AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
Down by two goals against tournament debutants Bangladesh, Kurisara sparked a remarkable comeback by converting from the penalty spot in the 69th minute as Thailand roared to a 3-2 victory.
#U20WAC | Group A: Thailand 3-2 Bangladesh
“I think it was that goal that made us believe that we could fight back, and that’s what we did,” said the forward.
The 17-year-old, who’s affectionately dubbed “Messi Kate”, is an old hand at scoring at the international level, so much so that she has no idea of the number of times she’s found the back of the net.
“I really don’t know how many,” she said.
The 17-year-old, who’s affectionately dubbed “Messi Kate”, is an old hand at scoring at the international level, so much so that she has no idea of the number of times she’s found the back of the net.
“I really don’t know how many,” she said.
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Kurisara scored the opener against Australia in their 3-1 win at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 and was the top scorer at the ASEAN U19 Girls' Championship 2025, where she nabbed six goals as Thailand went on to claim their third title.
The dynamic player, who plays in the top-tier Thai Women’s League for defending champions BGC–College of Asian Scholars, was initially not interested in football but changed her mind after being introduced to the game.
“My father is a local club football coach and he forced me to play when I was young,” she said. “I soon started to develop a love for the game, however, and that’s when I began to take it seriously.”
The dynamic player, who plays in the top-tier Thai Women’s League for defending champions BGC–College of Asian Scholars, was initially not interested in football but changed her mind after being introduced to the game.
“My father is a local club football coach and he forced me to play when I was young,” she said. “I soon started to develop a love for the game, however, and that’s when I began to take it seriously.”
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Kurisara has been playing for close to eight years, and wants to one day shine in the big leagues.
“I hope to make my family proud and play in the English League, the Bundesliga or in the United States,” she said, adding that she also aims to be as good as her idol Cristiano Ronaldo.
When not inspiring her teammates on the pitch, the U-Thong School student is busy juggling her studies and her national and club commitments.
“My school really supports me, and I try to study and play football, but I like football more.”
“I hope to make my family proud and play in the English League, the Bundesliga or in the United States,” she said, adding that she also aims to be as good as her idol Cristiano Ronaldo.
When not inspiring her teammates on the pitch, the U-Thong School student is busy juggling her studies and her national and club commitments.
“My school really supports me, and I try to study and play football, but I like football more.”