For the Love of the Game: Francis Tacardon’s Football Journey Abroad

For Francis Tacardon, football was never something that ended with a final whistle or a championship medal. Even after reaching the top of collegiate football with the UP Fighting Maroons football team, it was clear that his journey with the sport was far from over.

Tacardon had already made up his mind—he still wanted to play, and more importantly, he wanted to keep chasing the feeling that first drew him to the game.

“It wasn’t just competition,” he told ALL-STAR. 

“I played for joy. I played for fire. I played to feel alive.”

A Football Family

The Tacardon name resonates with something deeper than just skill. Within the Philippine football community, it has become synonymous with heart. From Claret School of Quezon City to the collegiate stage with the UP Fighting Maroons, Francis Tacardon and his brothers built a reputation as relentless competitors — players who wear their love for the game on their sleeves.

There are five Tacardons who play football, each carrying the same reputation for competitiveness.

“Growing up in an all-boys household, football wasn’t just a sport. It was our way of life.”

Garage spaces, streets, and small patches of open ground became their first fields. What started as sibling competition eventually grew into a lifelong passion for the game.

That passion carried Francis through Claret and into UP, where he became part of a UAAP championship-winning side. 

But for Tacardon, football was never just about titles.

Continuing the Dream

After finishing his collegiate career, Tacardon took his first step into professional football with Loyola FC. Yet even then, it was clear that he wanted to see how far the game could take him.

Soon, another opportunity arrived—one that would take him beyond Philippine shores.

Tacardon made the move to Laos League 1, joining Champasak Avenir Football Club and beginning a new chapter in his career.

“I was just approached by an agent, and because the team was handled and managed by Koreans, no brainer na siya for me,” Tacardon shared.

Playing abroad had always been part of the bigger picture, even if the timing came earlier than expected.

“It’s always been the goal naman. Maybe not in Laos, but yeah I did not expect to play abroad this early in my career. I am lucky enough and I am seeing this as a stepping stone for my future.”

A Different Game in Laos

Moving to a new league also meant adjusting to a different style of football.

“Here in Laos, it is very very technical, I would say, compared to the Philippines. They really move the ball around with confidence just like Kaya FC.”

But what surprised him even more was the passion surrounding the sport. During his first match, the atmosphere reminded him of the energy he once experienced in UAAP football.

“Honestly my first game, it took me back to UAAP days with the crowd. The drums, ang daming tao, may mga megaphone. I was shocked because I did not expect football to be this big in Laos.”

At Champasak, where the club is managed by Korean staff, the emphasis on technical development is evident in training.

“Since its managed by Koreans its really technical, a lot of rondos, possession partner exercises. They also expect their players to be mature and experienced enough tactically, that’s why we barely focus on the tactical part of the game.”

Focused on the Game

Away from the pitch, Tacardon has embraced a quieter routine. He currently shares a house near the stadium with other foreign players.

“I live with the other Foreign players in a house near the stadium.”

Life in the city revolves largely around football. For Tacardon, that simplicity helps keep him focused.

“I came here naman for football so I really look after myself, proper meals, rest, training and there’s not much to do in the city also so I barely leave the house talaga.”

Despite the distance from home, family remains an important part of his support system.

“I’m always in touch with them naman plus we always ask each other when are the games kamusta training pero I think growing up in an all boys household I guess made it easier for me to adjust living with other people too, especially with boys.”

Learning the Global Game

Playing abroad has also allowed Tacardon to experience different philosophies of football — something he believes is important for Filipino players.

“Football is a global sport eh. I think it’s very important to be able to understand the game under different coaching styles and cultures.”

From Brazilian coaches during his youth years to the tactical nature of the Philippine game and now the technical approach in Laos, every environment has contributed to his development.

“During my High school days, I was coached by Brazilians which encouraged us to express ourselves through the game, in the Philippines it was very tactical and physical as we Filipinos are quick and agile and here in Laos the players are very technical and loves to move around with or without the ball, much like Japanese and Thai football.”

For Tacardon, adapting to different styles is simply part of growing as a player.

“All coaches have different philosophies and I think it’s important for all players to learn to adapt with different styles of play.”

Still Chasing the Game

For many Filipino footballers, collegiate football can feel like the peak of their journey. For Tacardon, it was simply another step.

The game that began in the streets, garages, and small spaces shared with his brothers continues to take him to new places.

And for a player who once said he plays for joy, fire, and the feeling of being alive, the journey is far from finished.

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