As former Philippine Women’s National Football Team captain Tahnai Annis bids farewell to her illustrious playing career, she faces a question that every professional athlete must eventually confront.
What’s next?
In an interview on Venice Furio’s podcast, Futbol Brew, the Filipino-American midfielder opened up about her decision to retire and the journey that lies ahead.
After dedicating decades to the beautiful game, Annis explained that the physical and mental demands of elite football had taken their toll, prompting her to step away and explore new avenues in life.
“I’m taking opinions and offers on what should be next,” Annis candidly shared. “I’m not quite sure. That’s still up in the air.
“These past few months, I’ve just been processing it all, grieving when needed, and taking a breath. My body, my heart, and my mind just needed relief and time to transition.”
From the Pitch to New Possibilities
Photo from AFC
Annis, an alumna of the University of Florida and a standout player for the Þór/KA club in Iceland, has lived and breathed football for most of her life.
Her storied career includes 43 international caps for the Philippines from 2018 to 2024, with highlights such as the team’s historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance, a bronze medal in the 31st Southeast Asian Games, and the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship title on home soil.
While football has been her greatest passion, Annis is now dipping her toes into coaching and advocacy.
She has already served as an assistant coach for the Philippines Girls’ Under-17 team during their campaign in the 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup in Bali.
Currently, she works with individual players and small groups, honing her coaching skills on a more personal level.
“I could see myself being part of the Filipinas staff one day, but I don’t think I’m ready for a full-time coaching role yet,” said the 35-year-old, who has 15 goals for the Filipinas to her name.
“Right now, I want to focus my energy on things that resonate more deeply with me, like working with youth in football or the LGBTQ+ community, or even diving into the mental health side of sports and trauma.”
Despite her apprehension about returning to school after eight years away from academia, Annis recognizes that further education may be necessary for her new pursuits.
She is also considering roles in player welfare, inspired by the growing demand for professionals who advocate for athletes’ well-being beyond the pitch.
“They’re taking care of players’ minds, extracurriculars, and development in professional settings,” she said.
“That’s something I wish I had more of during my career. Player advocacy is important – not just legal protections, but also making sure athletes are supported off the field.”
A Focus on Belonging and Mental Health
(C) AFC
Annis’ dedication to creating safe, inclusive spaces for athletes stems from her own experiences.
As an ambassador for Athlete Ally, she has long championed LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality in sports. She credits football for giving her a sense of belonging during some of the loneliest and most challenging times of her life.
“Even when it feels isolating – when you’re training alone – once you’re back with the team, you realize your world is actually so big,” Annis reflected.
“That’s always been worth it. There’s this unspoken understanding among teammates because you all know this life. Suddenly, you’re surrounded by 20 or 30 people, including staff, who share that same experience.”
Annis also hopes to shift the culture within teams, fostering environments that encourage collaboration rather than fear or resentment.
“I want every player to walk into a space where they feel like they belong,” she said. “That’s what kept me in the game for so long – football gave me a place to belong, not just fit in.”
More Than the Medals
(C) AFC
Though Annis’ career is full of accolades, from collegiate championships to international triumphs, she emphasized that the most meaningful part of her journey has always been the people she’s met along the way.
“For me, it’s always been about the people,” she said. “The relationships, the friendships, the connections – those are the things I’ll treasure the most. Football has allowed me to experience different cultures, people, and ways of life.
“It’s opened me up to so many possibilities and made my world so much bigger.”
As Annis steps into this new chapter of her life, she does so with the same grace and thoughtfulness that defined her career on the pitch.
Whether through coaching, advocacy, or a yet-unknown path, one thing is certain: Tahnai Annis’ impact on the game – and the people she’s inspired – will endure far beyond her playing days.
