Annis retires from Filipinas

After six years, midfielder Tahnai Annis has decided to retire from the Philippine national women’s football team.

Annis, 35, said in a podcast over the weekend that she felt the time was right to hang up the boots and cap her career with the Filipinas.

The Filipino-American midfielder appeared in 34 matches for the national team and scored 14 goals.

“It’s not just because I’m an older footballer. I think my mind, body, and spirit has come to an alignment that it’s time to step away,” Annis said.

“I definitely want to continue on because in the past few years how much our national team has accomplished and continued to progress.”

Annis’ last start for the Filipinas was back on 5 April where they lost to South Korea, 0-3, at the Icheon Sports Complex in a friendly match.

Annis’ made a huge impact during her stint with the Philippines.

She won the ASEAN Women’s Championship in 2022 and clinched a bronze medal in the same year at the 31st Southeast Asian Games.

But her biggest highlight was being part of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad that defeated New Zealand, 1-0, at the Wellington Regional Stadium.

The Philippines even reached as high as No. 39 in the International Football Federation rankings.