Jose Diego Aspiras (born 28 May 2004) is a Filipino professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Manila Digger in the Philippines Football League.[1]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Jose Diego Aspiras[1] | ||
| Date of birth | May 28, 2004 | ||
| Place of birth | Philippines | ||
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Defensive midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Manila Digger | ||
| Number | 66 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2011–2021 | Kaya–Iloilo | ||
| 2021–2023 | GOM Academy | ||
| 2023–2024 | Stallion Laguna | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| Ateneo de Manila University | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2024 | United City | 9 | (0) |
| 2024– | Manila Digger | 3 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 09:27, November 2, 2024 (UTC) | |||
Personal life
editAspiras is the son of Filipino actor and politician Edu Manzano and celebrity chef Reggie Aspiras.[2][3] While playing football as a kid he studied at Xavier School,[4] and is currently studying in Ateneo de Manila University.[5]
Youth career
editIn 2011, Aspiras began playing football for the academy of Kaya FC, a club then participating in the United Football League. He was a member of the club's under 11 team and continued to play for them until 2021.[4] While playing for Kaya, he also played high school football for Xavier School.[6][7] He would also play for the youth team of Stallion Laguna in the PFF U19 Boys National Championship.[8]
Aspiras also played college football for Ateneo, first playing in the intercollegiate 2023 Ang Liga Tournament, where Ateneo reached the final before losing to Adamson University.[9][10][11]
Club career
editUnited City
editBefore the 2024 edition of the Philippines Football League, Aspiras signed his first professional contract with league giants United City, who were returning to the league after a two-year break.[12][13] He made his debut on the third matchday, coming on for Ricardo Sendra in a 4–1 win over Philippine Air Force.[14] He notched 9 appearances during the shortened season, also assisting Sendra in a 9–2 win against Maharlika Taguig.
Manila Digger
editAfter the conclusion of the 2024 season, Aspiras was left without a club after United City withdrew from the league due to financial difficulties.[15] He later signed with Manila Digger,[16] featuring in the starting eleven on the first day as they lost 3–1 to One Taguig.[17]
References
edit- ^ a b "Manila Digger FC - Team Roster". Philippines Football League. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ Garzon, Van (October 2, 2024). "Edu Manzano's Son Diego Aspiras Wants To Make Name in PH Football Industry". Philnews PH. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ Miralles, Nitz (May 21, 2023). "Edu, may nilabas na ibang anak!". Philstar. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ a b "Work Hard, Play Hard: Diego Aspiras". Kaya FC Academy. April 5, 2014. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ Gabinete, Jojo (October 1, 2024). "Meet Diego Aspiras: the football star and son of Edu Manzano". Pep PH. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ "19th Alaska Football Cup Winners" (PDF). Alaska Football Cup. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ Fernandez, Rhoel (November 30, 2014). "Alaska's annual football tournament once again draws banner field". Spin PH. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ "United City, Ilocos Sur, Stallion Laguna advance to PFF U19 Division 2 National Round". Philippine Football Federation. June 13, 2022. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ Maguddayao, Merck (October 28, 2023). "Adamson, Ateneo forge blue Ang Liga final". fullcourtfresh.com. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ Laygo, Moss; Licas, Luis Antonio (October 28, 2023). "Ateneo dominates DLSU, books ticket to Ang Liga Finals". The Guidon. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ Laygo, Moss (November 4, 2023). "Ateneo falter against Adamson, surrender Ang Liga Title". The Guidon. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ "United City FC - Team Roster". Philippines Football League. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ "United City FC Welcomes Young Talent Diego Aspiras". United City. March 7, 2024. Archived from the original on April 15, 2024. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ "Air Force 1-4 United City: Second half goals seal UCFC's second win". Philippines Football League. April 21, 2024. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ Suing, Ivan (September 20, 2024). "Aguilas ramp up recruitment". Daily Tribune. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ "New season, new midfield magic! Say hello to our New Diggers: Diego Aspiras, Dilane Wamba Tafem, Kintaro Miyagi, and Zachary Taningco!". Manila Digger Football Club on Facebook. September 27, 2024. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ Suing, Ivan (September 30, 2024). "One Taguig starts PFL season with 3-1 win". Daily Tribune. Retrieved November 2, 2024.