Thailand makes a bold move by calling up a young star who once played for Chelsea

Thai football has surprised fans by selecting Jude Soonsup-Bell, a forward who previously played for Chelsea, for the national team’s November FIFA Matchday squad.

The President of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), Ms. Nualphan Lamsam (Madam Pang), officially confirmed that young striker Jude Soonsup-Bell will represent Thailand’s national team during the November 2025 FIFA Matchday. This announcement quickly sparked excitement in the Thai football community, as he was once regarded as one of England’s most promising talents.

Jude Soonsup-Bell, 21 years old, was born in England to an English father and a Thai mother. He represented England’s youth teams from U15 to U19 between 2019 and 2021 before playing for prestigious academies such as Chelsea (during the 2021/22 season), making his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup against Brentford. In 2023, he transferred to Tottenham Hotspur. Currently, he is playing for Grimsby Town in England’s League Two (fourth tier).

According to Madam Pang, administrative procedures and passport paperwork for Jude are being expedited so he can soon make his debut for the Thailand national team next month. “This is a positive sign for Thai football. Jude is a talent with technical skills, speed, and a modern mindset, which aligns with our vision to develop the national team for the future,” Ms. Pang stated.

Jude Soonsup-Bell’s decision marks a significant turning point, not only for him personally but also for the new direction of Thai football. Similar to the Philippines, Thailand allows dual citizenship without the complex naturalization process seen in Vietnam, Malaysia, or Indonesia. This policy helps the FAT easily attract Thai-origin players competing in Europe to return and contribute.

Jude’s inclusion is expected to bring fresh energy to Thailand’s attack alongside key players like Supachai Chaided and Ekanit Panya. Many fans believe this could be the beginning of a “hybrid generation” blending Thai identity with European strength to help the “War Elephants” rise regionally and aim for the 2030 World Cup.