Teeratep Winothai

Teeratep Winothai, known to fans across Thailand as Leesaw, is a retired professional footballer who spent nearly two decades as one of the country's most recognizable forwards. Born in Bangkok on February 16, 1985, he built a career that spanned clubs in Thailand, Belgium, and England, while also becoming a mainstay for the Thai national team. His playing style blended sharp movement, technical skill, and a knack for scoring in big moments, which made him a fan favorite wherever he went.

Since hanging up his boots in late 2022, Leesaw has shifted his focus to football administration, publicly stating his ambition to one day lead the Football Association of Thailand. He remains active in the football community, participating in events like the FIFA Legacy Program and staying connected with his large social media following. For Thai football fans, he represents a bridge between the golden generation of the 2000s and the sport's future in the country. [edit]

Teeratep's football story starts far from home. As a teenager, he moved to England to train in the youth academies of Crystal Palace and Everton, an uncommon path for a Thai player at the time. Those early years in English football shaped his technical approach and gave him a professional grounding that would set him apart later.

Back in Thailand, he balanced football with education, earning a bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Education at Chulalongkorn University. His international youth career kicked off early, too. At just 14, he played in the FIFA U-17 World Championship, an experience that put him on the radar of scouts and fans alike. Before his senior breakthrough, he also picked up his first SEA Games gold medals, foreshadowing the trophy-laden international career to come. [edit]

Leesaw's senior career took him through several Thai clubs and a stint with Belgian side Lierse, where he gained valuable European experience. But it was on the international stage that he truly shone. He became a regular for the Thai national team, earning numerous caps and scoring crucial goals, including four SEA Games football gold medals, a record that cements his place in Thai football history.

One of his most memorable moments came on July 13, 2013, when he scored the first goal of the David Moyes era at Manchester United during a pre-season friendly in Bangkok. The goal made headlines worldwide and remains a highlight of his career. He also made a brief foray into acting, appearing in the 2007 Thai horror film The Coffin. In his final years as a player, he continued to contribute for club and country, playing his last match for Thailand on December 14, 2022, against Taiwan. He officially retired on November 29, 2022, and immediately set his sights on a future in football administration. [edit]

Leesaw's public image is that of a dedicated, humble professional who never lost his connection to Thai fans. Known for his approachable demeanor, he regularly interacts with supporters on social media, sharing training clips, match analyses, and personal moments. His Instagram, with over 338,000 followers, offers a glimpse into his life post-retirement, from football events to casual days out.

His style on the pitch was marked by intelligence and composure, and that same measured approach carries into his public appearances. He is often seen as a role model for young Thai footballers, someone who proved that a player from Southeast Asia could train in Europe and succeed at the international level. Fans appreciate his honesty, whether he's discussing a tough loss or his ambitions for Thai football's future. [edit]

Teeratep Winothai is currently evaluated by iFANN but holds no placement in the Global Top 1,000 rankings. August 2026 data confirms the Global Fame Engine has assessed his standing without assigning a specific numeric rank or scope list position. The Thai national icon commands a massive audience across Southeast Asia, yet this support lacks a formal collective name or organized campaign structure. Unlike pop stars with dedicated fan clubs that purchase billboards or stream parties, Leesaw's following is rooted in deep national pride and respect for his athletic longevity rather than a structured fandom ecosystem. His influence remains anchored in his status as a veteran pioneer who bridged Thai football with European academies. While he maintains a robust social media presence with hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and Facebook, these metrics reflect his role as a respected public figure and brand ambassador rather than an active, mobilized movement. There are no records of fan-funded projects, charity drives initiated solely by supporters, or unique rituals defining his community. Fans simply refer to him by his nickname, Leesaw, a moniker derived from his surname that serves as a universal identifier in Thailand. His legacy is built on verified sporting achievements and historical milestones rather than viral folklore or crowd disruption. He stands as a revered sports hero whose reputation relies on professional consistency and service to the nation.[edit]

Leesaw's nickname stems from his childhood, though its precise origin remains a mystery to many. Right-footed yet comfortable with both feet, he kept defenders guessing with unpredictable finishing. A long-time Nike ambassador, he often debuted new boots that caught the eye of specialized tracking sites in 2018. Off the pitch, he displayed a playful side in a commercial poking fun at his own fame. He holds the rare distinction of training at both Crystal Palace and Everton academies while still following the Premier League closely after retirement. One of his most celebrated moments occurred during a pre-season friendly where he scored the first goal under David Moyes' reign as Manchester United manager. This historic strike against a global giant cemented his place in football history. Additionally, he graduated from the Crystal Palace youth academy, representing Thailand in the FIFA World U-17 Championship at age 14. His career is further defined by winning four SEA Games gold medals with the national team before retiring in late 2022 to pursue leadership roles within the Football Association of Thailand.[edit]

Details about Teeratep's family are kept largely private, but he has mentioned in interviews that his parents supported his move to England as a teenager, a decision that shaped his entire career. He grew up in Bangkok, and his family remains based there.

As of 2026, he is not publicly known to be married or have children. He often posts about his parents on social media, showing a close bond, especially with his mother, who has been spotted at some of his matches. He also has a beloved pet dog, a small breed that occasionally appears in his Instagram stories. [edit]

Teeratep's career intersected with several notable figures. He famously scored against a Manchester United side managed by David Moyes in 2013, a moment that linked him to the Scottish manager's early days at the club. He also shared the pitch with many Thai football legends, and in 2024 he appeared alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the FIFA Legacy Program, where they promoted youth football development in Thailand. His post-retirement ambitions have put him in conversation with figures like Madame Pang, a prominent figure in Thai football administration. [edit]

Teeratep Winothai has kept his romantic life largely out of the public eye. Throughout his playing career, he was rarely linked to any high-profile relationships, and he has not been married, as far as public records show. In interviews, he has spoken about focusing on his football and family, which suggests a deliberate choice to keep that part of his life private.

As of 2026, Leesaw appears to be single, with no current partner publicly known. He occasionally posts about spending time with friends and teammates, but there is no indication of a serious relationship. Fans respect his privacy, and his personal life remains one of the least documented aspects of his public persona. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Teeratep Winothai's net worth in 2026 stands at $5 Million. This figure reflects a career spanning nearly two decades across Thailand, Belgium, and England, supported by strategic endorsements and post-retirement ventures. During his playing days, he earned salaries from Thai clubs and his stint with Belgian side Lierse, though exact contract values remain private. His enduring partnership with Nike provided a steady income stream through brand ambassadorship and commercial appearances. Since hanging up his boots, Leesaw has maintained financial momentum through event appearances and programs linked to the football world. He has also hinted at broader business interests, although specific details remain scarce. His financial profile represents a lucrative career by Thai football standards, managed effectively over the years despite not reaching the wealth levels of European superstars.[edit]

Teeratep Winothai's trophy cabinet is highlighted by four SEA Games gold medals, a remarkable achievement that places him among the most decorated Thai footballers in that competition's history. While individual awards are less documented, his consistent selection for the national team over nearly two decades is a testament to his value. He also won domestic titles with his clubs, though specific honors are not widely recorded. [edit]