It was the mid-2000s, and the Filipino people had their attention focused on other sports, individual or team. There was almost general indifference towards football and, as a result, fewer and fewer people played the sport, with a notable lack of local talent and financial support to turn things around. The national team suffered, unable to compete with the other Southeast Asian countries.
The recovery strategy
A step by step strategy was needed to regain some competitiveness. A process of scouting and talent recruitment began: first locally, with the discovery of Emelio "Chieffy" Caligdong, Ian Araneta and goalkeeper Louie Michael Casas. Then on a global scale, through the naturalisation of young players of Filipino descent, most notably Anton del Rosario, Alexander "Aly" Borromeo, and the brothers Phil, Simon and Chris Greatwich, who helped raise the national team's level on international stages.
But it was in 2005 that the "boom" happened. Phil Younghusband (striker) and his older brother James (midfielder), who were in Chelsea's youth ranks, were discovered by an anonymous person through Football Manager, who immediately alerted the Philippine Football Federation about their eligibility. Shortly after, they were called up to the national team, where they remain to this day as the biggest stars of a country that has grown exponentially since the two arrived.
Now playing for local clubs, together they have more than 200 caps and 60 goals for the Philippines! In 2018 Phil Younghusband became the country's all time top scorer, with more than 50 goals.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=external&v=1579993342054611
Who would have thought that the two biggest football icons of a country had been discovered in Football Manager? The "virtual manager" who found them deserved a job for life at the Philippine football federation (laughs)! Even so, his name was never made public.
If you think they were the only ones discovered through Football Manager, you're wrong: read Kai McKenzie-Lyle's story here, who made his national team after being found in this fabulous game!
