REMEMBERING THE GREAT PAULINO ALCANTARA

The Azkalmania has given Philippine football the much needed shot in the arm to resurrect the sport, which have been long neglected in the last three or four decades. It seems Football is suited for the Filipinos as early as the World War I days when an Iloilo native named Paulino Alcantara made a name for himself  while playing the so-called beautiful game. Alcantara is a big part of Philippine football history and many considered him the father of the sport in this country. Alcantara, who is described in the football world as one of the most talented and finest players ever to come out of Asia, is the current all-time leading goal scorer in the history of one of the world’s most powerful and richest professional ballclub, the reigning UEFA Champions League titlist FC Barcelona of Spain. He led the Philippines to a 15-2 rout of Japan and a silver medal finished in the 1917 Far East Games. That victory remains as the biggest win by the Philippines in international football. Alcantara played for the Catalans from 1912 to 1927 and during that span, had scored an amazing 357 goals in 357 total matches with the team that is now being handled by Josep (Pep) Guardiola and led by great players like Lionel Messi, Andres Yniesta, David Villa and Pedro. Alcantara, who led Barcelona to 10 Catalan titles and five Spanish Cup championships during his career, later played for the Spanish national squad. In his debut match on October 7, 1921, he scored Spain’s two goals in a 2-0 demolition of Belgium. He appeared in five total matches for Spain wherein he booted six goals. Alcantara later coached the Spanish national team for three matches in 1951. Alcantara died in the City of Barcelona on February 13, 1964 at the age of 67. Alcantara has given Philippine football so much glory and the current Philippine Azkals national squad can lean on his accomplishments as a source of inspiration that will help them bring back the country to prominence in international football.