Every footballer dreams of scoring a last-second winner, but for Paolo Rodriguez, the dream extends far beyond a single moment of glory. It’s about one day donning the blue and white of Ateneo de Manila University.
With Claret’s UAAP campaign down to its final moments, the 16-year-old midfielder took a significant step toward that goal, delivering a stunning 95th-minute strike to seal the Red Roosters’ historic 3-2 upset over the Final Four-bound and the Blue Eagles’ archrivals DLSZ Junior Archers.
For a young footballer with aspirations of representing Ateneo at the collegiate level, Rodriguez etched his name into Claret’s football history in unforgettable fashion.
“It’s very surprising,” Rodriguez admitted. “I wasn’t expecting to score the winning goal. All I did was pray that we would win this game, at least for our last match of the UAAP season. I was in shock, but most of all, I was really happy for our team.”
Rodriguez first learned the sport at the age of five but took a break before returning to football at nine. Like many players his age, he was heavily influenced by those closest to him.
Now, having experienced the intensity of the UAAP stage, he feels even more motivated to continue his journey and take the next step in his football career.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“It’s my second year with the team,” he shared. “I am very happy since this is my father’s school. He is an alumnus, and it has always been his dream to have a son play in the UAAP. I feel very accomplished that I have fulfilled that dream as a Grade 9 student in Claret.
“I plan to continue this career. My dream school would be Ateneo de Manila. Actually, my grandfather wanted me to study there, but he suddenly passed away. I’m trying to fulfill that dream, and since most of my friends are also going to Ateneo, I might as well go there too.”
For Rodriguez and the rest of the Red Roosters, nothing can erase the fact that they were the first batch of Claretians to compete in the UAAP.
Ending Season 87 with a victory over the Junior Archers was a well-deserved, triumphant finish, especially given the challenges they faced throughout the tournament.
Whether Claret will return for Season 88 remains uncertain.
However, if the Quezon City-based school makes another appearance, it will feature players like Rodriguez — more battle-tested, resilient, and ready to set higher goals beyond just competing.
“My key takeaway from this season is that it doesn’t really matter if you win or lose as long as you try your best, stay focused on your goals, and never give up,” he reflected.
