There’s something undeniable about football. After all, it’s managed to captivate the attention of people across the world for a little over a century.
With the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup, one thing has become especially clear. Football has the power to bring people together regardless of generation. Though the sport may not have the same cinematic cred that boxing, baseball, and even tennis has, it has celebrities.
If you know nothing of football, names like David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Diego Maradona will certainly ring a bell. Little boys and girls in favelas, students in posh private schools, and children sitting in front of the television all may have once harboured dreams of becoming footballers, playing the most-celebrated sport in the world.
Aryan Bose is one such adolescent who has achieved this dream.
From a very young age, sports were never just an after-school activity to fill the time for Aryan. Although he played other sports, his heart unequivocally called out to football. It was this passion for fútbol which took him all the way to Munich, as part of FC Bayern Munich’s Global Academy World Squad.
Curious to see what keeps him in his stride, Masala caught up with the young athlete to chat about all things footie.
How did you go from playing football as a kid to the Bayern Munich Global Academy World Squad?
I started playing football at the age of three and a half with Bangkok Galaxy FC. I was fortunate to have an excellent mentor, Coach Thibault, who made every training session enjoyable and helped me develop both my skills and my love for the game.
Bangkok Galaxy FC was a regular participant in club tournaments and through them, I represented the team from the U6 bracket onwards. Outside of Bangkok Galaxy, I was also playing for my school.
At the age of six, when I was studying at St. Andrews International School, I was selected for FOBISIA, the Federation of British International Schools in Asia, which only furthered my passion for football.
In Year 5, while I was growing as a player, I was offered a football scholarship by Ascot International School, which is well known for its strong international football programme.
Around the same time, I was also awarded a scholarship by the STB Football Academy. STB identifies talented young players and supports both their football training and education.
Two years ago, through my STB scholarship, I transferred to Bangkok Christian College because I wanted the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Jaturamitr Samakkee (จตุรมิตรสามัคคี) biennial football tournament.
My football journey has been one of passion, dedication, and continuous learning, and I am grateful for every coach, teammate, and opportunity that has shaped me along the way.
What does a typical day look like when you’ve got training, school, and everything in between?
My day starts early. I leave home at 6:45 AM for school and after classes, I head straight to football training.
Depending on which pitch I train at for the day, or if I have any matches, I usually get home between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM.
Once I’m home, I have a quick shower, eat dinner, finish any schoolwork that needs to be done, and then head straight to bed so I’m ready to do it all again the next morning.
Being selected for the Bayern Munich Global Academy World Squad is an incredible opportunity. What was going through your mind when you learned the news?
I was already familiar with the Bayern Munich Global Academy as I had been selected for the academy and was playing matches there.
So when I got the call that I had been selected for the World Squad, I was happy to get the exposure of being trained by top-class coaches and play with and against other world-class players and teams.
Every footballer has one skill they consider their signature move. What’s yours?
It’s difficult for me to judge my own strengths.
On the field, I play as a right-wing forward and people often tell me that one of my strengths is cutting inside from the right and curling the ball into the goal with my left foot.
When you’re not on the football pitch, how do you usually spend your free time?
I hardly have any free time but when I do, I enjoy spending it with my family and a few close friends.
I also love playing tennis and basketball. Before fully committing to football, I used to represent my school in both tennis and basketball when I was younger, so it’s always great to get back on the court whenever I have the chance.
Who in your family gets most nervous watching your matches and who stays the calmest?
No one in my family really gets nervous before my matches.
My mum rarely watches my games. Her biggest concern is always whether I’m eating well when I’m home or if I’m travelling. She keeps advising me to stay healthy and avoid injuries.
My dad, having played sports himself, doesn’t get nervous either. He is much more involved in my football journey and loves discussing not only my matches but football in general.
When I was younger, he never missed any of my games while my mum often came along simply because it was a chance for us to spend time together as a family.
My parents have never put pressure on me to play. Instead, they always tell me that they will continue to support me for as long as I enjoy the game.
If you could spend a day training with any footballer in the world, who would you choose?
Lionel Messi!
He has been my football idol ever since I was a child. I have always admired the way he plays and the humility he shows on and off the pitch.
At the same time, I believe there is something to learn from every great player, and I enjoy watching different players and picking up new ideas from each of them.
Complete the sentence: “The best part about playing football is…”
Simply being on the pitch.
I love competing, working with my teammates, and challenging myself to become a better player every day. That’s what makes the game so enjoyable for me.