Thailand is recognized as the home of muay thai and is considered the ‘Mecca’ for nak muay and muay thai fans all across the globe.
A trip to Thailand to fight, train or even watch fights at the legendary Lumpinee or Rajadamnern stadiums is on the bucket list of pretty much everyone who has trained the ‘Art of 8 limbs’,
But did you know that in Thailand football or soccer as it is called in many regions of the world, is hugely popular and even more popular than muay thai in many parts of the country.
The Dual Passion for Muay Thai and Soccer
Thailand is a country with a rich sporting heritage.
While Muay Thai stands as a symbol of national pride and has a dedicated global following, soccer has firmly entrenched itself in the hearts of the Thai people.
This unique blend of a deep-rooted martial art culture and a fervent love for soccer creates a fascinating synergy.
The Surprising Love for Soccer
However, beyond the realm of combat sports, soccer reigns supreme in Thailand.
Known as “football” in many parts of the world, the sport has a massive following. Soccer fever grips the nation, especially during major international tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. The Thai national football team garners tremendous support, and fans come together to cheer passionately during matches.
Local and International Leagues
Thailand boasts a competitive football scene with a thriving professional league system.
The Thai League 1, the country’s premier football league, showcases local talents alongside international players. Clubs like Buriram United and Muangthong United have earned a reputation not just within Thailand but also on the Asian stage.
The Symbiosis of Muay Thai and Soccer
While these two sports may seem worlds apart in terms of their nature and objectives, there are surprising intersections that can be explored.
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts who engage in both Muay Thai and soccer training often discover a harmonious balance that can lead to enhanced athletic performance.
Muay Thai’s focus on strength, agility, and mental fortitude can complement the cardiorespiratory fitness, speed, and teamwork skills developed in soccer.
In the world of soccer, balance, coordination, and quick reflexes are vital. Muay Thai training, with its emphasis on precise strikes, swift dodges, and defensive maneuvers, can significantly improve these attributes.
The mental toughness cultivated in the Muay Thai gym can also translate into resilience on the soccer field, where pressure and decision-making play critical roles.
Muay Thai Superstars who Love Soccer
Some of the biggest superstars of muay thai regularly play soccer and have done so from a very young age.
Rodtang
ONE Championship world champion and muay thai world superstar, Rodtang attributes his ability to stay in shape all year round to his love for playing soccer!
In fact, in an interview with ONE Championship about his training regime, Rodtang admitted he only trains ‘a little’ for some fights, and plays football instead to stay in shape.
Buakaw
In an interview with Evolve MMA, muay thai legend, Buakaw revealed his love for soccer and stated, “I’ve been a football lover since I was a kid. To be a professional footballer is also one of my dreams.”
You may not know, but Buakaw was even a professional soccer player while still regularly fighting.
In 2014, Buakaw signed on as a forward for RBAC Football Club, the reserve team of Ratchaburi F.C. that currently plays in the Regional League Division 2, the 3rd level football league in Thailand.
Buakaw has a powerful and effective muay thai/kickboxing style and you can learn how to fight like Buakaw here.
Saenchai
Another legend of muay thai and possibly one of the greatest muay thai fighters of all time, Saenchai has even dabbled in professional soccer.
Saenchai is a lifelong soccer fan and has played in celebrity matches with fellow muay thai legend Buakaw.
Back in 2009, there were rumors of Saenchai considering leaving muay thai for good in order to earn more money as fighting 8 times per year back then was not earning him enough income.
At the time, Saenchai stated he was looking into new things and exploring different paths, including devoting more time to soccer practice with Muangthong Nongchok team in Bangkok which he has signed a contract with.
Yodsanklai Fairtex
Yodsanklai Fairtex is another renowned Muay Thai champion.
While his primary focus has been Muay Thai, he has occasionally expressed his love for soccer and has even participated in charity soccer matches.
Tony Ja
While not necessarily a professional athlete in either Muay Thai or soccer, Tony Jaa is a famous Thai actor and martial artist who has gained international recognition for his roles in action films.
He has trained in Muay Thai and displayed impressive soccer skills in some of his movies.
His love for soccer and muay thai/muay boran is evident in the acrobatic moves he uses in fight scenes and stunts that also are similar to soccer moves like the bicycle kick!
Muay Thai & Football – Final Thoughts
It’s clear that the two most popular sports in Thailand are muay thai and football.
And while the two sports may seem completely different in many respects they also share similarities in their physical training and attributes of speed, stamina, agility and flexibility.
They also share a common theme in that they are both loved by Thai people!
Soccer or football, is also extremely popular among Thai fighters and some as we have discussed above have even signed contracts as professional football players.
After reading this article I think you will now have a better understanding of these two sports and their close relationship in the hearts of Thai people.
