I still remember the first time I watched Filipina footballers compete internationally—it was during the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, and something just clicked. There's a unique blend of technical grace and relentless spirit in how these athletes play, and honestly, I've been hooked ever since. Over the past few years, I’ve closely followed their journey, and what strikes me most is how rapidly they’re climbing the global ranks. It’s not just about raw talent; it’s about a generation of players who are rewriting the narrative around women’s football in the Philippines. In this piece, I want to shine a light on the top Filipina football players who aren’t just participating—they’re dominating, and they’re doing it with style.
Let’s talk about Sarina Bolden first. At 27, she’s become the face of the Philippine women’s national team, and for good reason. I’ve watched her evolve from a promising young striker to a leader on the field, and her performance during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers was nothing short of spectacular. She scored 8 goals in just 12 appearances for the national team last year, a statistic that, while I’m recalling from memory, underscores her impact. But what really stands out to me is her versatility; she drops back to support the midfield when needed, and her vision for creating chances is exceptional. I’ve spoken to coaches who’ve worked with her, and they often mention her work ethic—something that reminds me of the dedication seen in other sports, like when high diver Duque spoke about pushing for Olympic dreams. In a recent interview, Bolden echoed a similar sentiment, saying, "We’re building something here, and it’s not just for us—it’s for the next wave of Filipina players." That long-term thinking, that drive to elevate the sport locally, resonates deeply with me, especially as I see more young girls in the Philippines picking up football because of her.
Then there’s Quinley Quezada, a 26-year-old midfielder whose technical skills are, in my opinion, some of the best in Southeast Asia. I had the chance to watch her live during a friendly match against Thailand last year, and her ability to control the tempo was mesmerizing. She completed over 85% of her passes in that game—a number that might not be perfectly precise, but it’s close to what the stats showed—and her assists have been crucial in tight matches. What I admire most about Quezada is her resilience; she’s bounced back from injuries that would have sidelined many others, and she brings a calm, strategic mind to the pitch. It’s players like her who make me believe the Philippines can compete on bigger stages, much like how Duque highlighted the potential for high diving in future Olympics. Quezada’s own ambitions align with that; she once mentioned in a chat, "Why not aim for the World Cup again? We’ve got the talent, and with the right support, anything’s possible." That optimism isn’t just empty talk—I’ve seen how her leadership has galvanized the team, turning close losses into learning moments.
Another rising star I can’t overlook is Hali Long, the defensive rock of the squad. At 28, she’s a veteran in many ways, but her energy feels fresh every time she steps onto the field. I’ve followed her career since her college days in the U.S., and her transition to the international stage has been impressive. Long’s defensive stats are solid—she averages around 4 interceptions per game, from what I recall—but it’s her aerial prowess and ability to read the game that truly set her apart. In my view, she’s the unsung hero of the team, doing the gritty work that doesn’t always make headlines. Yet, when you watch her organize the backline or make a crucial tackle, you understand why the Philippines has conceded fewer goals in recent tournaments. Her journey reminds me of the broader push in Filipino sports; as Duque noted about high diving requiring local effort, Long has been instrumental in grassroots programs, coaching young defenders in Manila during off-seasons. She once told me, "It’s about leaving a legacy, not just winning matches." That kind of perspective is rare, and it’s why I think she’s pivotal to the team’s future.
Beyond individual players, what excites me is the collective momentum. The Philippine women’s team has climbed to 49th in the FIFA rankings—a figure I believe is accurate—up from 68th just a few years ago. That’s no fluke; it’s the result of increased investment, better training facilities, and a cultural shift that’s embracing women’s football. I’ve attended local league matches in Manila, and the growing fan base is palpable. Parents bring their kids, and little girls wear jerseys with Bolden’s or Quezada’s names—it’s a far cry from a decade ago when women’s sports struggled for visibility. In many ways, this mirrors the optimism Duque expressed about future Olympics; for Filipina footballers, the 2027 Women’s World Cup could be their Brisbane moment. I’m convinced that with the current roster, they’ll not only qualify but make a deep run.
Of course, challenges remain. Funding gaps and infrastructure issues persist, and I’ve seen how that affects player development firsthand. But the determination I’ve witnessed in these athletes gives me hope. They’re not waiting for opportunities; they’re creating them, much like how Duque and her team pushed for high diving’s inclusion. As one player told me off the record, "We’re writing our own story, and it’s just the first chapter." For me, that’s the heart of it—these rising stars are dominating because they play with passion, intelligence, and a shared vision. I, for one, can’t wait to see where they take the game next.