Javier Gayoso

Early life and education Javier Gayoso, who is the son of professional basketball player Jayvee Gayoso, played basketball in his youth but eventually decided to focus on football, which he started playing at age 4. His mother introduced him to football in kindergarten and allowed him to participate in a football camp.

His maternal grandfather, Ed Ocampo, and maternal uncle, Alvin Ocampo, were both footballers. He planned to finish the first semester of that school year and take a leave of absence from the Ateneo to concentrate on football.

High school and college career High school Gayoso played for the football and track and field teams of Ateneo de Manila High School where he achieved gold medals for the 200 meter dash, 400 meter dash, high jump, and long jump, and was named MVP of UAAP Season 77 for Athletics.

In February 2020, Gayoso announced that he would not play for Ateneo in Season 82, despite still having one year eligibility, deciding to pursue a professional career after his stint with the Philippine youth national team at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. He made his PFL debut in the league's first match of the season on October 28, a 1–0 loss to United City. He was named man of the match after scoring ADT's first-ever PFL goal on November 3, in a 2–0 win over Mendiola. He was man of the match again in their 5–0 win over Maharlika Manila on November 6, when he scored a brace and assisted Chima Uzoka twice. In their final match of the season, Gayoso's penalty kick sealed their 2–0 win over Stallion Laguna.

In December 2020, Gayoso and Cooper went to Thailand to complete a transfer deal with Muangthong United of Thai League 1. However, as of June 2021, the move apparently fell through.

2021 loan to Kaya–Iloilo On June 13, 2021, PFL club Kaya–Iloilo announced their signing of Gayoso. He made his debut on June 26, coming on as a second-half substitute in the club's first ever AFC Champions League group stage match, a 4–1 loss to BG Pathum United.

2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara On August 6, 2021, Kaya announced that Gayoso would return to ADT. In the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara group stage, he scored five goals in their 9–0 thrashing of Mendiola, setting the competition's record for most goals by a player in a single match. He also scored in the semi-final against Stallion Laguna, but suffered a hamstring injury late in the match. This made him miss the final, which ADT lost to Kaya. Nonetheless, his total of six goals won him the Golden Boot award.

Kaya–Iloilo On February 8, 2022, Kaya–Iloilo announced the signing of Gayoso. With the club, he won two PFL titles (2023-24, and 2024) and a Copa Paulino Alcantara title in 2023.

Phnom Penh Crown Cambodian Premier League club Phnom Penh Crown announced on July 11, 2024, that they have signed in Gayoso.

International career Youth For most of his youth career, Gayoso played as a forward. Gayoso was part of the Philippine national under-19 team that took part in the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers in 2015. He scored the national team's solitary goal in the campaign during the 2–1 loss to Laos.

He was a member of the Philippine under-22 team that participated in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games. The Philippines finished fourth out of six in their group and were unable to advance to the knockout rounds.

In March 2019, Gayoso played for the Philippines in the qualifiers for the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship. He scored a brace in the first half of the match against Laos; however, the Laotians managed to come back and win 3–2. Gayoso's goals were the only ones scored by the Philippines in the qualifiers as they crashed out without a single win.

Gayoso took part in the Southeast Asian Games again in the 2019 edition which was hosted at home. He earned his first senior cap on December 1, 2017, appearing as a starter in the 3–1 win against Laos.

Gayoso scored his first international goal on October 3, 2018, against Laos during the 2018 Bangabandhu Cup at the Sylhet District Stadium.

Career statistics Club

International

Scores and results list the Philippines' goal tally first. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. October 3, 2018 Sylhet District Stadium, Sylhet, Bangladesh 2–0 3–1 2018 Bangabandhu Cup 2. June 16, 2023 Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila, Philippines 1–0 1–0 Friendly 3. December 18, 2024 1–0 1–1 2024 ASEAN Championship 4. October 14, 2025 New Clark City Athletics Stadium, Capas, Philippines 3–1 3–1 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification 5. June 3, 2026 Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila, Philippines 2–0 5–1 Friendly 6. July 28, 2026 New Clark City Athletics Stadium, Capas, Philippines 1–2 1–4 2026 ASEAN Championship 7. August 1, 2026 New Laos National Stadium, Vientiane, Laos 3–1 4–1

Personal life Gayoso married his long-time girlfriend, Danica Gutierrez, in December 2024. They have a daughter, born in 2025.

Honors Azkals Development Team Copa Paulino Alcantara runner-up: 2021 2024 Copa Paulino Alcantara: 2023 Individual Copa Paulino Alcantara Golden Boot: 2021 Philippines Football League Golden Boot: 2023–24