Schwaben’s Warrior: A Decade in Europe

"Achitpol Keereerom": A Decade in Europe

Achitpol Keereerom’s football journey has been anything but conventional. From a young boy in Thailand with a passion for sports to an established professional in Germany, his story is one of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering determination.

Now, after spending a decade in Europe, he continues to push forward, proving that a Thai footballer can carve out a career in one of the world's most competitive football landscapes.

From Tennis to Football: A Defining Choice

Like many young athletes, Achitpol's first exposure to sports came through a different discipline—tennis. Though he showed promise, it wasn’t until he discovered football that he found his true calling.

Encouraged by his family, he joined a Ruhjang football academy in Thailand, where his talent and dedication quickly became evident. His early years saw him play for top football schools like Assumption College and Bangkok Christian College, laying the foundation for what was to come.

A Bold Move to Germany

At just 13 years old, Achitpol made a life-changing decision. Inspired by a training stint at Everton in England and a short spell in Portugal with clubs like Benfica and Sporting Braga, he realized the vast gap between Thai and European football.

Determined to test himself at the highest level, he convinced his family to let him pursue his dreams abroad.

Around the same time, his mother came across information about Deutsche Fussball Internat (DFI), a prestigious private football academy in Germany that combined academic education with intensive football training. This discovery, coupled with Germany’s triumph at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, made it clear to his family that Germany was the perfect place for him to develop as a footballer.

Adjusting to a new country at such a young age wasn’t easy. Language barriers, cultural differences, and the highly demanding training schedule made the transition challenging. His first attempt to settle in Germany lasted just two months before he returned home. But instead of giving up, he regrouped and came back stronger, this time as an exchange student, allowing him to adapt more gradually.

Rising Through the Ranks

With his language skills and confidence improving, Achitpol rejoined DFI at 16, committing fully to his football education.

His hard work paid off when he earned a spot at 1860 Rosenheim U19, a semi-professional club in Germany. There, he flourished, becoming the league’s top scorer and catching the attention of FC Augsburg, a Bundesliga club with a strong youth development program.

He signed with FC Augsburg II, the club’s reserve team competing in Germany’s fourth division (Regionalliga), marking a significant step in his career.

Representing Thailand on the International Stage

Achitpol's impressive performances in Germany did not go unnoticed by the Thai national team selectors. His consistent form in club football earned him call-ups to various national youth teams, representing Thailand at the U19, U23, and SEA Games levels. Wearing the national colors was a proud moment for him, as it validated the years of hard work he had put into his career.

On the international stage, he showcased his ability as a reliable forward, contributing goals in crucial matches. His experience in Germany helped him adapt quickly to different styles of play, making him a valuable asset for Thailand’s youth squads.

However, injuries sometimes limited his availability, preventing him from consistently featuring for the national team.

The Challenge of Professional Football

While Achitpol's talent was undeniable, his journey at Augsburg was far from smooth. Injuries, including a severe ACL tear, hampered his progress. Despite earning a two-year contract extension, setbacks on the pitch limited his playing time.

For a young footballer trying to break into the top tiers, these challenges could have been career-ending. Yet, instead of letting frustration consume him.

He focused on recovery, both physically and mentally.

Overcoming injuries is not just a physical challenge but also a mental battle. Achitpol spent months rehabilitating, working tirelessly to regain his strength and form. He sought advice from trainers, physiotherapists, and even senior players who had faced similar struggles.

His patience and commitment eventually paid off, allowing him to step back onto the pitch with renewed determination.

A New Chapter at Schwaben Augsburg

Now fully recovered, Achitpol has embarked on a new challenge with TSV Schwaben Augsburg, another Regionalliga club. Playing in Germany’s competitive fourth tier, he has adapted to a new role as a left winger in a 4-3-3 system—a shift from his usual striker position.

The transition has allowed him to develop new skills, utilizing his speed and agility more effectively. So far, he has made 17 appearances, scoring three goals and providing five assists, proving to be a key player for his team.

His ability to adapt to different playing styles and tactical roles has made him a valuable asset to the team. The experience of playing in a physically demanding league has honed his decision-making, stamina, and positioning.

Even though he is no longer leading the line as a center forward, he has embraced his new role, focusing on creating chances and contributing to his team's attacking play.

What Lies Ahead?

As he approaches his 24th birthday, Achitpol is at a crossroads. With his bachelor’s degree nearly completed, he has multiple paths ahead: continue his European football career, return to Thailand, or even explore opportunities in other leagues.

His journey has already defied expectations, and whatever comes next, one thing is certain—he will approach it with the same determination that has carried him this far.

Advice for Young Thai Footballers

Achitpol believes that any young Thai player aspiring to play abroad must possess more than just talent.

“The decision must come from within. If you truly want to succeed overseas, it has to be your own desire, not something forced by your parents or coaches. The road will be tough, but if you have the passion and perseverance, the experience will be invaluable.”

His advice extends beyond the technical aspects of football. He emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, self-discipline, and the ability to handle setbacks. Playing abroad is not just about skill—it’s about adapting to different cultures, managing expectations, and continuously improving under pressure.

A Thai Trailblazer in Europe

In an era where Thai football is searching for the right direction, Achitpol Keereerom represents a different model—a player who has fully immersed himself in the European system from a young age.

Whether or not he reaches the Bundesliga, his decade-long adventure in Germany is a testament to what’s possible for Thai footballers willing to take the leap. As he continues to fight for his dreams, Achitpol remains a name to watch, an inspiration for the next generation of Thai players aiming to make their mark abroad.

Follow him on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mike.achitpol

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike.achitpol

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mikeachitpol