Marcos hopes Alex Eala frenzy gets more Filipinos into sports

FAN. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr confers the Presidential Citation on Filipina tennis player Alex Eala at Malacañang on July 13, 2026. Presidential Communications Office Facebook page After hailing tennis star Alex Eala in his SONA, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants other sports like football to flourish, even hoping the Philippines will qualify for the FIFA World Cup someday MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made sure to mention Alex Eala in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, hoping that the international exploits of the tennis ace would inspire more Filipinos to pursue sports. Eala has gained a major admirer in Marcos, who conferred the Presidential Citation on the 21-year-old star in a special homecoming reception at Malacañang exactly two weeks ago on July 13. Marcos previously said that Eala, who sits at a career-high No. 28 in the world rankings following her historic run to the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships, as the embodiment of Filipinos’ best qualities. “Sports is also important. We tripled our support for it, not only for the enjoyment that it brings, but also for health,” said Marcos in Filipino. “In our overflowing support for Alex, I hope more are encouraged to learn and play not only tennis but other sports as well.” A sport that Marcos wants to see flourish in the country is football, with his SONA coming a week after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup which saw Spain dethrone Lionel Messi and Argentina in the final. Marcos pointed to the success of the Filipinas, who will see action in the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the second straight edition in 2027. The Filipinas earned a breakthrough Women’s World Cup qualification in 2023 and finished 24th out 32 nations. On the men’s side, however, the Philippines has yet to qualify for the World Cup throughout its 96-year history — a reality that Marcos dreams would change. “Using the Filipinas women’s football team as example, I hope football becomes more popular in our country and more people play the sport. Someday, the Philippines might be in the World Cup,” said Marcos. Marcos has underlined the importance for Filipinos to lead an active lifestyle. In his SONA last year, Marcos officially opened government sports facilities to the public, like the Rizal Memorial Sports in Manila and the PhilSports Complex in Pasig. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading