James Younghusband retires from professional football
“Time to say goodbye,” pens Philippine Azkals mainstay James Younghusband as he announces his retirement from professional football yesterday, June 25.
The 33-year-old player's announcement follows after his younger brother's retirement eight months ago, officially drawing a close to the Younghusband's involvement in the field in Philippine football.
He continued, “Thank you for the amazing memories. I have loved playing this game.
“Thank you to my family, bosses, managers, coaches, teammates, opponents, and to all my supporters who have been part of my professional career.
“I feel lucky to have experienced wonderful memories and thankful for every moment of my time with my clubs and country. Thank you!”
Born in Surrey, England to an English father and a Filipino mother, James played for the youth team of Chelsea Football Club and spent his early senior career in the lower levels of English football with AFC Wimbledon, Staines Town, Woking, and Farnborough.
He and his brother, Phil Younghusband, played a role in the forming of the national football team, popularly known as Azkals, in early 2005 and even participated in the Southeast Asian Games held in the Philippines in the same year.
In 2010, the Azkals reached a great milestone when they defeated hosts and defending champions Vietnam at 2-0. The match, referred to as the “Miracle of Hanoi,” led to the Philippines' first appearance at the AFF Suzuki Cup.
By 2011, James joined other football clubs like San Beda, Loyola Meralco Sparks, Davao Aguilas, and Ceres-Negros.
In total, James earned 284 appearances and scored 77 goals in his senior career.
Out of the 77, he scored 12 goals for the Philippine National Team after representing them in various international competitions like the Southeast Asian Games, AFF Championship, and the AFC Asian Cup.