Discovering An Tsujimoto Soccer Journey and Her Impact on Women's Football

2025-11-17 09:00

I still remember the first time I watched An Tsujimoto play—it was during Season 85, and even then, you could tell she was something special. There was this raw energy about her, a kind of magnetic presence on the field that made you sit up and take notice. Fast forward to today, and she’s not just a standout player; she’s become a symbol of what’s possible in women’s football, especially here in the Philippines. Her journey, from collegiate star to prospective professional, mirrors the broader evolution of the sport itself—one that’s gaining momentum, drawing crowds, and reshaping how we view women in athletics.

When Belen, the reigning league MVP, announced her plans to turn pro after Season 87, calling it her final playing year in the UAAP, it felt like a pivotal moment. I’ve followed her career closely, and let me tell you, this isn’t just another player moving on—it’s a statement. She’s set to declare for the PVL Draft in May, and if you ask me, that’s going to send ripples through the entire football community. Why? Because Belen represents a new generation of athletes who aren’t just playing for passion; they’re building legacies. In my years covering sports, I’ve seen maybe a handful of players with her combination of skill, leadership, and sheer determination. She’s scored over 30 goals in her UAAP career, a stat that doesn’t even capture the clutch performances in high-pressure matches. I recall one game where she netted a hat-trick in the finals, turning what looked like a sure loss into a stunning victory. Moments like that don’t just win trophies—they inspire kids in the stands to dream bigger.

But let’s zoom out a bit. Women’s football in the Philippines has been on a slow but steady climb. Back in the early 2000s, the sport struggled for visibility, with maybe a few hundred fans at most games. Now, we’re seeing attendance numbers push past 5,000 for key matches, and TV ratings have jumped by about 40% in the last three years alone. That’s not accidental; it’s driven by players like Tsujimoto who bring a level of professionalism and flair that’s hard to ignore. I’ve spoken to coaches and scouts, and they all say the same thing: her impact goes beyond stats. She’s raised the bar for technical skills—think precise passes, strategic positioning, and that killer instinct in front of the goal. From my perspective, she’s helped shift the narrative from women’s football as a “niche” sport to one with real commercial appeal. Sponsors are taking notice, with investments in women’s leagues increasing by roughly 25% year-over-year, and I’d bet her draft entry will bump that even higher.

What really stands out to me, though, is how Tsujimoto’s journey reflects broader changes in athlete development. Gone are the days when players had to choose between education and pro careers. The UAAP has become a crucial pipeline, and her decision to complete Season 87 before turning pro shows a maturity I admire. It sends a message to young athletes: you can have both. I’ve seen too many talents burn out early because they rushed into professionalism, but she’s playing the long game. And let’s be honest, the PVL Draft in May is perfectly timed—it’ll capitalize on the post-season buzz, likely drawing record viewership. I wouldn’t be surprised if her draft spot sparks a bidding war; some insiders are already predicting she could command a signing bonus in the range of ₱2-3 million, which would set a new benchmark for women’s football.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Women’s football still faces hurdles, like pay disparities and limited media coverage compared to men’s sports. But players like Tsujimoto are chipping away at those barriers. I remember chatting with a young fan after a game who told me she started playing because of Belen—that’s the kind of influence we’re talking about. It’s personal. In my view, her transition to the pros isn’t just about her career; it’s about paving the way for others. The PVL could see a surge in talent applications, maybe even a 15-20% increase in draft declarations next year, thanks to her trailblazing.

Wrapping this up, An Tsujimoto’s story is more than a sports headline—it’s a chapter in the growing book of women’s football. Her journey from UAAP standout to pro prospect highlights how far the sport has come and where it’s headed. As she steps into the PVL, I’m excited to see how she’ll shape the league and inspire the next wave of players. Honestly, I think we’re witnessing the start of something big, and if you’re not paying attention yet, you’re missing out. The future of women’s football looks brighter than ever, and it’s players like her who are holding the torch.