Filipino Aguinaldo ready to strengthen Brunei's backline
His aggressive, no-nonsense defending caught the eye of many, and it wasn't long before Malaysian clubs came calling.
However, instead of staying put, Aguinaldo opted for a new challenge in Thailand.
Over the next few years, he became a familiar face in Thai football, turning out for clubs like Trat (2020-2021 and 2023-2024), Nongbua Pitchaya (2021-2022), Nakhon Ratchasima (2022-2023), and PTT Rayong (2024-2025).
Now, the 30-year-old is back in the Malaysian top flight, this time with guest team Brunei.
Under the guidance of English coach Jamie McAllister, Aguinaldo is expected to anchor the defence and bring leadership to the backline.
Having been with the team for over two weeks, Aguinaldo is already settling in well and embracing the challenge ahead.
'It's been a good experience so far, and I'm happy to be here,' said Aguinaldo, who boasts 67 international caps for the Philippines.
'As a footballer, I'm always looking to grow, and Brunei have given me a great platform to do that.
'The set-up is professional, the standards are high, and the players are motivated. It's the perfect environment for a team looking to achieve something.'
'My role is simple: give my best every day, whether in training or matches. I want to help the team grow and succeed together,' he added.
Alongside Aguinaldo, Brunei have included Brazilian centreback Jordan Rodrigues, goalkeeper Michel Dos Santos, and midfielder Kaio Santos; Macedonian goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski, Portuguese midfielder Miguel Oliveira, Indonesian striker Ramadhan Sananta, and Ghanaian midfielder Prosper Boakye.
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