Phil Younghusband retires from football

By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After 13 illustrious years as an Azkal pioneer, Phil Younghusband, one of the most celebrated members of the Philippine Azkals, retired from the sport.

At the age of 32, Younghusband was a strong force in saving the Philippines’ football scene, serving as the Azkals team captain for more than three years.

It all started way back in 2005 when he was called up to wear the Philippine jersey to be a member of the Southeast Asian Games pool.

After the SEA Games stint and seeing the passion of the Philippine crowd with the sport, Younghusband vowed his loyalty to the PH football scene.

Younghusband, together with several players including Rob Gier, Stephan Shrock, brother James Younghusband, and Chieffy Caligdong, were called up for the national team, beginning the formation of the PH Azkals.

Younghusband’s stellar Azkals career includes him being the top-scorer of the country with 52 made goals and the most appearances for the national team with 108 games.

The PH football scene bids farewell to one of the legends to ever set foot on the pitch.