THE Philippine women’s national football team will continue on its next journey without long-time veteran and former captain, Inna Palacios, who recently retired from international duty after an 18-year career.
Nicknamed the “Filipinas,” the squad is currently preparing for the coming 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
The 31-year-old Palacios is ending her career on a high note when the Filipinas won a gold medal at the recent 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
“Full circle moment for me. SEA Games was when I started to dream and it just took me 18 years to get the gold,” said Palacios, who plays as Olivia McDaniel’s backup.
The Filipinas will have a replacement for Palacios when they compete in the event in Australia, which starts in March, 2026.
The tournament serves as the final qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“It’s sad that I have to leave the team, but I know I’ve done everything I can as a player. I’ve given so much for the team, and now I want to see them dream for that,” said Palacios.
Palacios was a product of the Philippine Football Federation’s youth program for girls since 2007.
She was first asked to join the Philippine under-16 team at just 13 years old.
Later, Palacios starred for De La Salle University in the UAAP, overcoming personal loss and injury to establish herself as the Lady Booters’ first-choice goalkeeper, winning UAAP Best Goalkeeper honors twice and even scoring a goal in her final collegiate match.
“I’ve given so much for the team, and now I want to see them dream for that. I want them to know that anything they want to achieve, they can achieve,” said Palacios.
