Hali Long is the defining figure of the Philippines Women’s National Team, serving as the team’s captain, defensive anchor, and most consistent performer. Born in the American Midwest but deeply connected to her Filipino heritage, she has transformed from a standout college athlete into the undisputed leader of a team that shocked the world at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Known for her immense physical durability, aerial dominance, and surprisingly high goal-scoring record for a defender, Long is more than just a player; she is a trailblazer who has helped turn the Philippines into a genuine power in Southeast Asian football.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Hali Moriah Candido Long |
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA |
| Position | Center-Back |
| Current Club | Kaya FC-Iloilo (on loan at College of Asian Scholars) |
| National Team | Philippines |
The Story So Far
Hali Long’s journey began in Missouri, where she grew up in a household that balanced American life with deep Filipino traditions. Her mother, originally from Bulacan, ensured that Filipino values and culture remained a central part of her upbringing. This connection meant that when Long eventually chose to represent the Philippines, it wasn’t just a career move—it was a way to honor her family’s roots.
Her footballing foundation was built in the competitive youth leagues of the American Midwest. Playing for the prestigious Lou Fusz-Wipke club, she won three state championships, developing the winning mentality and physical toughness that would define her later career. She then moved to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she became a legendary figure for the Little Rock Trojans. Between 2013 and 2016, she earned the nickname Iron Woman due to her incredible stamina, once playing 1,851 minutes in a single season and leading her team to a school-record defensive performance.
Long made her international debut for the Philippines in 2016, entering a team that was then a second-tier nation in Southeast Asia. For years, she and her teammates worked to bridge the gap between themselves and regional giants like Thailand and Vietnam. The arrival of world-class coach Alen Stajcic in 2021 proved to be the turning point. Under his guidance, with Long as his key leader on the pitch, the Filipinas entered a golden era.
In 2022, they achieved the unthinkable by qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Long was instrumental in this run, anchoring a defense that finally defeated Thailand and held firm in a high-pressure playoff against Chinese Taipei. In 2023, she led her country onto the world stage in New Zealand, where she played a vital role in a historic 1-0 victory over the co-hosts—the Philippines’ first-ever win at a World Cup. By 2025, Long reached the milestone of 100 international caps and led her team to a Southeast Asian Games Gold Medal, cementing her status as a national icon.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Hali Long is a modern, ball-playing center-back who combines the physical strength of the American game with technical intelligence. Because she spent time playing as a defensive midfielder in college, she is comfortable with the ball at her feet and often starts attacks from deep positions. While her passing is reliable, her true defensive strength lies in her proactive style; she prefers to step forward and intercept passes rather than waiting for strikers to come to her.
Her physical attributes make her a nightmare for opponents in the air. Standing as a tall, powerful presence, she won nearly 60% of her aerial duels in the 2025 season. This makes her the team’s primary weapon during set-pieces. Unlike most defenders, Long is a prolific scorer, having netted over 20 international goals, mostly from headers on corners and free kicks.
One of her most impressive traits is her discipline. Despite playing a physical and aggressive style of defense, she rarely commits fouls that lead to bookings. In the entire 2025 domestic season, she received zero yellow or red cards. This clean style of play allows her to remain on the pitch during the most intense moments of a tournament, providing a calm and focused presence for her teammates to follow.
Future Outlook
As she enters the later stages of her career, Hali Long is focused on both her professional growth and the long-term future of Philippine football. Her recent loan move to the Thai champions, College of Asian Scholars, shows that she is still seeking new challenges and wants to compete in the AFC Women’s Champions League.
Off the pitch, her influence is growing even further. Her election to the Philippine Football Federation Executive Committee means she now has a seat at the table where the sport is governed. In the near term, expect Long to continue as the heart of the national team’s defense while she simultaneously works to build the professional structures that will support the next generation of Filipina players.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
| Competition | Achievement | Year |
| SEA Games | Gold Medal | 2025 |
| AFF Women’s Championship | Winners | 2022 |
| PFF Women’s League | Champions (Kaya FC) | 2023, 2025 |
| PFF Women’s League | league MVP | 2025 |
| SingaCup | Winners | 2022 |
| NCAA Sun Belt | Defensive Player of the Week | Oct 2016 |
