BY JONAS TERRADO
PHIL Younghusband, regarded as the face of Philippine football for more than a decade and the Azkals’ all-time leading scorer, announced his retirement after a decorated career for club and country.
Younghusband made the announcement Monday evening through his social media accounts, leaving behind a legacy that saw him play a key role in local football’s renaissance that began in 2010 with the upset of Vietnam in the AFF Suzuki Cup.
“Hanging up my boots!” Younghusband said. “Thank you to my bosses, my coaches, teammates, competitors and all the supporters who have been part of my journey. See you all soon in a new adventure.”
The 32-year-old didn’t reveal in detail his decision to hang it up, though Younghusband has not seen action since playing for the Azkals in the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates last January.
He also tied the knot with the former Margaret Hall in England last June.
Born in Surrey, England, Younghusband was part of the Chelsea’s youth squad before he and older brother, James, were tapped to represent the country in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games.
He eventually became part of the senior squad where his late second goal sealed the Azkals’ stunning 2-0 win over Vietnam in Hanoi, a feat still considered as one of Philippine football’s memorable moments.
Younghusband appeared in four Suzuki Cup semifinal appearances before becoming the country’s all-time leading scorer with 52.
Goal No. 50 came in one of the Philippines’ greatest football feats, scoring from the spot to seal the Azkals’ 2-1 win over Turkmenistan and a spot in the Asian Cup in front of jubilant fans at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
On the domestic front, Younghusband was a prominent part of the Loyola Meralco Sparks during the days of the defunct United Football League. He led the Sparks to the 2013 UFL Cup title.
The Younghusband brothers transferred to the Davao Aguilas in the middle of the inaugural season of the Philippines Football League in 2017, but were denied of a Copa Paulino Alcantara title the following year by losing to Kaya-Iloilo in the Final.
