Filipinas captain Hali Long parts ways with Kaya FC after seven-year stint

Philippine women’s national football team captain Hali Long continues to stand as one of the most accomplished, experienced, and widely respected figures in Philippine women’s football, a status earned through years of consistency, leadership, and success both at the club and international levels.

Long is now set to embark on a new chapter in her career after officially parting ways with Kaya FC, bringing an end to her seven-year tenure with the Iloilo City–based club. Her departure marks the close of a highly successful era, during which she played a central role in Kaya’s rise as one of the dominant teams in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Women’s League and in regional competitions.

Kaya FC paid tribute to their longtime captain and defensive stalwart through a heartfelt message on social media, acknowledging the lasting impact Long made on the club and the broader women’s football landscape.

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“Thank you, Hali Long. Seven years in Kaya colors. A leader, a captain, and a constant presence through some of the club’s most historic moments. From captaining the first Philippine team to compete in the AFC Women’s Champions League, to leading us to five 7’s Cup titles and two PFF Women’s League championships, Hali’s legacy helped define an era for Kaya and for women’s football in the country.

“She leaves Kaya as a champion – a leader her teammates believe in and someone who gave everything for this club. Forever part of the Kaya family.”

Thank you, Hali Long! 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/KI14Pka9y3

— Kaya Futbol Club (@KayaFC) January 18, 2026

Long, now 30, joined Kaya FC shortly after concluding her collegiate career with the Little Rock Trojans at the University of Arkansas, quickly establishing herself as a cornerstone of the club’s defense. Over the years, she became synonymous with Kaya’s success, known for her composure at the back, aerial strength, and commanding presence on the pitch.

In addition to her domestic achievements, Long also gained valuable continental experience after being loaned to BGC–College of Asian Scholars for the preliminary stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League. Although the team fell short of reaching the group stage, the stint further underscored her importance as a leader capable of competing at the highest levels of Asian football.

On the international stage, Long has been a fixture for the Philippine women’s national team since making her senior debut in 2016. Her longevity and consistency were etched into history when she became the first Filipina to earn 100 international caps, a milestone that highlighted her enduring contribution to the national program.

She also played a pivotal role in the Filipinas’ most significant achievement to date—their historic gold medal victory at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, where her leadership as captain helped guide the team through a pressure-filled tournament.

While Long’s next club destination remains uncertain, her focus remains firmly on international duty. She is set to once again lead the Filipinas as captain in the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup in March, a tournament that carries major implications as the Philippines targets qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

As she prepares for the next phase of her career, Long’s departure from Kaya FC closes a defining chapter, but her influence on Philippine women’s football continues. Whether at club or international level, her experience, leadership, and winning mentality remain invaluable as the Filipinas aim to build on recent successes and reach new heights on the global stage.

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