Meet the young gunners of the Filipinas.
The Filipinas are undoubtedly going into their FIFA World Cup debut as underdogs but that doesn’t mean they can’t exceed expectations. The Philippine contingent has the right stuff to compete against the game’s very best, and that includes fresh legs and youthful exuberance brought by some of the team’s youngest members. You’ve been introduced to the some of the team’s veteran stars, now get to know more about a couple of the squad’s standout youngsters.
Name: Malea Cesar
Position: Defender
Age: 19
Birthplace: California, USA
Club: Blacktown City
The 19-year-old defender will undoubtedly infuse energy and passion to the 23-woman fold that will compete in the marquee international event in Australia and New Zealand. Fearless and aggressive, Cesar is built to fulfill her current role in the Alen Stajcic-mentored squad. She now has 32 appearances for the national team, and is bound to have many more in the years to come.
Let ‘em know
Playing for the national team runs in the blood.
“I grew up with my dad, and he represented the Philippines in track and field, and so I always knew that was something that I could do but I never really knew that it could be playing soccer. So to be able to follow in his footsteps is amazing, but to be able to do it in a sport I love is also really a big honor,” Cesar told Optus Sport.
Pass the sass
And oh, she did play basketball too!
Keep slaying
Here's a highlight reel of Malea's rousing debut for the Filipinas during the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup.
Name: Isabella Flanigan
Position: Forward
Age: 18
Birthplace: Fairmont, West Virginia, USA
Club: Not yet in the pros, currently plays for West Virginia University
It may have taken her three months to score her first goal with the senior team last year, but Flanigan’s solid play allowed her to reach a total of 29 appearances for the Filipinas. At age 18, Isabella’s burning passion combined with elite skills make her a crowd-favorite whenever the Filipinas are out on the pitch. It wouldn’t be too surprising to see her shine in the same manner during FIFA’s flagship event.
Let ‘em know
“Still speechless about my LabanPilipinas football experience. Grateful and Blessed to have met and played with the best and played for the best. I honestly cannot wait for the next tournament,” Bella tweeted after the Filipinas’ historic campaign in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which was also her first tour of duty with the squad.
Pass that sass
Like her fellow Pinoys, she also can’t get enough of Jollibee’s palabok-pineapple juice combo.
Keep slaying
Let this highlight video speak for Flanigan’s fire game.
Bank on Cesar and Flanigan to energize the Filipinas not only in the World Cup, but also in the national team’s future competitions.
Check out the rest of the Abante Babae feature series to get to know the rest of the Filipinas better.
(GM)