“Philippine football lost one of its legends in Rudy Del Rosario who not only made an impact with his play on the pitch but with his tremendous passion for the game that reflected in his work even after his playing career,” Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta said in a statement.

“Rudy was a skillful and creative player who would always provide a positive energy to the teams he played for. He played with tenacity and grit, using football – and music – to express himself. He loved the game so much I knew he would always be involved in the sport after his playing career.”

The former Philippine football team skipper had big contributions to the sport, he was a member of the Philippine team that finished in fourth place in the 16th Southeast Asian Games in Manila in 1991 and served as captain for the national team from 1994 to 1997.

Del Rosario also transitioned to futsal wherein he represented the Philippines in the AFF Futsal Championship in 2001.

After his playing career, Del Rosario shifted into coaching and mentoring the national team in the 2011 Homeless World Cup.

“Rudy used football as a platform to help uplift the lives of many young players with his different coaching roles especially with the Homeless World Cup team,” he added.

He was also one of the founding members of Kaya Futbol Club in 1996 and helped young football talents in various communities such as the Homeless World Cup team.

“Rudy was not only one of the founders and pillars of Kaya FC, he was a staunch advocate for football across the Philippines,” said Kaya FC in a statement on its Facebook page.

“Philippine football lost one of its legends in Rudy Del Rosario,” said Araneta. “The wonderful tributes are proof of Rudy’s amazing impact in the Philippine football community. He will be missed.”