Sarina Bolden nears SEA Games comeback as she cheers Filipina5’s World Cup breakthrough 

For the first time in months, Sarina Bolden found herself back in a familiar place—not on the pitch, but at its edge, surrounded by Philippine fans, soaking in the roar of a crowd celebrating another landmark moment in women’s football.

Still recovering from a ruptured ACL, Bolden watched from the stands at the Philsports Arena on Monday as the Filipina5 battled Morocco in the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup. The energy, she admitted, hit differently.

“It’s pretty fun, but nerve-wracking being a fan than actually playing,” she said with a laugh after the Filipina5’s narrow 3–2 loss. “But [I’m] just happy and proud for the team.”

Bolden is set to rejoin the Filipinas’ training pool for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, but Monday’s appearance wasn’t about scouting or preparation—it was about reconnecting with the sport that has defined her career, at a moment when Philippine football continues to break barriers.

“It’s such a big thing, a World Cup in the Philippines. I’m glad to be here in the Philippines, getting my recovery, being back in the (national) team soon,” she added. “Through the journey, being with the team is really important, just for the mental and for the team as a whole.” 

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“It’s like the World Cup we experienced but on steroids. I knew the Filipino people would be amazing hosts. We were here for the opening day, the atmosphere was really electric. It has an energy to it that you’re not going to get anywhere else–not even in soccer.” @sarina_bolden pic.twitter.com/h8E3CZT5aY

— Philippine Women’s National Football Team (@PilipinasWNFT) November 26, 2025

Her presence also bridged two historic eras. Bolden delivered the Philippines’ first-ever goal in the FIFA Women’s World Cup when she stunned host New Zealand in 2023. Three years later, she witnessed the country’s newest World Cup milestone—Inday Tolentin’s breakthrough futsal goal.

“I’m sure we’re all feeling excited, happy, joyful, like all the feelings. And I can definitely see it on Inday, on Cat [Graversen], the whole team,” Bolden said. “You can see people just hugging and embracing each other. That’s really what it’s all about.”

She added, “So no matter what, history was made here, and it’s something to be really, really proud of. The fans felt it, everyone from Ultras to family, friends who came out to support. So it’s a really good feeling. And it’s here in the Philippines. I don’t even know what that feeling is like – to score a World Cup goal in my home country.”

Beyond history, the match gave Bolden a chance to cheer for former Filipinas teammates who are now showing their versatility on a different surface. She lit up when asked about futsal standouts Katrina Guillou, Jaclyn Sawicki, and Bella Flanigan.

“I’m just really happy for them. And just to show their versatility as athletes, there’s not a lot of athletes that can cross over from soccer, futsal, soccer-esque sports. So hats off to them. I’m super proud of them,” she said.

Bolden’s return to the national team setup is still unfolding, but her message at the sidelines made one thing clear: injury may have kept her from the pitch, but her heart—and her voice—never left.

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