With a surname that echoes through Philippine football circles, Robert Margarse could have easily lived in the shadow of legacy.
Instead, the De La Salle Zobel rookie is beginning to write a story of his own.
As the son of former national team defender Boogie Margarse and the nephew of fellow international veteran Stephen Margarse, Robert was born into a family of Philippine football standouts.
But rather than lean solely on that pedigree, the Grade 11 defender has quickly established himself as a steady force at the back for the Junior Green Booters.
Margarse played a crucial role in La Salle’s back-to-back, 1–0, clean-sheet victories over Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University. He anchored a defense that helped the team close the first round in third place with 10 points.
That composure and consistency have made him a reliable starter despite being in his first year with the squad.
Originally from Taguig, Margarse’s move to La Salle began with a simple invitation.
“Yung best friend ko po na si Geoffrey Marqueses ang nagdala sa akin sa Zobel. Ininvite niya akong mag-try out. Pumunta po ako, tapos nakuha po ako,” Margarse shared. “Proud po ako na nakapasok ako. Masaya din.”
His transition, however, was not without challenges.
“Nung nag-enroll po ako this academic school year, nung una, nahirapan ako mag-adjust sa academics, pero nakakasabay naman po.”
His entry into the program was also eased by familiarity. Alvin Ocampo, a member of the team’s management, shares a close connection with Margarse’s father and uncle, having represented the country alongside them in various international competitions.
Under new head coach Arvin Soliman, Margarse has become a key piece in the defensive rotation, starting most matches as the team’s primary center-back. For a rookie, his maturity on the pitch has stood out.
Like many young athletes in the league, he is driven by both ambition and family pride.
“Masaya po ako kasi ang purpose ko po ay para maging proud ang parents ko,” he said, later adding, “Gusto ko po maging champion. Gusto kong mabalik yung korona sa Zobel.”
For now, his focus remains on making an impact in the UAAP juniors division.
But beyond that, Margarse dreams of continuing his journey in the collegiate ranks at De La Salle University — and ultimately earning a call-up to the Philippine national team, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle.
As his career begins to take shape, Margarse holds on to a philosophy: “Magsikap, wag tumigil sa pangarap.”
