Philippine Men’s National Team and Ceres-Negros FC midfielder James Younghusband announced his retirement from football today, at age 33.
“Time to say goodbye. Thank you for the amazing memories. I have loved playing this game. Thank you to my family, bosses, managers, coaches, team mates, opponents and all my supporters who have been part of my professional career. I feel lucky to have experienced wonderful memories and thankful for every moment of my time with my clubs and country,” said Younghusband in a statement.
The midfielder made his Philippine debut with the Under-23 National Team in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games that was held in Bacolod in 2005 together with younger brother Phil.
Younghusband went on to play for the Men’s National Team for a total of 101 appearances having scored 12 goals between 2006 until 2019. He made his last appearance for the country against Kyrgyz Republic in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 in January 2019.
Among his feats for the country were the equalizer against Laos in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup Qualifiers, the win over Vietnam in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, the vital away goal against Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 Qualifiers in 2011, the comeback against DPR Korea in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in 2016, and the win against Tajikistan in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers in 2018.
He scored his 12th goal for the country in the 2-1 loss against Vietnam in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 semi-final second leg at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Younghusband also had an illustrious career at club level. A product of the Chelsea FC Youth Academy in England, he played for Philippines Football League clubs FC Meralco Manila, Davao Aguilas FC, and Ceres-Negros FC. He capped off his professional career with the PFL and Copa Paulino Alcantara double last year for the busmen.
“We thank James Younghusband for his valuable contributions to the growth of the sport in the country,” PFF president Mariano Araneta stated.
“May his influence on and off the pitch inspire all young players who aspire to play for the country,” PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes added.