UY PHILIPPINES!
It will be a huge honor for the entire Philippine Men’s National Football Team as two of their players, Sandro Reyes and Amani Aguinaldo, will be part of the ASEAN All-Star team, which will play an exhibition game against Manchester United on May 28.
From Playing in the Home Crowd to the Whole World
The pair earned their call-ups through consistent performances with both club and country, impressing ASEAN All-Stars head coach Kim Sang-sik, who also manages Vietnam’s national team.
Their inclusion provides them a prestigious platform to compete alongside some of Southeast Asia’s top talents against a club boasting 20 English league titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns.
Their match against English powerhouse Manchester United is scheduled for May 28 at Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Reyes, a 22-year-old midfielder for FC Gütersloh in Germany, has enjoyed a breakout season, establishing himself as a key contributor for his club and the Philippine national team. Reflecting on his selection, Reyes shared his gratitude and credited his teammates and coaching staff for their collective success.
“It’s a big honor for me personally, but first I have to thank the entire team and staff, as I’m not able to perform without all of them, so each person deserves this as much as I do,” he said in a report by Reuben Terrado of Spin.
“It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work, not just this whole season, but over the last year, too. To be able to end the season in a fun game like this feels like a nice reward.” Reyes added in the report.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old defender Aguinaldo has been a steady presence for Rayong FC in Thailand, playing a crucial role in the club’s campaign to remain in the top tier of Thai football.
He expressed appreciation for the opportunity: “I’m happy and grateful to be selected and to be given such a great opportunity” to represent the region against one of the most iconic football clubs in the world.
Both Reyes and Aguinaldo were instrumental in the Philippines’ impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, marking the team’s return to the final four for the first time in six years. Their efforts also contributed to a historic victory over Thailand — the nation’s first win over the regional powerhouse in 50 years.
Fun Times Before The War
After the friendly in Malaysia, the duo will return home to rejoin the national squad as they prepare for a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match against Tajikistan on June 10 at New Clark City Stadium.
The PMNFT is looking to go 2-0 in Group A after beating the Maldives last March 25, 2025, with a final score of 4-1.
