A Filipino goalkeeper has made history after becoming the first Filipino to be a FIFA World Cup champion.
Alphonse Areola, 25, who was born to Filipino parents who immigrated to France. He was one of 18 players with an immigrant or non-French background in the 23-man France team at this year’s FIFA World Cup, the Manila Standard reported.
Areola started playing football at the age of seven and became the youngest goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain Chambly when he was 16. He has represented France in different world competitions, including the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2013.
The Filipino goalkeeper was offered a chance to join the Philippines’ Azkals football team before joining Les Bleus for the World Cup in Moscow. However, he opted to join the French national team.
He said it was his dream to have a football team for the Philippines and he was happy that it is happening.
“I am happy and proud of the Azkals because they have made rapid progression,” Areola said.