By NIKOLE JAVIER
Filipina-Spanish Alexia Blanco Llacuno is thrilled to be called up for a chance to playfor the Philippine women’s national football team.
The 23-year-old’s talent was on full display during the Filipinas’ identification camp led by head coach Mark Torcaso in Orange County, California, USA last Nov. 27 to Dec. 6.
“I am thrilled. I am delighted. Being called up by a national team makes my family and me proud; it’s now part of our legacy.
“Although I am reaping the reward this year, I’ve been working for many years. Now, I am seeing the fruits of my work. I am very happy. It feels like a dream. I am accomplishing something I dreamed about since I was a kid, and it meant a lot when I was told the news,” said Llacuno.
Llacuno is currently seeing action for CA Osasuna Femenino in the second-tier Spanish football league Primera Federeción where she’s already scored two goals in the ongoing 2023-2024 season.
Born to a Filipina mother, Llacuno is excited to begin her international playing career representing her roots in the Philippines, which just had a historic run on the world stage this year.
The forward will be joining a Filipinas squad which made its maiden appearance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup last July where it defeated tournament co-host New Zealand for its first-ever win in the quadrennial meet.
With the culture proudly part of her upbringing, Llacuno is determined to make the dream worthwhile.
“I thought of my parents, especially my mother, who is Filipino by birth – and everything they have taught me and my siblings. I chose the Philippines because of how connected I am to the culture. I also thought of Alavaro Lopez, my physical trainer, who has been by my side early in my career. Plus, all my loved ones who have been with me throughout it all. It is a dram come true and all the ones to come. This is a long journey, and my story is just beginning,” she said.
From No. 44, the Filipinas moved up six spots in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings to reach their highest place at 38th.
