When it comes to one of the most influential figures and famous Filipino football players in the Philippines, one name shines with the brilliance of a penalty-box volley: Phil Younghusband. Born not in the productive footballing grounds of Europe but on the sun-drenched shores of Surrey, England, Younghusband’s journey is one of dedication, sacrifice, and relentless love for a nation yearning to reclaim its footballing glory.
Who is Phil Younghusband?
He’s not just a name on the Azkal’s jersey; instead, Phil Younghusband is the heartbeat of Philippine football. Born on August 4, 1987, with footballing blood pulsing through his veins (his dad played for Chelsea!).
His legacy isn’t just about trophies and goals. Younghusband bridges the “what ifs” of the past and the “we cans” of the present. He’s the embodiment of a generation that dared to dream of the world stage, of gracing the Asian Cup, of proving that the Philippines can play.
Phil Younghusband Stats
Club Career:
Years: 2006-2019
Games Played: 446
Goals Scored: 148
Clubs Played For:
Philippine Azkals (2006-2017)
Loyola Meralco Sparks FC (2017-2019)
Davao Aguilas FC (2019)
International Career:
Years: 2006-2019
Appearances: 108
Goals Scored: 52
Major Tournaments:
AFC Asian Cup (2019)
AFF Suzuki Cup (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018)
Individual Honors:
AFF Suzuki Cup Most Valuable Player (2013)
PFF Player of the Year (2011, 2014)
UFL Most Valuable Player (2013)
Note: These are just some of Phil Younghusband’s most notable stats and achievements. There are many other ways to present his stats, depending on your interest.
Phil Younghusband Salary
Unfortunately, We cannot provide specific information about Phil Younghusband’s current salary due to privacy concerns. Player salaries are often confidential agreements between players and their clubs or leagues. Additionally, salaries can vary greatly depending on the league, player experience and performance, and endorsement deals.
However, We can offer some general information about footballer salaries in the Philippines and the region to give you a broader context:
Philippine Football League (PFL):
The average monthly salary for a Filipino footballer in the PFL is estimated to be around $500 to $1,000 USD.
Top Filipino players in the PFL can earn up to $3,000 to $5,000 USD per month.
Foreign players in the PFL can command even higher salaries, with some earning upwards of $10,000 USD per month.
Southeast Asian Football:
The average monthly salary for a footballer in Southeast Asia is estimated to be around $1,000 to $3,000 USD.
Top players in regional leagues like the Thai League 1 or the Vietnamese V-League can earn up to $10,000 to $20,000 USD per month.
Phil Younghusband’s Journey:
Phil Younghusband is arguably the most well-known and successful Filipino footballer ever.
He has played for various clubs in the Philippines, England, Thailand, and India.
At the peak of his career, he was likely earning among the highest salaries in the PFL and Southeast Asia.
Factors Affecting Salary:
Performance: A player’s performance on the field is a major factor in determining their salary.
Experience: More experienced players typically command higher salaries than younger players.
Popularity: Popular players with large fan bases can attract higher endorsement deals, indirectly boosting their overall compensation.
League Strength: The league’s strength a player plays in also affects their salary.
Please note: These are just general estimates, and salaries can vary significantly based on individual circumstances.
Phil Younghusband: The Beating Heart of the Azkals
More than just a player, Younghusband has been the face and heart of the Azkals for over a decade, his journey mirroring the team’s rise from obscurity to regional reckoning. Explore his impact on the national team here.
From Prodigy to Captain
Born in England but with Filipino roots, Younghusband’s talent was evident from a young age, honed at Chelsea’s prestigious academy. However, the call of his ancestral homeland led him to don the Azkals jersey in 2006, at the tender age of 19.
His impact was immediate. His natural skill, leadership qualities, and unwavering commitment quickly turned him into a fan favorite. Goals flowed from his boots, inspiring a generation of young Filipinos to pick up a football.
Leading the Charge
Younghusband donned the captain’s armband in 2014, solidifying his status as the Azkals’ talisman. He led the team to historic achievements, including:
Reaching the 2019 AFC Asian Cup: The Azkals qualified for their first-ever major tournament under Younghusband’s leadership, a significant milestone for Philippine football.
Winning the 2013 AFF Suzuki Cup: Younghusband was named Most Valuable Player as the Philippines reached the final of the regional championship for the first time.
Numerous AFF Suzuki Cup participations: The Azkals consistently qualified for the Southeast Asian tournament under Younghusband’s captaincy, establishing themselves as a regional force.
Is Phil Younghusband Retired?
Yes, Phil Younghusband retired from international football in 2019, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be engraved in Philippine football history. He remains a mentor and ambassador for the Azkals, his contributions paving the way for the next generation of talented Filipino footballers.
Phil Younghusband’s story is one of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering love for his adopted nation. He is not just a football player; he is the heart and soul of the Azkals, a living legend who will forever be remembered as the man who led the Philippines to footballing glory.
What Happened to Phil Younghusband After Retiring?
Football icon Phil Younghusband traded in his boots for baby bottles in 2019, retiring after an epic Azkal career. He’s busy building a family with his wife Margaret and their two kids (soon to be three!), but don’t worry, football still runs in his veins.
What’s he up to?
Coaching clinics? Check. Building sports businesses? Yup. Gracing TV screens with football wisdom? Absolutely! Your husband’s passion for the game hasn’t dimmed. He’s sharing his knowledge, inspiring young players, and burning that football fire.
Will he coach the Azkals one day?
Rumors swirl, but for now, Younghusband’s enjoying life beyond the pitch. He’s an icon, a mentor, and a dad on a mission to keep Filipinos kicking goals, on and off the field.
Also Read: Paulino Alcántara: The Great Impact on Philippine Football History
