Thai sport, especially football, is experiencing a moment of growth and one of its greatest promises is Suphanat Mueanta. Born on August 2, 2002 in Sisaket, Thailand, this young striker has demonstrated his skill for the sport from an early age and is now looking to make a place for himself in European football. Currently, he plays for OH Leuven in the Belgian First Division, on loan from Buriram United in the Thai League. In addition, he has been an absolute international with the national team of his native country since 2019.
A most successful career
Suphanat began his career in the lower divisions of the Buriram Unitedthe most successful club in the world of Thai football. He was promoted to the first team in 2018. On May 26 of that same year, one of the most important moments in his professional career took place when he became the youngest player to score a goal in the Thai League. At just 15 years, 9 months and 22 days old, he scored two goals in a 5-0 victory over Air Force Central and shone on the professional stage.
In the 2019 season, the successful Thai player debuted in the prestigious AFC Champions League. On March 13 of that year he played against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, one of the most prominent clubs in Asia. Shortly after, he managed to score a goal against Beijing Guoan, again leading him to become the youngest player to score in this continental competition, now aged just 16 years, 8 months and 7 days.
Last year, Suphanat joined Belgian side OH Leuven. This move is crucial in his professional career, as it positions him as one of the first Thai footballers to try his luck in Europe and succeed in this region, known for its high competitive level.
Two brothers united in Thai football
Suphanat is not the only footballer in his family. His older brother, Supachok Sarachat, is also a prominent player. Both brothers have represented their country in international competitions and currently enjoy successful careers in the sport.
His participation in the national team
The young professional player has represented his country in several youth categories, standing out from the under-16 level. His debut with the senior team took place on June 5, 2019, in a friendly against Vietnam. Although Thailand lost 1-0, the nation witnessed the debut of one of its biggest football prospects with the national team.
Since then, Suphanat has been considered by both the team and the public as a fundamental player for the Thai national team. Through his participation in regional tournaments such as the AFF Cup, the youngster has managed, together with his teammates, to maintain Thailand as a dominant force in Southeast Asia.
A boom time for Thai football
As mentioned above, Suphanat’s career developed during a period of constant growth in football in Thailand. Introduced in the late 19th century, the sport has evolved significantly since the founding of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) in 1916. Although Thailand has yet to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, its national team has positioned itself as a power in regional competitions.
The creation of the Thai League (Thai League) in 1996 marked a before and after in the development of professional football in the country. Teams like Buriram United have dominated the local scene and participated in international competitions, making it possible to gain valuable experience.
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