Football in Cambodia: Myth or Reality?
Faced with regional powerhouses like Iran, South Korea, and Japan—countries that dominate Asian football—Cambodia has experienced five consecutive early exits during the first phase of Asian qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia™.
Yet, Cambodians remain deeply passionate about football. It is not uncommon to see young Khmers walking the streets proudly wearing the jersey of their favorite team. But where does this enthusiasm for Cambodian football come from, and how far could it take the national team?
A Nation’s passion
The Cambodian national football team has a rich and unique history. Founded in 1933, it became a member of FIFA in 1953. The country’s best achievement came in 1972, finishing fourth in the AFC Asian Cup—its highest ranking to date. Football legends like Pen Phat, who contributed to a 2–0 victory over Malaysia during the 1970 Asian Games, and Hok Sochetra, named Southeast Asia’s best player in 1997, have played key roles in raising the profile of football in Cambodia.
After a decade of poor results, the arrival of South Korean coach Lee Tae-Ho marked a turning point. By promoting young talents and introducing tactical innovations, he helped spark a football renaissance. One notable success story is that of Chan Vathanaka, the first Cambodian player to sign with a foreign club.
In 2015, Cambodia achieved a historic milestone by defeating Macau and qualifying for the World Cup 2018 qualifying rounds—a first for the country. Football fever swept the nation: stadiums filled to capacity and binational players became role models for youth.
At every national match, the excitement spreads from the packed stadium—home to 50,000 fans—across the entire country, uniting Cambodians around their beloved sport.
Cambodian Football Fans: A Fragile Ecosystem
Despite the national team’s growing popularity, local club football still struggles to attract significant support. Crowds at league matches often number in the mere hundreds. Among the 12 teams in the national league, only around 50 players are considered to have the level required for international competition. The lack of fan engagement and limited private investment directly hinders player development, infrastructure, and the overall progress of the national team.
Additionally, few Cambodian players are willing to pursue careers abroad, particularly in more competitive leagues such as Thailand’s. While they are celebrities at home, many hesitate to leave their families and face anonymity in foreign countries—ultimately at the cost of their professional growth.
Football in Cambodia: A glimmer of hope
Until 2014, professional footballers in Cambodia earned no more than $100 per month. But with recent investments in infrastructure and a surge in national enthusiasm, average salaries have climbed to approximately €500—four times the minimum wage. South African player Shane Booysen, now the highest-paid footballer in Cambodia, is able to support his family through his passion. He hopes to inspire a new generation of young Cambodians to dream of professional careers.
Franco-Khmer footballer Thierry Chantha Bin didn’t hesitate to return to his roots in 2012. He was quickly recruited by Phnom Penh Crown FC and successfully built his career in Asia. Today, he shines at Malaysia’s Terengganu FA—a club that has won the Malaysian Cup several times—while also representing Cambodia on the international stage. In Cambodia, he has achieved near-celebrity status, modeling for underwear campaigns, promoting bottled water and cider brands, and serving as a spokesperson in HIV awareness initiatives.
« Here, I get to do what I love most: I live my passion,” says Thierry with a smile. “I have a unique opportunity to play at an international level. I encourage any struggling player in France to come explore Asia. It’s an exciting time—everything is still being built. ».
With the establishment of U13 and U16 national teams, and a new generation of proud and dedicated players ready to promote Cambodian football both at home and abroad, the future looks bright. The ultimate goal? To inspire and dazzle fans at the upcoming 2023 SEA Games—set to be hosted for the very first time in Phnom Penh. Stay tuned!