goated

The Philippine Men’s Football Team just made a huge statement.

The Philippines vs. Maldives football game was definitely worth the 3-hour drive.

NLEX traffic be damned, die-hard football fans made their way to New Clark City Stadium to support the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT). And the young guns of men’s football didn’t disappoint.

The PMNFT dominated their opponent 4-1, thanks to goals from Jefferson Tabinas, Bjørn Martin Kristensen, Randy Schneider, and Sandro Reyes .

It was a memorable night for the 4,000 fans in attendance, as the victory brought the team one step closer to qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

An exciting new chapter

Last night was a reminder that there’s a lot to be excited for if you’re a PH football fan.

The popularity of men’s football in the Philippines peaked with the Azkals over a decade ago (just ask your uncs about it). Since then, the team and the sport had yet to recapture that same excitement from PH football fans–until today.

The PMNFT put on a show at the New Clark City Stadium. We saw a young, hungry team play with poise and chemistry. And the energy in the arena was enough to make you think, “Could this be the football resurgence we’d been waiting for?”

It sure feels like it.

“It’s so surreal to be in a game where the Philippine men’s national football team won, especially here in the Philippines, in a whole new arena as well,” shared sports producer Yani Mayo, who was among the fans at the New Clark City Stadium. “There are a lot of younger players that we’ve just seen coming into the team, and they’re making a name for themselves, and they’re introducing football again to the Philippines. Hopefully this is the start of another golden year in the country.”

While the Millennials had the Azkals, today’s PMNFT roster is at the cusp of becoming the football heroes of a new generation.

“I’m so excited to be witnessing a new era in football in the Philippines,” Yani added. “I would only hear about the Younghusband’s before, but now I’m a fan of the current roster.”

“A lot of the players here in our team actually come from abroad and chose to represent our country. So it’s heartwarming to see them banner the Philippine flag, to wear the jerseys, and to be proud that they’re Filipinos.”

Clearly, the PMNT’s victory was not just a win on the pitch but also in the hearts and imaginations of their fans. Be sure to watch this space; a new age of Philippine football is here.