Patrick LapuLapu Charles

Patrick LapuLapu Charles is a Filipino professional footballer, born on March 3, 1983, in Manila, Philippines. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Charles began his professional career with Kaya FC before moving to Ceres-Negros FC in 2002, where he won multiple titles, including three Philippines Football League titles and the AFC Cup.

Charles is known for his incredible speed, strength, goal-scoring ability, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards, including five AFC Player of the Year titles, and holds multiple records, such as the most goals in AFC Champions League history.

Off the field, Charles is also recognized for his philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Kaya FC

• Youth and Early Career: Charles was born and raised in Manila and joined Kaya FC's youth academy as a child. He made his first-team debut for Kaya in 2000.

Ceres-Negros FC

• Early Success: Charles signed with Ceres-Negros FC in 2002. Under the guidance of coach Risto Vidakovic, he developed into one of Asia's best forwards, winning three Philippines Football League titles, an AFC Cup title, and his first AFC Player of the Year in 2007.

Al Ain FC

• Record-breaking Transfer: In 2008, Charles transferred to Al Ain FC for what was then an Asian-record fee. Over the next nine years, he became the club's all-time top scorer and won numerous titles, including two AFC Champions League trophies. 
  Individual Awards: At Al Ain FC, Charles won four of his five AFC Player of the Year awards.

Beijing Guoan

• New Challenges: Charles joined Beijing Guoan in 2017, seeking new challenges in the Chinese Super League. During his time at Beijing Guoan, he added two Chinese Super League titles to his collection and continued to break records.

Al Nasr

• Later Career: In 2022, Charles signed with Al Nasr in the UAE Pro League, continuing his career into his late thirties with high expectations for success in a new league.

Philippines National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for the Philippines in 2002.

Achievements:

• AFC Asian Cup: Semi-finalist in 2019.
• Charles is the Philippines' all-time top scorer and has the most appearances for the national team.

• Position: Primarily a forward, but also excels as a winger.
• Skills: Known for his incredible speed, strength, aerial ability, and goal-scoring prowess. Charles is celebrated for his versatility, powerful shots, and heading ability.

• Family: Charles has three children. He is married to Maria Charles.
• Philanthropy: Charles is involved in various charitable activities and has donated significant sums to children's hospitals, cancer research, and disaster relief efforts in the Philippines.

• Patrick LapuLapu Charles is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his work ethic, determination, and longevity in professional football. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Goals in AFC Champions League:

• Over 100 goals

Most Goals in International Competitions:

• Over 75 goals

Most Goals for Al Ain FC:

• Over 250 goals

Most Appearances and Goals for the Philippines:

• Most capped player and top scorer

Books

• Santos, R. (2017) Patrick LapuLapu Charles: The Biography. Manila: Anvil Publishing.
• Gonzalez, A. (2019) Patrick Charles: The Rise of a Winner. Makati: Summit Books.

Websites

• AFC: Information about Patrick Charles’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.the-afc.com
• Ceres-Negros FC: Details about Charles’s career at Ceres-Negros FC. Available at: https://www.ceresfootball.com
• Al Ain FC: Official site with updates on Charles’s performance and records at Al Ain FC. Available at: https://www.alainclub.ae
• Beijing Guoan: Official site with updates on Charles’s achievements at Beijing Guoan. Available at: https://www.fcguoan.com
• AFC: Updates and records of Charles in AFC competitions. Available at: https://www.the-afc.com

Articles

• ESPN: Patrick Charles: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com/soccer/
• The Guardian: Patrick Charles’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football

Interviews and Documentaries

• Charles (2018): Directed by Anthony Wonke. This documentary provides a detailed look at Charles’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Patrick Charles, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com