King's Cup: From Ronaldinho to Robert Lewandowski - Football Stalwarts who have played in Thailand's Kings Cup

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Indian Football Team will have their next preparatory engagement in the form of King's Cup, the invitational tournament in Thailand which starts on Thursday (September 7).

The four-nation tournament will see India play Iraq in the first round match, while the winner of the match will take on the winner of Lebanon and Thailand's match in the Final.

King's Cup History

King's Cup is played in Thailand, which is mostly played with Asian teams. But it has also involved European, African and American countries over the years.

The King's Cup was first played in 1968 and since then has been played in every year except 1983, 1985, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2020 and 2021. Thailand are the most successful team with 15 titles, while South Korea have won King's Cup 7 times.

India Record in King's Cup

This is India's 4th participation in King's Cup and previously the Blue Tigers have finished 3rd in two occasions - 1977 and 2019.

Top Players to Play in King's Cup

Over the years, some terrific names of global football have taken part in King's Cup.

Rivaldo, Ronaldinho

Both Rivaldo and Ronaldinho were part of Brazil's U-17 team which played in the 2000 King's Cup.

Both players also scored in a 7-0 win over Thailand but couldn't make it to the Final. Thailand end up winning that edition by beating Finland in the Final.

Milan Skriniar, Martin Skrtel

Former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel captained Slovakia's King's Cup-winning team in 2018. Current PSG defender Milan Skriniar was also part of that squad. Slovakia beat Thailand 3-2 in the Final.

Robert Lewandowski

Poland's highest goalscorer and current Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has also played in King's Cup. The Polish striker played in the 2010 edition of the tournament and ended up scoring 2 goals.

Sunil Chhetri

India legend Sunil Chhetri has also played in the tournament in the 2019 edition.