Jude Soonsup-Bell: The new hope for Thailand's football!

Jude Soonsup-Bell: The new hope for Thailand's football!

The Thai football landscape is set for an exciting change as Football Association of Thailand (FAT) President Ms Pang has officially confirmed the naturalization of Jude Soonsup-Bell. This was recently done by Vietnam.vn reported. Negotiations and contacts with the talented player lasted until last year. Jude Soonsup-Bell, born in 2004 in Chippenham, England, has Thai roots and brings a breath of fresh air to the Thai national team. With the aim of playing at the FIFA Days in November 2025, the paperwork for his naturalization and qualification is already well underway.

Why is this step so important? After losing the AFF Cup to Vietnam in 2024, Thailand, led by head coach Anthony Hudson, is aiming for a return to old strength. Soonsup-Bell is seen as a crucial reinforcement to support the team in the upcoming 2027 Asian Cup and friendlies against Singapore and Sri Lanka. Madame Pang has high expectations for the young player, who is seen as a promising talent and has expressed his desire to play for Thailand.

A promising talent

What does Jude Soonsup-Bell bring to the table to win his way into the hearts of Thai football fans? The player began his career at Chelsea FC, where he attracted attention as one of the best young players. He signed his first professional contract at just 17 years old and made his debut on December 22, 2021 in the League Cup against Brentford. After a move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2025 and a short spell with Córdoba in Spain, Soonsup-Bell currently plays in English League Two for Grimsby Town, where he has already made eight appearances this season.

Before joining the Thai national team, Soonsup-Bell was a regular player for England's youth national teams, from U15 to U19. He was the England U16s' second top scorer, with six goals in just seven games. Despite these successes, he has now decided to try his luck with Thailand, thanks to his Thai grandfather. His commitment is interpreted as part of a comprehensive plan to renew the Thai national team.

The challenges and ambitions of the Thai national team

The Thai national team has experienced many ups and downs throughout its history. From its first games in 1915 to its numerous participations in international tournaments, the team has had its fair share of successes, including the AFF Championships in 2000, 2014 and 2021. But the challenge for the future is to meet rising expectations and assert themselves in a highly competitive Asian market. A good start to the 2026 World Cup qualification, where Thailand has to face South Korea and China in Group C, would be another step in the right direction.

Madame Pang and the entire team hope that Jude Soonsup-Bell can not only raise the level of play but also usher in a new era for Thai football. Fans are excited to see whether this talented young man has what it takes to put Thailand back on the regional football throne and win people's hearts with his skills. The signs are good and all eyes will be on him when the games come around in November. Once Thailand, always Thailand - that seems to be Soonsup-Bell's motto, and we can't wait to see how his trip turns out.