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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Legendary footballer Marcos Senna to grace the inaugural Villarreal 7s Filipinas Cup

Legendary footballer Marcos Senna to grace the inaugural Villarreal 7s Filipinas Cup

Hosted by the Villarreal Philippines Academy, the event will take place Dec 13-14 at the Ayala Vermosa Football Pitch

Published Dec 1, 2025 04:28 pm

At A Glance

  • The Villarreal Philippines Academy is gearing up for a milestone event as it launches the first-ever Villarreal 7s Filipinas Cup, scheduled for Dec. 13 to 14, 2025, 8 a.m. at the Ayala Vermosa Football Pitch.
The Villarreal Philippines Academy is gearing up for a milestone event as it launches the first-ever Villarreal 7s Filipinas Cup, scheduled for Dec. 13 to 14, 2025, 8 a.m. at the Ayala Vermosa Football Pitch.
Over 67 participants from the Villarreal Academies in Sydney and Brisbane will be flying in to participate. They will be joined by the homegrown talents from various football academies led by the Villarreal Philippines Academy, the official partner academy of Villarreal CF known as the Spanish “Yellow Submarine” club competing in LaLiga.
The two day weekend tournament aims to strengthen international camaraderie among the academies and showcase the rapidly growing football culture within the Asia Pacific region.
In a major highlight for players and fans alike, Villarreal CF legend Marcos Senna will be making a special appearance at the event to share his expertise, inspire young athletes, and reinforce the club’s commitment to global grassroots development.
Senna, the Brazilian-born midfielder who became a cornerstone of Spanish football, is celebrated for his remarkable achievements both at club and international level. During his 11-year tenure with Villarreal CF, he became one of the club’s most-capped players, helping lead them to UEFA Intertoto Cup victories and cementing their place among Spain’s elite.
Internationally, Senna etched his name in football history by playing a pivotal role in Spain’s 2008 UEFA European Championship triumph, providing defensive stability, precise passing, and leadership in midfield. Beyond Europe, he also lifted titles with Corinthians in Brazil and concluded his career in the United States with New York Cosmos, leaving behind a legacy defined by consistency, skill, and winning pedigree.
Prior to the weekend tournament, a media luncheon will be hosted by Villarreal Philippines Academy at the Dusit Thani Manila with members of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) for a meet and greet with the legendary midfielder.
The Villarreal 7s Filipinas Cup promises high-energy competition, community engagement, and a celebration of youth football aligned with Villarreal CF’s world-renowned training philosophy. With international academy collaboration and the presence of a football icon, the tournament marks a significant step forward for Villarreal’s growing footprint in Southeast Asia.
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