Phil Younghusband has become the poster boy for Philippine football through his talent and passion for the sport, not to mention good looks that has made him a favorite endorser of brands.
With his brother James, the Filipino-British star player of the Azkals put up The Younghusband Football Academy.
“A project I’m passionate about is the development of football in the Philippines, to help the sport grow and reach a higher level,” Phil said.
Proof of the sport’s growing popularity in the country are events such as the Clear Dream match. King’s School Manila and Beacon International School have adopted the brothers’ soccer program.
Phil lets Backstage Pass in on his favorite products and his take on work and life.
The Chelsea FC Soccer School/The Younghusband football academy started… back in 2009. I wanted to have a one-day Football Fun Day. The player turnout was so tremendous that we decided to set up a weekly session for six months.
We moved around the country by tapping provinces and municipalities, teaching public school teachers the basics of football, using whatever available area they had (basketball court, quadrangle, beach, sand, pavement).
Chelsea FC, which was tracking our football career, contacted our business partners to work on a soccer school in the Philippines to give us technical support. We now have several football pitches (Tribeca, Gatorade Chelsea FC Blue Pitch).
A project I’m passionate about is… helping develop football in the Philippines.
Being a football celeb here has its perks. What I love most is… getting my gear supplied by Adidas.
Apart from football gear, I’m trying to build my wardrobe with… casual shoes.
The most extreme thing a football fan did for me… was send me long letters.
What makes me Pinoy is… my closeness to my family. Family is the most important thing in my life.
Grooming essentials
My essential grooming products are… Clear Men’s shampoo, Adidas shower gel, facial wash, Rexona deodorant and perfume.
In my bathroom counter, you’ll find mounds of… Rexona deodorant and Closeup toothpaste.
My daily grooming regimen… takes 15-20 minutes and involves showering, washing my face and blow-drying my hair.
When it comes to personal hygiene, I spend the most time… washing my face and doing my hair.
The grooming product I always have in the car is… my Million perfume.
The products I’ve trusted for years are… Clear, Rexona and Master.
All things hair
While Phil lives and breathes football, he also knows a thing or two about hair. So it’s no surprise that when All Things Hair launched its YouTube channel, it asked Phil to be part of its “how to” hair videos. You can catch him at AllThingsHair.com as he gives tips on men’s hairstyles.
Top tip
The latest in hair technology is the first environment-friendly botanical hair spray without propellant gas, made by Phyto. These styling products are formulated with 100-percent natural and botanical ingredients to promote healthy scalp and beautiful hair.
The three variants—Phytolaque Miroir, Phytolaque Soie, and Phytolaque Design—provide medium hold, natural hold and strong hold, respectively.
Available exclusively at Rustan’s The Beauty Source
Phil Younghusband’s choice products are sold at supermarkets nationwide. Follow Phil on Twitter and Instagram @philipyounghusband and @yhfootball.