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Notable Bhutanese Football Players

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While Bhutan's football team remains among the lowest-ranked in FIFA, individual players like Chencho Gyeltshen have achieved recognition by playing professionally in leagues outside Bhutan.

Overview

Despite the Bhutan national football team's historically low FIFA ranking, individual Bhutanese players have achieved notable careers at the international club level, inspiring a growing interest in football among Bhutanese youth.[3]

Chencho Gyeltshen

Chencho Gyeltshen (born 10 May 1996, Shapa Gewog, Paro District) is the most decorated Bhutanese footballer and the country's all-time leading goalscorer, with 13 goals in 46 international appearances.[2] Nicknamed CG7 and the "Bhutanese Ronaldo" for his playing style reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo, he became Bhutan's first fully professional footballer when he signed with Thai club Surin City in 2015.[1]

His career highlights include:[2]

  • 2015: Scored a brace against Sri Lanka in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu — Bhutan's first World Cup Qualifier win
  • 2015: First Bhutanese to play professionally abroad (Surin City, Thailand — 11 appearances, 9 goals)
  • 2017–2018: Won the I-League title with Minerva Punjab FC in India
  • Career clubs: Surin City, Satun United (Thailand), Minerva Punjab, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters, Neroca FC, Bengaluru FC (India), Paro FC (Bhutan)

The Growing Sport

Football's popularity has surged in Bhutan, with the Bhutan Football Federation overseeing domestic leagues and youth development. Chencho Gyeltshen's international career has been credited with inspiring a new generation of young Bhutanese to take up the sport.[1]

This article focuses on documented professional players. BhutanWiki encourages community members to contribute information about other Bhutanese footballers who have represented the country or played professionally.

References

  1. "Chencho Gyeltshen, the Cristiano-inspired Bhutan talisman." FIFA.
  2. "Chencho Gyeltshen." Wikipedia.
  3. "Men's Football." Bhutan Football Federation.
  4. "Chencho Gyeltshen — From national team to national star." Kuensel Online.

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