MANILA — Philippine football stalwart Neil Etheridge has officially called time on his international career, ending an 18-year journey with the Philippine Men’s National Football Team after helping transform the Azkals into one of Southeast Asia’s most respected football programs.
The veteran goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to wear the Philippine colors, announced his retirement on social media early Tuesday, closing a historic chapter highlighted by the country’s first-ever qualification to the AFC Asian Cup and his groundbreaking achievement as the first Filipino footballer to play in the English Premier League.
Reflecting on his national team career, Etheridge said he leaves the squad with pride and gratitude for what the team accomplished over nearly two decades.
“Passion & Desire, I never stopped caring, I always gave everything for the team and the country,” Etheridge wrote.
“Qualified for the first time ever for the Asian Cup for the country. First Filipino player to ever play in the Premier League! I made some amazing friends along the way and met some great people. Memories that will last with me forever.”
Etheridge earned 82 caps for the national team after making his debut in May 2008 during an AFC Challenge Cup qualifier against Brunei in Iloilo.
His final appearance for the Philippines came in September 2024 during an international friendly against Malaysia at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Throughout his tenure with the Azkals, Etheridge served as a cornerstone of the national squad’s rise on the Asian football stage, providing leadership, experience, and stability between the posts as the Philippines gained prominence in regional and continental competitions.
His influence extended beyond international football. In 2018, Etheridge made history when he suited up for Cardiff City in the English Premier League, becoming the first Filipino player to compete in the world’s most-watched football league.
As he formally stepped away from international duty, the 36-year-old thanked Filipino supporters who stood behind him and the national team throughout his career.
“Thank you to all the supporters who have been along with me on the journey,” he said. “All I wanted from the beginning was to make a difference and I hope that I was able to achieve that with my service to the country and national team.
“On that note, this is my official retirement from international duty. Mahal kita to you all,” Etheridge concluded.
Etheridge leaves the national team as one of the most accomplished and influential footballers in Philippine history, with a legacy that helped elevate the sport’s profile in the country and inspired a new generation of Filipino footballers to pursue careers on the international stage./PN
