Player Profile: Eric Giganto Maco's Eric Giganto is building on his most impressive season yet.
Fresh from a breakout season in 2020, Eric Giganto is pushing hard to be a regular fixture in coach Yu Hoshide’s plans this year. After bagging two big goals on the Asian Stage, and proving a constant danger going forward, the quick-witted attacker looks primed for more responsibility ahead of a historic campaign for Kaya FC–Iloilo.
iA standout during his time at Far Eastern University, Eric went on to play for Manila Jeepney FC and Loyola Meralco Sparks before signing with Kaya FC in 2016.
He was an impact player from the jump, serving as a spark plug that could turn the tide of matches. He earned the moniker “Supersub” on account of his knack for coming off the bench and scoring, so much so that fans would get hyped just seeing him warm up on the sideline. Most memorably in 2017, he scored a dramatic 89th minute winner against bitter rivals Meralco Manila to earn a special place in Kaya fans’ hearts.
Representing Maco, Davao de Oro alongside fellow FEU alum Arnel Amita, fans have come to affectionately dub them the “Maco Boys”. Both impressed in last year’s AFC Cup run and in the following Philippines Football League as well. With a first ever taste of the AFC Champions League around the corner, Giganto and Amita are set to conquer new heights once more.
Here are some things you may not know about Kaya’s #9:
- His talents outside of football are playing billiards and card games.
- His favorite movie is the action-thriller film Taken, and his favorite TV series is the historical-fantasy show Vikings.
- His favorite song is Something Just Like This by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay.
- His favorite cheat day foods are cookies and chips, specifically Piattos.
- His celebrity crush is Alexandra Daddario.
- His favorite footballer growing up was Luis Suarez.
- If he could have superpowers, he’d choose flight so he can travel and see the world.
- And if he wasn’t a footballer, he’d be a seaman.
Although he perhaps didn’t hit he heights expected of him when he initially began featuring in the starting lineup more frequently in 2018 and 2019, Eric showed resilience and willingness to work his way back into a key role for the squad. While his talent is not in question, the continued maturation of his game makes him one of the more exciting players to keep an eye on this summer.
