Chanathip Songkrasin, born in 1993 in Nakhon Pathom, established himself as a central figure in Thai association football. Often identified by the nickname the 'Thai Messi' due to his stature and dribbling style, the attacking midfielder has enjoyed a career spanning both the Thai League 1 and the Japanese J.League, where he achieved significant historical milestones.
Early Career and Thai League Success
Promoted to the BEC Tero Sasana first team by coach Andrew Ord, Chanathip recorded his first senior goal on 6 May against Thai Port. After winning the TPL Young Player of the Year award in 2013, he moved to Muangthong United in 2016. During his debut season with the club, he contributed to victories in both the 2016 Thai League and the 2016 Thai League Cup. His performances in the 2017 AFC Champions League, particularly against Brisbane Roar and Kashima Antlers, earned him man of the match honors in back-to-back games.
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Chanathip joined Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on loan in July 2017, becoming the first Thai footballer to appear in the top tier of Japan's professional league system. Following a successful transition, he signed permanently in 2018, contributing to the club's record-high fourth-place league finish that season. His performance secured him a spot in the J.League team of the season, a first for a player from Southeast Asia. In 2022, he transferred to Kawasaki Frontale for a reported $3.8 million, marking the highest domestic transfer fee in J.League history.
International Representation
The midfielder debuted for the Thailand national team under coach Winfried Schäfer during the 2012 King's Cup. In 2014, he played a vital role in Thailand's AFF Suzuki Cup victory, scoring against the Philippines in the semi-finals and clinching the title in the final against Malaysia. These efforts led to his recognition as the tournament's most valuable player at age 21. He later captained the squad to another AFF Championship title in 2016, becoming the first player to win the competition's MVP award twice.
Return to Thailand
In June 2023, Chanathip returned to domestic football by signing with BG Pathum United. He debuted for the team in August against Police Tero and subsequently recorded his first league goal since 2017 during an away match against Uthai Thani. Competing in the 2023–24 AFC Champions League, he scored twice against his former club, Kawasaki Frontale. By June 2024, he added another piece of silverware to his record by helping BG Pathum United secure the 2023–24 Thai League Cup.
Fast facts
- Born: 5 October 1993, Nakhon Pathom
- Primary Position: Attacking midfielder
- Record transfer fee: $3.8 million (Kawasaki Frontale, 2022)
- AFF Championship MVP titles: 2 (2014, 2016)
- First J.League goal: 2 March 2018 vs Cerezo Osaka
- Current Club: BG Pathum United
- Citizenship: Thailand
Questions readers ask
Why is Chanathip Songkrasin called the 'Thai Messi'?
He is referred to by this nickname because of his diminutive physical stature and his playstyle as a left-footed dribbler.
Did Chanathip win any major trophies in Japan?
While he performed at a high level and was named in the J.League team of the season in 2018, his major domestic trophies were won with Muangthong United in Thailand and BG Pathum United.
