By Martin Nieto
NOVEMBER 30, 2007
(Special to the Asian Journal)
First Filipino Footballer
WHEN it comes to sports in the Philippines, in Spain. The team won five Copa Del Rey
basketball is the reigning king. Spanish titles (including back to back titles in
Every day, an untold number of Filipino 1925 and 1926) and 10 Catalan championships
children are no doubt imitating the moves (including four straight from 1924-27) during
of their favorite players on the courts of the his 15-year career.
Philippines. They go to sleep dreaming of Upon his retirement on July 5, 1927,
someday becoming the next Magic Johnson, Alcántara was (and still is) Barcelona’s leading
the next Jordan, the next Kobe, or the next scorer with 357 goals to his credit. His FCB
LeBron James. scoring average was a stellar goal per game.
They dream about making it into the NBA At the time of his retirement, Alcántara was
or one of the pro leagues in the Philippines. still only 31. What prompted his retirement?
They picture themselves becoming Filipino Alcántara sought to fulfill his aspiration to
basketball stars using the legacies of NBA stars become a doctor.
as motivation and inspiration. And so, unlike the short-lived baseballer
Meanwhile, the legacy of a Philippine turned doctor Archiebald Graham in the
sporting legend (a legend of the world’s film Field of Dreams, Alcántara was able to
most popular sport no less) is ignored, buried achieve a dual dream, becoming known as Dr.
not just by the sands of time, but also by the Alcántara after a famed soccer career.
immense shadow of basketball. One could say that he went from thrilling
The basketball buzz that perpetually fans with his on-the-field exploits to treating
enthralls millions of Filipinos is indeed a them off of it.
welcome enduring presence in the sports Besides club football, Alcántara played for
landscape of the Philippines. But the intense
In 1912, Alcántara was talented enough to
three national squads: the aforementioned
fascination Filipinos have with basketball
attract interest from Joan Gamper, who at the
Philippines in 1917, Spain from 1921-23
comes with a price. The importance of other
time was the President and founder of current-
(scoring six goals), and for Catalonia off and on
sports is diminished. The legacies that Filipino
day Spanish soccer powerhouse FC Barcelona
from 1915-24.
athletes leave behind in other sports are
(or FCB for short). He was subsequently signed
He later served on FCB’s board of directors
forgotten.
by Gamper and made his club debut shortly
from 1931-34. He was also the manager of
Too many kids want to be like Mike or
thereafter.
Barcelona for a short stint in 1951.
Kobe or LeBron. Not enough want to be like
Alcántara’s Barcelona debut was one to
Alcántara died on February 13, 1964 in
Paulino.
remember. He helped the club to an 8-2
Barcelona, but not before he had established
Who?
win over Català SC and scored a hat trick in
himself as a 20th century soccer legend.
I’m glad you asked.
the process. The 15 year-old Alcántara thus
In its illustrious history FC Barcelona has
Paulino Alcántara is a legendary figure
became not only the youngest player ever to
seen the likes of some outstanding players.
in Philippine sports all right. He’s just not a
suit up for Barcelona but its youngest ever
Romário. Figo. Rivaldo. Ronaldinho.
basketball legend. Instead, he is a legend in
scorer as well. He also achieved distinction for
But before them all came the little big man
the world’s most popular sport, one played in
being the first Filipino and Asian player ever to
from Iloilo City.
over 200 countries, including the Philippines.
play for a European club team.
Perhaps a young Filipino boy, inspired by
He is a soccer legend. Or more probably, if you
Though Alcántara was skinny and not
the tale of one of his nation’s most successful
were to ask Paulino, he may describe himself
physically imposing, he had guile and
athletes, will trade in being like Mike for the
as a legend of fútbol. He was a man who led
possessed a formidable shot. This was never
opportunity to be like Paulino.
the Philippine team during its heyday in the
more evident then on April 30, 1922 at Bouscat
Don’t get me wrong. I love basketball. I love
early 20th century.
Stadium in Bordeaux, France. On that date,
it just as much as any other Filipino.
Though today, the Philippines is currently
Alcántara (playing for Spain against France)
Still, I can’t help but wonder: What would
ranked only 168th in the latest FIFA rankings
let fly a shot that shredded the net. FCB’s
happen if those in the Philippines became
(and 2007 marks the 100th anniversary of the
official site pays homage to Alcantara for that,
as enthusiastic about soccer as they are now
founding of the Philippine Football Federation),
proclaiming, “For many years after, children
about basketball? After all, it’s hugely popular
it has had a few landmark moments in its
from Barcelona would recall that moment and
nearly everywhere else on the globe.
soccer history that are worth mentioning.
would wish to do the same as the man from
Perhaps, in twenty, fifty, or even a hundred
For instance, the Philippine national team
the Philippines.”
years from now, a young Filipino boy, his
is the oldest in Asia. In its inaugural match
Today FC Barcelona is undoubtedly
resolve strengthened by the story of Paulino,
on February 1st 1913, the Philippines was
recognized as one of the best club teams in
will grow up to someday lead the Philippines
victorious against China 2-1. Four years later,
the world. The 2006 UEFA Champions League
to its first ever World Cup appearance, and
the Philippines achieved its most lopsided
winners are often mentioned in the same
in the process, cement himself as the next
international win, a 15-2 thrashing of Japan in
breath as other European giants like Juventus,
Philippine soccer superstar.
Tokyo on September 10th 1917. Alcántara was
Manchester United, and fellow Spanish rival
That will be a proud day for all Filipinos.
a part of that squad.
Real Madrid. Certainly part of the credit for the
When that day eventually comes, may that
Alcántara, a Filipino-Spaniard, was born to
lofty stature Barcelona enjoys today goes to
boy, now a man, and his teammates be the
a Spanish soldier dad and a Filipina mom on
Alcántara.
ones to carry on the proud soccer legacy left
October 7, 1896 in Iloilo City, Philippines. He
His credentials are significant and impressive.
behind by the one and only Paulino Alcántara.
went on to spend his childhood in Barcelona,
During his club tenure, he helped establish
The first Philippine soccer phenom. But
Spain.
Barcelona as one of the most successful clubs
hopefully not the last. (AJ)
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