Filipinas’ Ryley Bugay retires from football

Ryley Bugay (center) answers questions from the media during the Filipinas homecoming, on Thursday, Aug 3, 2023, at Adidas Brand Center in Makati City. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Ryley Bugay announced her retirement from football more than a month after suiting up for the Philippines in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

The 27-year-old took to social media on Tuesday to reveal her decision, thanking those who have been part of the footballing journey that ended with two appearances in the Women’s World Cup group stage in New Zealand.

She didn’t say the exact reason but Bugay is taking up medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine.

“With a heavy heart I announce my official retirement from soccer,” Bugay said. “It’s taken a while for me to process the past few months and sometimes I still struggle to find the words to capture the journey, but for now all I can say is thank you.”

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Bugay appeared as a substitute during the Filipinas’ landmark 1-0 win over co-host New Zealand in Wellington, and had the same role when they lost 6-0 to Norway in the final group stage match in Auckland.

She made the team despite not appearing in most of the friendlies, but herself in shape while dabbling into her studies.

“It was a unique situation,” Bugay said after the World Cup. “It was definitely a challenge trying to balance the rigor of med school and being an elite athlete, but it was all about time management.

“Luckily, the team accepted me with open arms, and really grateful to the staff for allowing me the opportunity to work and become a member of the squad.”