Shane Neil Clemente

A rising star taking Filipino football to new heights in Dubai

Football has long been overshadowed by basketball in the Philippines, but one young Filipino footballer is defying the odds and making his mark in the world of football.

Meet Shane Neil Clemente, a 5’4 full-back, whose journey from the Philippines to Dubai is an inspiring tale of determination, resilience, and unwavering passion for the beautiful game.

At just 21 years old, Shane’s story serves as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams, even in the face of adversity. From a young age, Shane was captivated by the allure of football, attending matches as a fan and immersing himself in the vibrant atmosphere of local clubs like Kaya FC and the national team with Ultras Filipinas.

While basketball may reign supreme in his homeland, Shane’s unwavering passion for football fueled his desire to excel in the sport.

In a recent interview, Shane delved into his motivations for choosing football over basketball.

“What motivated me to pursue a career in football despite basketball being the dominant sport in the Philippines is the sheer passion I have for the game,” he shared with The Global Filipino Magazine.

“Since I was eight years old, I attended matches as a fan, chanting songs and dreaming of one day playing on that field. Football suits Filipinos well due to our natural height, as opposed to basketball, where height plays a significant role.”

Shane’s journey took a significant turn when he made the decision to move to Dubai, a move that was not without its challenges. Faced with rejections from clubs, limited opportunities, and being left out of his high school team, Shane’s determination remained unshaken.

He recalls the difficult trials he faced in the Philippines, traveling for hours only to be rejected by clubs. However, with the support of his older brother, Shane mustered the courage to explore new horizons and pursue his football aspirations abroad.

Upon arriving in Dubai, Shane faced the initial challenges of adapting to a new country and a different footballing landscape. The scorching heat and high humidity tested his physical and mental resilience.

However, with his brother by his side, Shane embarked on a journey of exploration, immersing himself in the local culture and discovering the realities faced by overseas Filipino workers. This firsthand experience deepened his appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Filipino community in pursuit of a better life.

Transitioning to football in Dubai presented its own set of hurdles. Shane recognized that his fitness levels needed improvement, having been hampered by the pandemic’s restrictions on playing in the Philippines.

Moreover, adapting to playing with a diverse group of players from various nationalities challenged Shane to enhance his technical skills. Determined to overcome these obstacles, he sought personal training with Mr. Rey at Smart Football Fitness.

Through dedicated training, Shane transformed his physicality, knowledge, and technical abilities, enabling him to play a full 90 minutes with confidence.

Shane’s relentless pursuit of his footballing dreams paid off when he secured a spot in Al-Ittifaq FC Division II. Enduring trials and competitions, he showcased his talent, catching the attention of the club’s selectors. Currently in the preseason, Shane’s time with Al-Ittifaq FC has provided valuable opportunities for his development as a player, preparing him for the challenges of the upcoming 2023-2024 season.

Beyond his personal accomplishments, Shane’s presence in Dubai has had a profound impact on the Filipino community and the perception of football as a sport.

Dubai, known for its fervent passion for football, has embraced Shane and his compatriots, recognizing the talent and potential they bring to the game. Shane actively engages with the Filipino football community in Dubai, playing with Pinoy FC-Dubai and inspiring young players to pursue their own footballing dreams.

His commitment to the sport and his accomplishments have fostered a growing interest in football among Filipinos, challenging the dominance of basketball in the country.

When asked about his goals and ambitions, both in Dubai and on a broader scale, Shane’s passion shines through. His immediate aspiration is to play in the top leagues in the UAE or Europe, with a burning desire to represent the Philippines on the international stage. Beyond personal achievements, Shane envisions himself as a source of inspiration for aspiring Filipino football players.

“My message to those aspiring football players in the Philippines is that you only live once and have a lot of opportunities to learn. Make some sacrifices and give yourself time to improve physically and mentally, develop mental resilience by staying focused, maintaining a positive attitude, and learning from mistakes,” he said.

“Believe in your abilities and stay motivated, even during difficult times. Last but not least is to enjoy every single moment of absolutely incredible highs and devastatingly difficult lows.”

He aims to spread the game within the country, motivating young talents to believe in their abilities, embrace the journey, and never give up on their dreams.

Looking to the future, Shane has exciting projects in the pipeline, awaiting official announcements once the necessary documentation is completed.

Additionally, his family has initiated grassroots initiatives, introducing futsal to schools in their hometown of Malabon, Philippines.

Through these efforts, they hope to create more opportunities for aspiring players and further promote football as an inclusive and accessible sport.