Before starring for the Filipina5 as the Philippines' first goal scorer in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, Inday Tolentin's story began with literally nothing.
Who is Inday Tolentin?
Before she became the first goal scorer for the Philippines in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, she was simply “Inday”—a quiet girl from Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte.
In an exclusive interview, the Filipina5 co-captain peeled the curtain back and let One Sports in on who she is, and what pushed her toward the sport that would soon change her life.
"Si Inday? Ano lang po siya, walang gamit dati.”
A girl with no equipment, no resources—just grit, and a heart wired for competition. She didn’t fight the current. She moved with it.
"Sumasabay lang po sa agos pero disiplinado pa rin."
But every tide shifts when the right person arrives.
For Inday, it was a DepEd staff. Just one. One human being who saw her potential. The kind who doesn’t just open doors—they build them.
“May isang tao lang po na tumulong sa akin. Wala na po siya ngayon.”
Her name was Maristel Verduguez.
She’s no longer here now, but her life meets Inday at every goal.
“Lahat po ng laro ko, palagi po siyang nandito sa puso ko kahit wala na siya.”
Inday doesn’t just play for the flag. She plays for the woman who first believed she could, because before the World Cup spotlight, there were moments when Inday had nothing.
No shoes. No gear. Just raw love for the game.
"Siya bumili sakin ng lahat ng gamit ko, kasi naglalaro po ako barefoot lang, wala talaga.”
Imagine that—a future World Cup goal scorer, running barefoot, not even aware that destiny was already sprinting beside her.
So when Maristel stepped in, Inday did what winners do: she honored the sacrifice.
"Sobrang hindi ko ine-expect na may taong bibili sa akin ng gamit.”
"Nage-enjoy lang po ako tapos masaya na kasi sino ba naman ako para bigyan ng gamit? Makakalaro na ako, libre pa.”
To her, playing was already enough. To Maristel, she was more than enough. And to the world? She’s now unstoppable.
From here on, Inday Tolentin has scored her place in Philippine Futsal history.
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Gillian Trinidad began her career in the industry as a content producer before finding her voice as a feature writer.
She has covered a wide range of competitions—from esports titles like League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and VALORANT to traditional sports and entertainment, including the WWE, PBA, and Gilas Pilipinas.