Filipino soccer has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with a new generation of talent making waves domestically and internationally. From goal-scoring forwards to tenacious defenders, these athletes are redefining Philippine football. Here are the 10 best Filipino professional soccer players in 2025, showcasing their skills, achievements, and impact on the global stage.
1. Sandro Reyes
Position: Midfielder
Club: FC Gütersloh (Germany)
At just 21, Sandro Reyes is already the face of Philippine football. A product of FC Barcelona’s youth academy, Reyes combines technical brilliance with leadership. In 2024, he captained the Philippine Men’s National Team (PMNFT) during their historic ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup run, scoring crucial goals against Laos and Thailand. His vision and aggressive playstyle have made him a fan favorite in Germany’s Regionalliga West.
Career Highlight: Becoming the youngest Filipino to score in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
2. Santiago “Santi” Rublico
Position: Defender
Club: Collado Villalba (Spain)
Born in Spain to Filipino parents, Rublico honed his skills at Atlético Madrid’s youth academy. The 19-year-old right-back debuted for the Philippines in 2023 and quickly became a defensive pillar. His sharp passes and composure under pressure were instrumental in the PMNFT’s 2024 ASEAN Cup semifinal win over Thailand.
Stat Alert: Played 90 minutes in 7 of 9 international appearances by 2025.
3. Bjørn Martin Kristensen
Position: Forward
Club: KFUM Oslo (Norway)
This Filipino-Norwegian striker is a goal-scoring machine. Kristensen netted 5 goals in 11 matches for the PMNFT in 2024, including a stunning long-range strike against Thailand. Standing at 6’0”, he dominates aerial duels and thrives in Norway’s Eliteserien, one of Europe’s top leagues.
Fun Fact: Fluent in Norwegian, English, and Tagalog.
4. Quincy Kammeraad
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: FC Utrecht (Netherlands)
Kammeraad, a 23-year-old Dutch-Filipino, is the PMNFT’s first-choice goalkeeper. His reflexes and command of the penalty area helped the Philippines secure a historic clean sheet against Indonesia in the 2024 ASEAN Cup. In the Dutch Eredivisie, he’s tipped to become a future starter for Utrecht.
Key Stat: Saved 82% of shots faced during the 2024 ASEAN Cup.
5. Amani Aguinaldo
Position: Defender
Club: Melaka United (Malaysia)
A veteran at 30, Aguinaldo brings experience to the PMNFT’s backline. Known for his tactical awareness and aerial prowess, he’s a stalwart in Malaysia’s Super League. Aguinaldo played every minute of the Philippines’ 2024 ASEAN Cup campaign, proving age is just a number.
Career Highlight: 60+ international caps since his 2014 debut.
6. Patrick Reichelt
Position: Midfielder
Club: Ceres-Negros FC (Philippines)
Reichelt, nicknamed “The Fox,” is a Philippine football legend. With 93 caps and 16 goals, he’s the most-capped active Filipino player. Though now 36, his playmaking and work ethic remain unmatched in the Philippines Football League.
Did You Know? Reichelt scored the Philippines’ first-ever AFC Asian Cup goal in 2019.
7. Zico Bailey
Position: Midfielder
Club: Charleston Battery (USA)
Bailey, a Filipino-American, made headlines in 2024 by becoming the first homegrown PMNFT player to join the USL Championship. His speed and crossing accuracy have turned him into a key contributor for both club and country.
2024 Stat: 4 assists in 10 international appearances.
8. Alex Monis
Position: Winger
Club: Chicago Fire FC II (USA)
Monis, 20, is a rising star in MLS Next Pro. The Chicago-born winger debuted for the PMNFT in 2024, using his dribbling skills to terrorize defenders. His dual nationality (Filipino and American) makes him a symbol of the Philippines’ growing diaspora talent pool.
Quote: “I want to inspire Fil-Ams to embrace their heritage through sports.”
9. Javier Mariona
Position: Midfielder
Club: Central Valley Fuego (USA)
Mariona’s creativity in central midfield has earned him comparisons to Spanish maestro Andrés Iniesta. The 21-year-old played a pivotal role in the PMNFT’s 2024 ASEAN Cup qualification, orchestrating attacks with pinpoint passes.
2025 Goal: Lead Central Valley Fuego to a USL League One title.
10. Adrian Ugelvik
Position: Forward
Club: FK Jerv (Norway)
Ugelvik, a Filipino-Norwegian, is a classic target man. Standing at 6’2”, he uses his physicality to hold up play and create chances. Though new to the PMNFT, his 2024 debut goal against Hong Kong showcased his potential.
Fun Fact: His mother is from Cebu.
Conclusion
These players represent the Philippines’ blend of homegrown grit and diaspora talent. With young stars like Reyes and Rublico leading the charge, the PMNFT is poised to qualify for its second AFC Asian Cup in 2027. As Sandro Reyes says: “Filipino football isn’t just rising—it’s here to stay.” Whether in Europe’s lower tiers or Southeast Asia’s top leagues, these athletes prove that passion and skill can put Philippine soccer on the global map.