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- 33 yrs
- Birthday in 268 days
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- Most recent 2021
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Sandesh Jhingan is a centre-back who has been a mainstay of the India national team since 2015. He won the AIFF Men’s Player of the Year award for 2020–21 and received the Arjuna Award in 2020.
Biography
Early career
Born in Chandigarh, Jhingan trained at the St Stephen’s Academy, helping it reach the South-East Asian finals of the Manchester United Premier Cup, and won the B. C. Roy Trophy with Chandigarh’s under-19 team. He has said he was rejected at trials by many lower-division clubs in Kolkata. In late 2011 he signed for United Sikkim, playing alongside Bhaichung Bhutia, and scored the winning goal on his I-League debut in October 2012.
Kerala Blasters
Jhingan became a fan favourite at Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League from 2014, captaining the club and becoming one of its longest-serving players. He was named AIFF Emerging Player of the Year in 2014.
Abroad and back
After moving to ATK Mohun Bagan in 2020, he joined HNK Šibenik in Croatia’s top division in 2021, the first Indian footballer in that league. He returned to India with Bengaluru FC and later joined FC Goa.
India
Jhingan made his debut for India in 2015 and became the backbone of its defence, helping India win SAFF Championship and Intercontinental Cup titles. He received the Arjuna Award in 2020 and was AIFF Men’s Player of the Year for 2020–21.
Style and leadership
A tough, vocal centre-back known for last-ditch blocks and aerial strength, Jhingan has been one of the leaders of the Indian dressing room for a decade, often captaining the side when Sunil Chhetri was absent. Kerala Blasters retired his No. 21 shirt in his honour when he left the club in 2020.
Playing abroad
In 2021 Jhingan signed for HNK Šibenik, becoming the first Indian to play in Croatia’s top division. Although injuries limited his time there, the move was celebrated as a sign of Indian defenders’ growing quality, and he returned to the Indian Super League with Bengaluru FC and later FC Goa.
Timeline
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1993
Born in Chandigarh, India
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2011
Signs for United Sikkim
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2012
Scores the winning goal on his I-League debut
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2014
Joins Kerala Blasters; AIFF Emerging Player of the Year
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2015
India debut
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2020
Arjuna Award; joins ATK Mohun Bagan
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2021
Joins HNK Šibenik in Croatia
AIFF Men’s Player of the Year 2020–21.
Awards and honours
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AIFF Emerging Player of the Year
2014
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Arjuna Award
2020
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AIFF Men’s Player of the Year
2021 · For 2020–21.
Did you know?
-
1
He was turned down by several lower-division clubs in Kolkata early in his career.
-
2
He played alongside Bhaichung Bhutia at United Sikkim.
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3
He was the first Indian to play in Croatia’s top football division.
Connections
Related people
Frequently asked
Who is Sandesh Jhingan?
Sandesh Jhingan is a centre-back who has been a mainstay of the India national team since 2015. He won the AIFF Men’s Player of the Year award for 2020–21 and received the Arjuna Award in 2020.
How old is Sandesh Jhingan?
Sandesh Jhingan is 33 years old, born on 21 July 1993 in Chandigarh, India.
Where is Sandesh Jhingan from?
Sandesh Jhingan was born in Chandigarh, India.
What is Sandesh Jhingan known for?
Sandesh Jhingan is best known for Leading India’s defence; first Indian to play in Croatia’s top division.
What awards has Sandesh Jhingan received?
Notable honours include AIFF Emerging Player of the Year (2014), Arjuna Award (2020), AIFF Men’s Player of the Year (2021).
References
- Sandesh Jhingan — Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- Sandesh Jhingan — Transfermarkt profile. Transfermarkt. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- Sandesh Jhingan (Q7416173) — structured data. Wikidata. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
External links
About this profile
- Researched by the TrackFame editors; reviewed by Sanjay Sokal
- First published 26 October 2026
- Last updated
Cite this page
“Sandesh Jhingan.” TrackFame, last updated 26 October 2026. https://trackfame.com/person/sandesh-jhingan
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