"The Las Piñas Rocket" Jarvey Gayoso
Exclusive Interview: 🚀 "The Las Piñas Rocket" Jarvey Gayoso
"When you are born in a country where basketball is the number one sport, your father was a professional basketball player, and your family is full of athletes, but you chose football."
"You grew up in sports, excelling in high jump, long jump, and sprints, but in the end, football was the path you chose. What made you decide on that?"
Today, Off The Bench brings you an exclusive look into the journey of Jarvey Gayoso, The Philippine national team star nearly made a crucial impact against Thailand in the last ASEAN Championship. This is his story—his journey from growing up in a family of athletes to becoming a professional footballer.
🏀🏆 The Beginning
📌 Growing up in a family of athletes but choosing football over basketball
Jarvey Gayoso was raised in a family deeply involved in sports. But why did he choose football instead of following in his father’s footsteps?
Q: Can you tell us about your family background?
A: "My whole family is full of athletes. Sports have been in my blood since childhood. My father played professional basketball, and my grandfathers competed in the Olympics. On my mother’s side, my grandfather and uncle were footballers."
Q: How did growing up in a sports-oriented family influence you?
A: "It inspired me from a young age. I loved playing sports and excelled in many, but when it came time to choose between basketball and football, I followed my passion for football."
⚽ The Football Journey
📌 From sprinting champion to football prodigy
Jarvey Gayoso had a promising future in track and field, winning gold medals in sprinting and long jump. Many thought athletics would be his destiny rather than football.
Q: At what age did you start playing football? Did you play other sports?
A: "I started playing football at the age of 4 and trained at the Ateneo academy in Manila. Besides football, I competed in 100m, 200m sprints, long jump, and high jump. I won gold medals in nearly all competitions except the 4x100m relay."
Q: What was the turning point that made you choose football seriously?
A: "When I received a scholarship from Ateneo to play football for the university, I realized this was my path. Later, I joined the Azkals Development Team (ADT), which led me to the national team."
🏟️ Position Change: From Striker to Wing-Back
📌 From goal scorer to a new role that changed his football perspective
In professional football, adaptability is key. Jarvey Gayoso was always a forward and winger, but he was later transitioned to a wing-back. It wasn’t just a position change—it changed the way he saw football.
Q: You were originally a striker. Why did you switch to playing as a wing-back?
A: "I was always a forward due to my speed. However, when I was with ADT, Scott Cooper tried me as a wing-back. At first, I didn’t understand why."
Q: What made you accept and adapt to this new role?
A: "Scott Cooper explained that he wanted me to see football from a different perspective. As an attacking player, I never focused on defense. He said learning to play as a wing-back would help me understand defensive play, which is crucial in modern football."
🏟️ Football in the Philippines vs. Cambodia
📌 New challenges in a different country
Jarvey Gayoso currently plays for Phnom Penh Crown in Cambodia, making a name for himself in the league.
Q: How is your performance so far?
A: "I have scored 9 goals in the Cambodian league so far."
Q: How does football in the Philippines compare to Cambodia?
A: "The biggest difference is the football culture. Basketball dominates the Philippines, and football doesn’t receive as much attention. Meanwhile, Cambodia has passionate football fans, and the clubs operate in a more professional manner."
🏆 Facing Thailand & Near-Miss Goal
📌 Speed that troubled Thailand’s defense
During the match between the Philippines and Thailand, Jarvey Gayoso constantly pressured the Thai defense. A crucial moment came in the 69th minute when Pansa Hemviboon fouled him, earning a yellow card. However, the real highlight came at the end of the game.
Q: What happened in the moment you almost scored against Thailand?
A: "It was the dying moments of the game, and we were trailing 1-2. I took a powerful shot, and it seemed destined for the net, but Patiwat Khammai made an incredible fingertip save, deflecting the ball onto the crossbar and out. I have to give credit to Patiwat for an amazing save.”
📌 ASEAN Footballers
Q: Who are the strongest defenders you have faced in ASEAN?
Irfan Fandi (Singapore) – Son of Singaporean football legend Fandi Ahmad.
Elias Dolah (Thailand) – A key center-back for the Thai national team.
Sasalak Haiprakhon (Thailand) – A versatile left-back for Thai national team.
Q: Sandro Reyes (FC Gütersloh, Germany) is emerging as a new star in Philippine football. What do you think about him?
A: "Yes, I believe he is one of the biggest inspirations. Sandro is one of the biggest inspirations for a lot of the local-born kids and the Filipino kids based in Manila. He is basically a good role model for everybody, and everybody wants to follow Sandro. Sandro is showing that it is possible for young Filipinos to be competitive on international stages."
⚽ The Best Goal of His Career
📌 A goal with deeper meaning
Jarvey Gayoso scored a crucial goal against Vietnam in the ASEAN Cup 2024. It wasn’t just his first ASEAN tournament goal; it was also a goal with a personal milestone.
Q: What is your favorite career goal of your career?
A: "The goal I scored against Vietnam in the ASEAN Cup 2024. We played well, and I scored in the 68th minute, giving us a 1-0 lead." (the match ended in a 1-1 draw)
Q: What makes this goal special to you??
A: "It happened at a special moment in my life—I was about to become a father. My first daughter will be born in a few months. I know I must start thinking about the future, not just for myself but for my family. Football is my way of securing that future."
📌 Life After Football
Q: What are your plans after retirement?
A: "I haven’t fully decided yet, but I will stay in sports for sure. Coaching is one of my options. I might pursue a coaching license and help train the next generation of players."
Q: Any message for your fans?
A: "Thank you to all my fans for your support. I will keep working hard, improving myself, and hopefully playing at an even higher level in the future. I will do my best and make you all proud!"
We, Off The Bench and ASEAN fans, look forward to seeing him perform at his best. We wish him great success and hope he reaches new heights in the football world!
Jarvey Gayoso, “The Las Piñas Rocket” 🚀
Follow him at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jarveygayosofanpage
Instagram: @jarveygayoso
