Diego Aspiras
Jose Diego Aspiras is a Filipino professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Philippine club Aguilas–UMak.
Personal life
Born on May 28, 2004
, Aspiras is the son of Filipino actor and politician Edu Manzano and celebrity chef Reggie Aspiras. While playing football as a kid he studied at Xavier School, and is studying in Ateneo de Manila University as of October 2024.
Youth career
In 2011, Aspiras began playing football for the academy of Kaya FC, a club then participating in the United Football League. He was a member of the club's under 11 team and continued to play for them until 2021. While playing for Kaya, he also played high school football for Xavier School. He would also play for the youth team of Stallion Laguna in the PFF U19 Boys National Championship.
Aspiras also played college football for Ateneo, first playing in the intercollegiate 2023 Ang Liga Tournament, where Ateneo reached the final before losing to Adamson University. He did not play in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
Club career
Before the 2024 edition of the Philippines Football League, Aspiras signed his first professional contract with league giants United City, who were returning to the league after a two-year break. He made his debut on the third matchday, coming on for Ricardo Sendra in a 4–1 win over Philippine Air Force. He notched 9 appearances during the shortened season, also assisting Sendra in a 9–2 win against Maharlika Taguig.
Manila Digger
After the conclusion of the 2024 season, Aspiras was left without a club after United City withdrew from the league due to financial difficulties. He later signed with Manila Digger, featuring in the starting eleven on the first day as they lost 3–1 to One Taguig.
In April 2025, Barcelona City of the Quarta Catalana announced that it have signed in Aspiras for its then ongoing 2024–25 season. Ramon Tribulietx, his coach back in United City, helped realize Aspiras' move to the club-academy which was founded in 2024. Barcelona City lost their promotion match which marked the end of Aspiras' three month stint with the club.
Aguilas–UMak
Aspiras returned to the Philippines to join the Aguilas–UMak F.C. of the PFL for the 2025–26 season.