One of the country’s top local goalscorers will be leaving Philippine shores.
Reigning Philippines Football League champions United City announced on Wednesday evening that naturalized Filipino forward Bienvenido Marañon has left the club and is set to play elsewhere this season.
“UCFC would like to congratulate Bienve Maranon on his well-deserved career move and thank him for his services to the Club as decorated player and co-captain,” read the statement.
“While it’s sad to see him leave at this time, it opens great opportunities for UCFC in preparation for the 2022 season. Best of luck, Bienve and stay safe and healthy.”
The 35-year-old Marañon started his journey with Philippine football back in 2015 when he signed for Ceres-Negros Football Club. Under the ownership of Leo Rey Yanson, the former Cadiz player and his teammates enjoyed three straight PFL crowns from 2017 to 2019; the Copa Paulino Alcantara in 2019; and continental glory by being the 2017 ASEAN Zonal Champions in the 2017 AFC Cup.
He remained part of the club after its rebrand into United City and helped it win the 2020 PFL title. He also aided the club’s and Philippine football’s first win in the AFC Champions League; Marañon netted a goal against China’s Beijing Guoan last year.
The 5-foot-8 forward remains the all-time top scorer of the AFC Cup with 35 goals and he was also the Golden Boot awardee of the 2020 PFL season.
After falling in love with the country, he finally got the chance to represent the Azkals in the recently-concluded 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup. There, he scored four goals at the back of a hat-trick against Myanmar and a strike versus Timor Leste.
Aside from Marañon, fellow Azkals members able to secure moves abroad recently include Patrick Reichelt and Amin Nazari. They signed with Thai League 1 side PT Prachuap Football Club.
