Filipino Athletes Shine Globally in 2025 While Local Sports Receive Major Boosts

In 2025, Philippine sports witnessed significant achievements both internationally and domestically, as young talents and seasoned veterans alike brought honor to the nation.

Alex Eala, the 20-year-old Filipina tennis sensation, made a remarkable breakthrough this year. Her campaign began with a stunning run at the Miami Open where she secured victories against Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek before falling to Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals. These performances propelled Eala into the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) top 100 — an unprecedented accomplishment for a Filipino player. She went on to compete impressively in subsequent WTA events including the French Open and Wimbledon, achieving a career-high ranking of No. 50 and currently holding the 53rd spot globally.

Meanwhile, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao made a spirited return to the ring following nearly four years of retirement. At 46 years old, Pacquiao managed a dramatic draw against 30-year-old World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The bout demonstrated Pacquiao’s enduring skill and competitiveness, with some observers considering his performance a moral victory despite the official draw.

Gymnastics star Carlos Yulo continued his streak of excellence by clinching gold in the men’s vault event at the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships held in Jakarta, Indonesia on October 24. This latest triumph adds to his historic two gold medals won at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Yulo is expected to compete in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan next year, aiming to further bolster the country’s medal tally.

On the national front, basketball stalwart June Mar Fajardo solidified his legacy by earning his ninth Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Most Valuable Player award on October 5. Known as "The Kraken," Fajardo, age 36 and a product of the University of Cebu, continues to dominate the PBA scene playing for the San Miguel Beermen.

In addition to personal accomplishments, Philippine sports infrastructure also received a major boost. The newly renovated Cebu Coliseum reopened to widespread acclaim, now meeting international FIBA standards. The venue’s modernized facilities have excited basketball fans and athletes alike, garnering significant attention on social media.

Furthermore, collegiate and high school basketball in Cebu saw remarkable success, with the University of the Visayas Green Lancers securing a fourth consecutive title in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) league. Likewise, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles achieved an impressive five-peat in the high school division.

These milestones underscore a vibrant year for Philippine sports, highlighting a promising future fueled by rising stars, enduring legends, and strengthened local sports programs.