Ritesh Thapa

Ritesh Thapa (; born 2 October 1984) is a former footballer from Nepal who played as goalkeeper. He made his first appearance for the Nepal national football team in 2003. He played for Nepal Police Club.

Club career Thapa was born in Itahari, Nepal. He started his career with the Three Star Club, but joined the Nepal Police Club four years later in 2004. He won many achievements with the Nepali Police Club, including a runners-up medal at the 2007 AFC President's Cup. He also won the Martyr's Memorial A-Division League four times with the Nepali Police Club.

International career Thapa made his debut for Nepal on September 29, 2003 although it was a dark day in his country's football history. Nepal were playing South Korea in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup qualification and lost by a record 16-0. Thapa came on as a half-time substitute for goalkeeper Ujjwal Manadhar in the game.

He has made twelve appearances for his country so far.

Honours AFC President's Cup Runners-up: 2007 Martyr's Memorial A-Division League Winner: 2006–07, 2010, 2011, 2011–12 Runners-up: 2004–05

Playing style Thapa is known as a hardworking and dependable player in the squad and always has a positive attitude. He however lacks concentration during games. On 19 October 2015 Rai and the four others were banned by the Asian Football Confederation.