PHILIPPINE Football Federation president John Gutierrez credited the whole football family for a historic 2025, and said the country achieved new heights without losing sight of its foundation–grassroots football.
“This year has been truly historic. Together we reached milestones once thought distant dreams. I extend my deepest gratitude to every member of the our Philippine football family–especially to our national team players whose commitment, sacrifices, and performances continue to inspire the national, and to our Regional Football Associations, whose dedication and leadership shape the future of our game from the ground up,” Gutierrez said in a statement posted at the PFF Official Facebook Page.
For 2025, the Philippines achieved a series of first; making the semifinal round of the AFF U22 championship for the first time in June and winning the gold medal in women’s football in the Southeast Asian Games in December for the first time also.
The Boys U16 team also set a first, winning the Lion City Cup for its first international title in the age group.
In the SEA Games, the men’s team returned to the semifinal round for the first time in 34 years, while the women’s futsal team also advanced to the semifinals for the first time in its history.
“What makes these achievements truly meaningful is that they were accomplished without losing sight of our foundation: grassroots football,” said Gutierrez. “Through out the year, we continued to empower our RFAs–launching the PFF Under 16 and Under 19 Championships, expanding education programs for coaches, referees, and administrators, and growing access to quality facilities, including Fifa-certified pitches in the regions. These effort affirm a simple truth: sustainable success begins in our communities.”