The roar of the crowd in the SEA Games, when the Philippine football team clinched its recent victories, was more than just the sound of triumph. It was the echo of a nation rediscovering a sport that has long been overshadowed by basketball’s towering presence.
Football’s rise is not accidental. It is the fruit of persistence, of young athletes who dared to dream beyond the hardwood courts and boxing rings. Their victories are not merely goals scored; they are statements of identity. They tell us that Filipinos can excel in the world’s most beloved sport, that we can stand shoulder to shoulder with our Southeast Asian neighbors in a game that unites billions across continents.
In a nation where basketball is the dominant sport and the concept of football’s delayed gratification is looked down upon, it is not surprising that football lacks popularity.
Football in the Philippines has always been a paradox. Introduced during the American colonial period, it never captured the national imagination the way basketball did. While neighboring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia built football cultures that thrived, the Philippines remained on the margins. For decades, our teams were seen as underdogs, often exiting tournaments early, overshadowed by the dominance of others.
I have seen Football Games in the Southeast Asian Games where the country can barely have possessions of the football much more get hold of it to try to the Goal.
The turning point came in 2010, when the Philippine national team—the Azkals—defeated Vietnam in the AFF Suzuki Cup. That victory was dubbed the “Miracle in Hanoi,” and it awakened a sleeping giant. Suddenly, football was on primetime television. Filipinos who had never followed the sport were glued to the screen, cheering for a team that embodied grit and resilience.
Many footballs enthusiast said that the accomplishment was merely a sort of tsamba. But as we knew , walay sipyat ang Tsamba. Like passing the Bar Exams, and when someone is asked how you passed the Bar, the new Lawyer said that Tsamba lang ( a matter of luck ). In corollary Tsamba is a hail Mary Shot , yet it hits the mark. Football is not a matter of luck its an art and science combined and yes, we as a nation is getting victories now.
In the Southeast Asian Games 2025, Out Banatao’s late header sends the Philippines Male Football Team victorious over Indonesia and the Mallie Ramirez late goal propels the Filipinas over defending champions Vietnam..
The double victories are never Tsamba , these are hard earned and well fought. These are good news that deserves follow through.
