Saurap Sampang Rai is a young footballer of Nepali descent, primarily a midfielder but also capable of playing at right-back, who has made significant strides in English football.
Early Life
Born on February 1, 2009, to a family originally from Bhojpur in eastern Nepal, Saurap grew up in the United Kingdom, where his footballing journey began. Despite his young age, Saurap has already achieved a significant milestone by being capped for the England U15 national team.
Football Career
Saurap made his international debut for England U15 in a match against Scotland, proudly representing his heritage while showcasing his talent on a prestigious stage. His inclusion in the national side is a testament to his hard work and potential.
Saurap plays for the Arsenal U16 squad, having been part of the Arsenal Football Academy for the past four years. A technically gifted midfielder, he can also play at right-back, showing versatility and tactical awareness beyond his years. His performances have not gone unnoticed — he was recently involved with the Arsenal U18s during their pre-season training camp in Germany, a strong indicator of the club’s faith in his abilities and future potential.
Looking ahead, Saurap is working toward earning a football scholarship, which would be a key step in continuing his professional journey. Despite his current involvement with England's youth setup, there remains interest and hope from Nepal that he may one day don the national colors. His father has expressed openness to the idea of Saurap representing Nepal internationally if the opportunity arises.
