He was born in Enfield, London.
Neil Etheridge has been a big part of the Philippine Azkals’ campaign over the years, not only in international competition but also in propagating the sport of football all over the Philippines.
Born to an English father and a Filipina mother, Etheridge grew up and honed his skills in England, where he eventually became a professional booter. Such variables say that the 33-year-old goalkeeper has been representing both sides of his ethnicity quite evenly.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Etheridge was pretty straightforward in answering a question that delved into his mixed heritage.
“I would say I’m English because I was born here. But I would make a point saying I’m half-Filipino (because) my mum’s Filipino” Etheridge said.
That hasn’t always been the case. It’s a habit he has developed as time went on.
“That’s something I’ve grown to do, to be honest. When I was younger, it might’ve just been, ‘Oh, I’m English. And then you get a follow-on question (on your other heritage),” Etheridge disclosed.
In recent months, there have been conversations on social media about the credibility of the success of some of the Philippines' national teams for fielding half-Filipinos or naturalized players. To some, their victories can't be fully classified as accomplishments of Filipinos because of the mixed race involved.
It's an issue that Etheridge has heard before, even though he has played for the Azkals for many years now.
“I feel like nowadays, it’s quite a normal question because you see so many mixed-race people and people of different heritages,” he said.
Since becoming part of the Azkals, Etheridge has been using the knowledge and skills he acquired growing up in a football-loving nation to help the Philippines—a country whose affinity for the sport is still budding.
When not suiting up for the Philippines, Etheridge plays for Birmingham City FC, which recently hired controversial England legend Wayne Rooney as its new coach.
With his experience, he aspires to make a bigger impact than just keeping the sheets clean for the national team—despite the recurring questions about his hybrid heritage.
“Other players that have done the same thing as me, they’ve all said exactly the same thing: ‘You’re helping a nation compete now at a higher level and hopefully, you’ll become the person who will help other people do it so that country can compete at a higher level in the future,’” Etheridge said.
(PM)