Cebuano Football Prodigy Bryant Julyant Monsanto Makes National Team History
The pride of Balamban town has now ascended to become the pride of Cebu, as young footballer Bryant Julyant Monsanto carves out an extraordinary path in his burgeoning career. At just sixteen years old, this talented athlete from Balamban, Cebu, stands as the only homegrown Cebuano talent chosen for the prestigious 2026 Under-17 Philippine Boys’ National Football Team.
A Journey from Local Fields to International Arenas
Julyant, the son of entrepreneurs Bryant and Jomilyn Monsanto, was selected for the national roster and is poised to bolster the country’s campaign in international matches. The squad is currently engaged in a high-stakes tournament in Surabaya, Indonesia, competing against formidable Asian teams and the Australian squad.
His football journey commenced with the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Football Club in Balamban, where he also served as a key member of Balamban FC. Opportunities began to unfold when his exceptional talent was recognized during local competitions in Cebu. His father, Bryant, was the first to encourage him to seize the moment when an offer from Makati FC arrived.
“In 2023, the coach/owner of Makati FC came to Cebu because they joined a tournament here. That’s where he was discovered. His coaches in Cebu were also the ones who introduced him,” his father recounted in a mix of Cebuano and English during an interview.
Sacrifice and Triumph in Pursuit of Dreams
Julyant did not hesitate to embrace the opportunity, relocating to the capital to chase his aspirations. Despite being separated from his parents for nearly two years, he persevered through the distance, and his dedication has now yielded remarkable results.
“When we read the letter from the PFF saying he was included, we got goosebumps. All his hard work while being far away finally led to something. He was alone in Manila at a very young age, and he still achieved becoming part of the national team. We are extremely happy,” his father expressed with palpable emotion.
The official notification from the Philippine Football Federation, dated March 29, 2026, confirmed his inclusion. As a center-back, Julyant and his teammates are battling in Group B alongside Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
Etching a Legacy in Balamban’s Sporting Annals
While the team’s ultimate success in the tournament remains to be determined, one undeniable fact is that Monsanto has already inscribed his name in the annals of history. He is the second athlete from Balamban to earn a spot on a national team, following in the footsteps of Aldrich Ramos, an original member of the Gilas Pilipinas basketball team.
Notably, like Ramos, Julyant is also a resident of Barangay Abucayan in the town of Balamban, further cementing the community’s reputation as a cradle of athletic excellence. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of talent, hard work, and unwavering family support in the competitive world of sports.
