With women's football title defended, Rebosura sets sights on Futsal World Cup

c/o UAAP

From humble beginnings on the indoor court of Payatas to the grand stage of the UAAP, Regine Rebosura’s college football career ended on the highest note possible—just before she stepped onto the world’s biggest futsal stage.

Rebosura, who came in as a second-half substitute, scored in the 90+3rd minute to seal Far Eastern University’s 2-0 win over De La Salle University in the final of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament last Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Her goal helped the Lady Tamaraws complete a perfect campaign and claim their fourth consecutive championship.

If that wasn’t enough, she also earned the Best Midfielder award—her second time receiving the honor after previously claiming it in Season 85.

Known for making the most of every opportunity to shine, Rebosura reflected on the daily challenges that made her triumph even more fulfilling.

“Sobrang saya,” said the 24-year-old from Quezon City. “Sobrang worth it lahat kase napag-manage namin kasabay ng academics namin. Training sa morning, gym sa hapon — yung pagod namin sobrang worth it.”

What made Rebosura’s happy ending even more remarkable was that she had spent time away from her FEU teammates while preparing in Spain with the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team for the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.

Moreover, the night before the UAAP final, her name was confirmed among the 14 players who would represent the country in the inaugural World Cup edition on home soil. She initially struggled to compose herself, but ultimately focused on making up for lost time.

“Para sakin, yung second half medyo nag-a-adjust ako,” said the newly crowned four-time champion. “Medyo kinakabahan kasi galing po ako Spain. Mahirap mag-adjust. Alam ko sa sarili ko kaya ko pa and then pinangako ko sa mga teammates and mga coaches ko na kaya kong bumawi.”

Rebosura’s journey has been remarkable; she could not have imagined that kicking a ball on a simple court would be the first step toward four UAAP championships, crucial goals across three finals, and two individual awards.

Yet, there could be no greater validation of her versatility, hard work, and talent than her inclusion as the only collegiate player in the final Filipina5 squad for the World Cup.

The Filipina5 are grouped with Poland (November 21), Morocco (November 24), and Argentina (November 27), with the top two teams in each of the four pools advancing to the knockout stage.

As an underdog throughout her life, Rebosura hopes the nationals will surprise their opponents.

She is now calling on local fans to rally behind her and her teammates as they prepare for a historic homecourt debut.

“Yun po lumabas na po yung final 14,” she said. “Kasama po ako sa list na maglalaro po sa World Cup. Suportahan nyo po kami maglaro from November 21. Dito po gaganapin.”