Philippine men’s national football team young star Randy Schneider in action during their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers bout vs. Maldives, at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac, March 25, 2025. Photo by Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News.CAPAS, Tarlac — A new face shone brightly in the Philippines’ triumph over Maldives in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers on Tuesday.

Filipino-Swiss Randy Schneider made his men’s National football team during their 4-1 win vs. the guests at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac, a victory that put them currently as No.1 in Group A.

READ: Philippines scores convincing win vs. Maldives in Asian Cup Qualifiers

“You can see it in the game, I felt good,” said Schneider, who scored a goal at the 77th mark, and provided an assist to Bjorn Kristensen 19 minutes into the contest.

“The Philippine team has welcomed me since the first day, so I hope I can continue like this,” he furthered.

The 23-year-old, whose mother hails from Mandaluyong, plays for FC Winterthur in the Swiss Super League.

It was in December 2024 when Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National team director Freddy Gonzalez announced that Schneider, along with others, would become the newest addition to the squad.

And despite only playing for the country for the first time, Randy couldn’t be more ecstatic.

“It’s my motherland. For the National team? It’s always special. In front of the home crowd? It’s more amazing,” he raved, before discussing what it was like playing alongside the likes of another young star in Sandro Reyes.

“They are amazing guys, really nice guys, and I just want to help them with the experiences that I have, I hope we can get better,” said Schneider, who previously suited up for Switzerland from his younger years up to their Under-20 squad.

“I just tried to help. I know how I can help, create chances, make goals, and today, everything was possible so I’m really proud,” he added.

Up next for the Philippines is another Group A clash, this time against Tajikistan, and that is scheduled on June 10, also in the Philippines.