One of the best ways to be proud of your footballing nation is to know your heritage. Football runs deeper in our blood than most of us Filipinos know. We give you Tuesday Tributes to remember that the pedigree is in us.
As it is our first ever Tuesday Tribute, we see fit to feature one of the best football talents we've ever had. And sadly, one that has been buried away by history. But let us remind you why the football blood runs deep.
With his brown skin and small build, one could probably tell right away that he was our kababayan. And because of his physical attributes, football watchers could be deceived into believing that he can stand toe-to-toe with his Spanish teammates and opponents.
But that's what made him popular with the crowds. Debuting for FC Barcelona at the young age of 15, he's established himself as one of the stars of their 1920's reign. He has set the record for being the youngest player ever to play or score for the club, a record that remains to this day.
But that's not the only record he held. He also held the record for the most goals scored, a record that took 87 years and a great Lionel Messi to break.
His nickname, "El Rompe Redes" (English: The Net Breaker), stemmed from his ability to hit the most powerful of shots. The most famous one happened on April 30, 1922 when, in a game between Spain and France, he hit a shot so hard that it ripped right through the net. For many years after, children from Barcelona would recall that moment and would wish to do the same as the man from the Philippines.
He also played for Philippine-side Bohemian Sporting Club, helping the club win two Philippine Championships.
He became an Azkal in 1917 when he was selected by the Philippines national team to represent the country at the Far Eastern Championship Games in Tokyo. He helped us defeat Japan 15–2 , which became the our nation's biggest win in international football. Japan is now a powerhouse who regularly features in the World Cup and the Asian Cup.
He hung up his boots on the July 3, 1927 in order to become a doctor. That day, he received a well-deserved tribute from the Barça fans at the Les Corts grounds. However, this was not his goodbye to football. He was on the board of directors between 1931 and 1934 and Alcántara was one of the first footballers to write memoirs of his playing days.
Alcántara was also one of three selectors that coached Spain for three games against Switzerland, Belgium and Sweden. He won one game and tied the other two.
Career
Seasons at the Club: 1912-1927
Games played: 399
Goals scored: 395
Honours
5 Spanish Championships (12/13, 19/20, 21/22, 24/25 and 25/26)
10 Catalan Championships (12/13, 15/16, 18/19, 19/20, 20/21, 21/22, 23/24, 24/25, 25/26 and 26/27)
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