Kike Linares
Enrique Linares Fernández, commonly known as Kike Linares, is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Thai League 1 club Chonburi. Born in Spain, he plays for the Philippines national team.
Club career
Linares was a youth product of Vázquez Cultural and 26 de Febrero.El Palo
Linares joined Tercera División RFEF club El Palo on a season-long deal. He made his league debut for the club in a 0–1 away win against Atarfe Industrial. In February 2019, Linares scored his first professional goal in a 6–0 home win against Torreperogil.Montijo
After a season with El Palo, Linares joined Montijo. He made his debut for the club in a 2–1 away defeat against Calamonte.Bruno's Magpies
In 2020, Linares joined Gibraltar National League club Bruno's Magpies. He made his debut for the club in a 2–3 away win against Lions Gibraltar.San Pedro
After a short stint in Gibraltar, Linares returned to Spain and joined sixth tier División de Honor club San Pedro. He made his debut for the club in a 3–0 home win against Rincón. In May 2021, they have won promotion to Tercera División RFEF.In 2021–22 season, Linares won the Trofeo Antonio Naranjo – an award given to the best player of San Pedro in a certain season.
Lamphun Warriors
On 9 July 2022, Linares moved to Southeast Asia to joined Thai League 1 club Lamphun Warriors. He make his debut on 14 August in a goalless draw against Port. On 197 September, Linares scored his first goal for the club against Nakhon Ratchasima equalising for the team in a 2–2 draw. On 22 October, he scored the only goal in the match where he help his team to gained the three points in the league against Nongbua Pitchaya.PSM Makassar
In July 2023, Linares moved to Liga 1 club PSM Makassar. He make his debut on 20 October in a league match against Arema.Return to Lamphun Warriors
On 8 January 2024, Linares rejoined his former club Lamphun Warriors.International career
Linares was born in Spain and has Filipino lineage through his grandmother.Philippines U23
In May 2022, Linares was called-up to represent the Philippines under-23 in the Football at the [2021 Southeast Asian Games – Men's tournament|31st Southeast Asian Games]. He made his debut for Philippines U23 in a 4–0 win against Timor-Leste U23.Philippines
In 2019, it was reported that Linares received an invitation to train with the Philippines.Linares was included in the 25-man squad of the Philippines for 2022 FAS Tri-Nations Series.
He debuted in a 2–0 friendly lost to Malaysia on 23 March 2022.
During the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Championship semi-finals match on 27 December 2024 against Thailand, Linares scored in the 90+5' stoppage time header, which was also his first international goal, to secure a 2–1 win which saw the Philippines beating Thailand for the first time in 52 years.
Personal life
Linares belongs to a family of footballers, he is cousins with Álvaro Silva who is also a former Philippines international and also Enrique Silva, brother of Álvaro, who played for Malaga B and Nacho Linares, who currently plays for the U19 team of his former club, Vázquez Cultural.Career statistics
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
| 1. | 27 December 2024 | Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila, Philippines | 2–1 | 2–1 | 2024 ASEAN Championship |
Honours
Individual- Trofeo Antonio Naranjo : 2021–22