I still remember the first time I watched the Philippine Azkals play back in 2010 during the AFF Suzuki Cup. The atmosphere was electric, something I hadn't experienced before in Philippine football. That tournament marked a turning point, not just in my perception of local football, but for the entire sporting landscape of our country. The Azkals' incredible run to the semifinals, including that stunning 2-0 victory against Vietnam, sparked something special. Suddenly, everyone was talking about football - from taxi drivers to office workers, from schoolyards to social media feeds.
What struck me most during those early days was the team's undeniable spirit. I recall interviewing several players and coaches during that period, and their camaraderie reminded me of what Choco Mucho's head coach recently described: "Sa'min kasi, yung never-say-die spirit namin, talagang every time na may mahirap na situation, tinatakbuhan namin yung isa't isa." This fighting mentality became the Azkals' trademark. They weren't just playing for themselves but for each other and for the nation. I've watched countless teams across different sports, but the Azkals' ability to support one another during difficult moments created something magical on the pitch. That 2010 squad had an average attendance of just over 12,000 fans per match, but by 2019, we were seeing crowds of 35,000 filling stadiums for crucial international fixtures.
The transformation in Philippine football infrastructure has been remarkable. When I first started covering the sport professionally around 2008, we had exactly one FIFA-standard pitch in the entire country. Today, we have at least seven proper football stadiums, with three more under construction in provincial areas. The Philippine Football Federation's budget has grown from approximately $850,000 annually to over $5 million today, though I should note these figures are based on my conversations with insiders rather than official published accounts. What's more impressive is the development pathway that's emerged. We now have youth academies, semi-professional leagues, and even Filipino players getting opportunities in European clubs - something unimaginable fifteen years ago.
From my perspective covering Southeast Asian sports for over two decades, the Azkals' impact extends far beyond the pitch. They've inspired a generation of young Filipinos to see football as a viable passion. I've visited schools in provinces where children now dream of becoming the next Phil Younghusband or Neil Etheridge rather than just focusing on basketball. The numbers tell part of the story - registered youth players have increased from about 15,000 in 2010 to nearly 85,000 today. But the real change is cultural. Football jerseys have become common streetwear, sports bars regularly show European leagues, and local communities have embraced the sport in ways I never thought possible.
The commercial aspect has been equally transformative. When I look at sponsorship deals today compared to pre-Azkals era, the difference is staggering. Major brands that previously ignored football now actively seek partnerships with the national team and local clubs. The Azkals' social media following exceeds 3.5 million across platforms, creating commercial opportunities that fund youth development programs. I've advised several sports marketing firms entering the Philippine market, and they're consistently surprised by football's growth potential here. The domestic league, despite its challenges, has attracted broadcasting deals worth approximately $12 million annually - not massive by global standards, but revolutionary for Philippine football.
What many observers miss when analyzing the Azkals phenomenon is the emotional connection they've built with ordinary Filipinos. I've witnessed how their underdog story resonates with our national identity. Their mixed heritage players represent the modern Filipino diaspora, while their fighting spirit reflects our cultural resilience. The team's ability to compete against traditionally stronger Southeast Asian nations has given Filipinos a new source of national pride beyond our traditional strengths in boxing and basketball. Personally, I believe this psychological impact matters as much as any trophy or ranking improvement.
The challenges ahead remain significant though. We still struggle with consistent funding, infrastructure gaps outside Metro Manila, and retaining talented players who receive offers abroad. The national team's FIFA ranking has fluctuated between 111 and 135 over the past five years, showing we haven't yet achieved sustained competitive excellence. But having followed this journey from the beginning, I'm optimistic. The foundation built through the Azkals' rise provides a platform for lasting growth. The passion they ignited continues to burn brightly, and that never-say-die spirit they embody continues to inspire new generations of Filipino footballers and fans alike.