Sunil Chhetri, Bhaichung Bhutia, and I.M. Vijayan. In the current squad, young players are making their mark alongside these experienced names.
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The indian women football team has also been making progress and inspiring young athletes across the country. This list of Indian football team players shows the full squad. For every match, the coach picks the final playing 11 depending on tactics and opposition.
Indian Football Team Players Name with Positions
Many fans search for the Indian football team players name with positions. Knowing the positions helps understand which players defend, who runs the midfield, and who scores goals.
Here is a clear breakdown:
Goalkeepers (GK)
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – First-choice goalkeeper, tall and reliable.
- Amrinder Singh – Strong backup option.
- Vishal Kaith – Another good choice in goal.
Defenders (DF)
- Sandesh Jhingan – Central defender, powerful in the air.
- Anwar Ali – Young center-back, great at passing.
- Subhasish Bose – Left-back, solid in defense.
- Rahul Bheke – Right-back, versatile.
- Pritam Kotal – Experienced right-back.
- Akash Mishra – Young left-back with good pace.
- Chinglensana Singh – Calm and composed central defender.
Midfielders (MF)
- Suresh Singh Wangjam – Defensive midfielder, works tirelessly.
- Anirudh Thapa – Controls the midfield with passing.
- Brandon Fernandes – Creative playmaker, set-piece expert.
- Sahal Abdul Samad – Attacking midfielder, great dribbler.
- Lallianzuala Chhangte – Fast winger, very skillful.
- Jeakson Singh – Defensive midfielder, strong physically.
- Apuia – Young central midfielder, known for control and vision.
Forwards (FW)
- Sunil Chhetri – Striker, captain, and the best player of Indian football team.
- Manvir Singh – Forward with pace and power.
- Rahim Ali – Striker, good finisher.
- Ishan Pandita – Forward, often scores late goals.
- Liston Colaco – Attacker with speed and flair.
This Indian football team all players name with positions gives fans and bettors a full view of how the team is set up. Fans regularly check the Football Tournament in india to see how the team is performing in international tournaments.
Indian Football Team Players Captain and Leadership
The captain of the Indian football team plays a key role in guiding the squad. The current Indian football team players captain is Sunil Chhetri, who has led the side for over a decade.
Chhetri is not only the best player in Indian football team but also a great leader. He motivates teammates, maintains discipline, and represents India with pride on the global stage.
Past captains like Bhaichung Bhutia and Subrata Pal were also legendary leaders, but Chhetri’s leadership has set new standards.
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Indian National Football Team Players Salary 2025: Complete Breakdown
The India national football team players salary comes from two sources: their club contracts (mainly ISL) and national team match fees.
- Sunil Chhetri earns around ₹8–9 crore per season, making him the highest-paid Indian footballer.
- Sandesh Jhingan earns about ₹2–3 crore per year.
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu also earns over ₹2 crore.
Young players usually earn between ₹10–20 lakh per season, while experienced ISL stars make ₹50 lakh to ₹1.5 crore.
This shows how much the game has grown in India, thanks to ISL and sponsorships. Fans also use this information in football betting on 96in.com to judge player form and value. Playing and watching football games is one of the best ways to connect with the spirit of the sport in India.
First Indian Football Team Players in History: Legends & Pioneers
The first Indian football team players represented India in the 1948 London Olympics against France.
Some key names were:
- Sailen Manna (Captain) – A legendary defender.
- Mahabir Prasad
- Latif
- Raja Babu
- Tulsidas Balaram (joined later, became a legend).
This team became famous for playing barefoot. Even though India lost 2–1 to France, the performance impressed the world.
They laid the foundation for India’s golden era in the 1950s and 60s, when the team won Asian Games gold medals and produced greats like P.K. Banerjee and Chuni Goswami.
Fans also love checking Indian football team players photos with names, which are usually shared by AIFF and sports news sites. At 96in.com, we combine these updates with football betting tips, so fans know which players might perform well.
Current Trends in Indian Football Team Players
Indian football is growing fast, and the Indian football team players are changing with it.
- Young Talent Rising – Players like Chhangte, Apuia, and Suresh Singh are the new stars.
- Overseas Exposure – Indian players now train abroad and play against stronger teams.
- Better Fitness – Modern training and sports science make players faster and stronger.
- Higher Salaries – ISL has increased earnings for Indian players.
- Fan Following & Betting – More fans now follow stats, photos, and matches on platforms like 96in sports betting.
Conclusion
The story of the India national football team players is one of growth, passion, and progress. From the barefoot heroes of 1948 to today’s stars like Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan, and Lallianzuala Chhangte, Indian football has come a long way.
We covered the Indian football team players list 2025, their names with positions, salaries, captaincy, and even the first Indian football team players in history. The squad is now stronger and more professional, and the future looks bright.
At 96in.com, we celebrate Indian football while also giving fans insights for football betting through 96in sports betting and 96betting. The rise of young stars means that the best player of Indian football team in the future could be someone who is just starting to shine today.
FAQs about Indian Football Team Players
Q1. Who is the current captain of the Indian football team?
The captain is Sunil Chhetri, India’s most successful footballer.
Q2. How many players are there in the Indian football team?
There are usually 23–26 players in the squad, but only 11 players play on the field.
Q3. Who is the best player in the Indian football team right now?
Sunil Chhetri is the best player currently, though youngsters like Chhangte and Apuia are rising.
Q4. What is the average salary of Indian football players?
Young players earn around ₹10–20 lakh, while top stars like Chhetri earn up to ₹9 crore.
Q5. Who were the first Indian football players in history?
The first Indian football team players played in the 1948 London Olympics, led by Sailen Manna.
