Five Azkals players who retired earlier than expected

We often wonder why athletes would want to call it quits while still in their prime. Why would somebody prematurely call time in their playing career rather than extending it as long as possible?

There is sadly a cut off point for all professional footballers, it is often when they are mentally at peak that their bodies give up on them. Many careers are ended by long term injuries from which a player never recovers. Some just grow to slow to be able to compete at the highest level. While others step away from the game that they love for personal reasons. 

Here are five national team players who decided to end their career prematurely, for better or worse.

Demitrius Omphroy

Demitrius Omphroy with the Philippine Azkals. Photo: Anton Sheker

The former Sporting CP academy player, who was drafted 26th overall by the Toronto FC in the 2011 Major League Soccer (MLS) Super Draft, had seven appearances and three goals for the Philippine Azkals and was part of the Philippines Azkals squad that won the 2012 Philippine Peace Cup.

Omphroy was scouted at the age of 17 and played for Sporting CP youth academy, the same academy that hone the football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. But his stint with Sporting CP was cut short as he was diagnosed with optic neuritis. He was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms. Before calling it quits at the age of 23 years old, he had brief stints with Toronto FC in the MLS and for United Football League (UFL) side Global FC in 2012. 

Omphroy is currently a creative director for MLS Creators Network by Adidas and is also the founder of WeHeartHealth Foundation, a non-profit Organization that spreads awareness to healthier living for Multiple Sclerosis patients.

Jason Sabio

Jason Sabio with the Philippine Azkals during their training camp in U.S.

After his contract with Ceres expired in 2016, then 30-year-old Sabio was forced to retire from the game that he loves. The veteran defender was in tiptop shape when he called it a career. He still has gas left in his tank and he can still produce to any team then needed him when given enough minutes. 

Sabio returned to his hometown Alabama following his retirement and ventured into the world of Triathlon shortly. A lot has changed since he left the game and he is now ready to move on to the next chapter in his life as he now embarks the journey to become a medical doctor.

Paolo Pascual

Paolo Pascual of  the Philippine Azkals during their training camp in U.S.

The  Cebuano keeper was a former U19, U21 and U23 national team goalkeeper, and was also a member of the 2012 Suzuki Cup squad that finished third overall. After his impressive stint with the national team, the former University of San Carlos standout decided to go pro and played professional football for Global FC and Green Archers United in the UFL. 

Pascual left the game after the 2015/2016 UFL season at the age of 25. In an interview with Sunstar, he cited his reason for retiring was to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. Currently, Pascual is a flight attendant for an airline company and is also doing pilot school on the side.

Edison Suerti

Edison Suerti with the U22 Azkals. Photo: Elias Mordal

Edison Suerti had all the skills and was coming up as a promising defender for the Azkals, as he had learned from the best having played for both Norweigan side Brattvåg and Molde in youth level. 

The Cotabato born defender had an impressive performance for the U22 Azkals  at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.  Following his stint with the the national team, the Azkals Development Team (ADT) signed him for the 2020 season of the Philippines Football League (PFL). However, when the season began he was not included in the squad list.

Last January, Suerti shocked the Filipino football community by announcing his retirement at age 22. He decided to abruptly end his career after he seemingly lost interest in the game. "Ever since I came back from the Philippines, I've felt a lack of spark, belief and motivation," said Suerti.

Following his stunning retirement, Suerti remains completely out of spotlight and keeps himself busy by juggling work and studies.

Phil Younghusband

Philippine Azkals legend Phil Younghusband. Photo: Mark Cristino

Phil Younghusband is one of the greatest Filipino football players of all-time, and some may argue he is atop that list, yet the all-time Azkals goalscorer called it a career at the age of 32.

He retired as the Azkals’ all-time leading scorer with 52 goals and is also the most capped player with 108 matches. But apart from his scoring prowess, he is credited by many for helping grow the sport in the country. 

Phil Younghusband is now happily married and is a proud father of an eight-month-old son, Philip James.