Early career Born and brought up in Shotak,
Sikkim, Sonam Bhutia is a product of the
Sports Authority of India,
Namchi. He was part of the SAI squad that participated in the
Subroto Cup in 2008. Though his team lost in the semi-final stage, Sonam who played in central defense got a scholarship for good performance. He was selected in the U-23 Indian Camp held at
Bangalore last year, but due to passport issues, he was not kept in the final squad. In March 2013,
Nathan Hall managed United Sikkim went to
Bhutan for training. With the team, Bhutia played three friendly matches against local sides
Drukpol FC,
Yeedzin and Zimdra, at the
Changlimithang Stadium in Thimpu. From July to August 2013, he went to Bhutan again and participated in
2013 King's Cup, in which they moved to the knockout stages. In the first semi-final, United Sikkim lost 2–4 to
Manang Marshyangdi of Nepal.
Mohun Bagan In August 2014, Sonam joined
Mohun Bagan, and appeared in the
Calcutta Football League.
Mohammedan On 2 August 2016, it was announced that Bhutia had signed with
Mohammedan. He was part of the team, that clinched 36th
Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup, defeating
Jhapa XI of Nepal 1–0 at the
Paljor Stadium.
Machhindra In December 2021, Bhutia moved to Nepal and signed with
Martyr's Memorial A-Division League side
Machhindra F.C. on a season-long deal. He debuted on 2 January 2022, in their 1–0 win against
Nepal Police Club. Later Machhindra lifted the league trophy and earned a spot in the
2022 AFC Cup qualifying play-offs. On 5 April, Machhindra appeared in the match against
Blue Star of Sri Lanka at the
Dasharath Rangasala Stadium but bowed out of the tournament losing 2–1. ==Career statistics==