With 25 goals scored in the AFF Championship, Teerasil Dangda stands as the all-time leading scorer in the history of the tournament. The Bangkok-born striker has established a career defined by his prolific finishing in Thai League 1, where he remains the highest-scoring local player in the league’s history with a total of 143 goals.
Early Development and Domestic Rise
Teerasil began his football education at Assumption College Thonburi in 2003. He made his senior professional debut during the 2004–2005 season with the Air Technical Training School, contributing three goals in six matches. A move to Rajpracha in 2006 saw him emerge as a primary offensive threat, where he recorded nine goals in 18 appearances. By 2007, he joined Muangthong United, helping the club secure the Division 2 title.
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In 2007, Teerasil signed with Premier League side Manchester City alongside Suree Sukha and Kiatprawut Saiwaeo. Due to work permit complications, he spent a loan period with Grasshopper in Switzerland, representing their reserve squad. After returning to Thailand in 2008, he had a brief stint with Rajpracha before rejoining Muangthong United in 2009. He later sought opportunities in Spain, undertaking trials with Atlético Madrid and Getafe. In 2014, he moved to Almería on loan, becoming the first Thai footballer to compete in La Liga when he debuted against RCD Espanyol on 23 August 2014.
Longevity and Scoring Records
Returning to Muangthong United in 2015, Teerasil continued to set domestic benchmarks. He was instrumental in the club’s 2016 Thai League campaign. On 11 March 2017, he reached a century of goals for the club against Nakhon Ratchasima. He eventually surpassed Pipob On-Mo’s record of 108 goals, setting a new mark for the highest number of league goals by a Thai player. In late 2017, he pursued an opportunity in the J1 League, signing a loan deal with Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Fast facts
- Born: 6 June 1988, Bangkok
- Professional debut: 2004–2005
- AFF Championship goals: 25
- Thai League 1 local goals record: 143
- Almería loan: 2014
- Sanfrecce Hiroshima signing: 20 December 2017
Questions readers ask
Did Teerasil Dangda play for Manchester City?
He signed with the club in 2007 but did not make a first-team appearance due to work permit issues.
Was he the first Thai player in La Liga?
Yes, he debuted for UD Almería in 2014, making him the first Southeast Asian and Thai footballer to play in the Spanish top flight.
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