Malaysian soccer has seen a surge of talent in recent years, with players making waves both domestically and internationally. In 2025, these athletes stand out for their skill, dedication, and impact on the game. Let’s explore the 10 best Malaysian professional soccer players today, their career highlights, and what makes them special.
1. Safawi Rasid
Position: Winger / Attacking Midfielder
Club: Terengganu FC (on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim)
Safawi Rasid is often called Malaysia’s “Golden Boy.” Known for his explosive speed and pinpoint accuracy, he has scored 22 goals in 63 appearances for the national team. In 2024, he became the first Malaysian to win the AFC Champions League Goal of the Decade for his stunning strike against Kashima Antlers.
Career Highlights:
- Won 7 Malaysia Super League titles with Johor Darul Ta’zim
- Scored a hat-trick against Laos in the 2020 AFF Championship
- Named ASEAN Young Player of the Year in 2018
Safawi’s journey from a small-town boy in Terengganu to a national hero inspires young athletes across Southeast Asia.
2. Dominic Tan
Position: Center-Back
Club: Sabah FC
Dominic Tan, born in Singapore, chose to represent Malaysia internationally. His leadership and composure in defense helped Malaysia secure a historic 3-3 draw against South Korea in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Career Highlights:
- Played in Thailand’s top league with Police Tero FC
- Key player in Sabah FC’s 2023 Malaysia Cup victory
- Named Man of the Match in Malaysia’s 2024 Merdeka Tournament final
His ability to read the game and intercept attacks makes him indispensable.
3. Syafiq Ahmad
Position: Forward
Club: Kedah Darul Aman (on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim)
Syafiq Ahmad is a clinical finisher with 11 goals in 44 international matches. His versatility allows him to play as a striker or left winger. In 2024, he scored a last-minute winner against Vietnam in the ASEAN Championship semifinals.
Career Highlights:
- Scored the winning goal against Kashima Antlers in the 2019 AFC Champions League
- Won the Malaysia Super League Golden Boot in 2020
Syafiq’s humility and work ethic have made him a fan favorite.
4. Stuart Wilkin
Position: Midfielder
Club: Sabah FC
Stuart Wilkin, a dynamic midfielder, combines physicality with technical skill. With 6 goals in 27 national team appearances, he’s known for his long-range strikes. In 2024, he scored a crucial goal against Thailand in World Cup qualifiers.
Career Highlights:
- Named Sabah FC Player of the Year in 2023
- Recorded 4 assists in the 2024 ASEAN Championship
Wilkin’s journey from England to Malaysia showcases his adaptability.
5. Paulo Josué
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Kuala Lumpur City FC
Brazilian-born Paulo Josué became a Malaysian citizen in 2023. As Kuala Lumpur City’s captain, he led the team to a 2021 Malaysia Cup title, scoring in the final. His creativity and vision make him the team’s playmaker.
Career Highlights:
- Scored a hat-trick in Malaysia’s 10-0 win over Papua New Guinea (2023)
- Won AFC Cup Top Scorer in 2022
Josué’s passion for Malaysia and fluency in Bahasa Melayu endears him to fans.
6. Darren Lok
Position: Forward
Club: Sabah FC
Darren Lok’s aerial prowess and positioning have earned him 6 goals in 38 international matches. In 2024, he scored twice against Chinese Taipei to secure Malaysia’s World Cup qualifying spot.
Career Highlights:
- Won 2 Malaysia Super League titles with Johor Darul Ta’zim
- Named Man of the Match in the 2021 Malaysia Cup final
Lok’s perseverance after early career injuries is a testament to his resilience.
7. Ezequiel Agüero
Position: Midfielder
Club: Sri Pahang FC
Despite sharing a name with the Argentine legend, Ezequiel Agüero has carved his own path. His dribbling and passing accuracy make him a midfield maestro.
Career Highlights:
- Scored a 30-yard screamer against Singapore in the 2024 ASEAN Championship
- Won Sri Pahang FC Player of the Season in 2023
Agüero’s flair and unpredictability keep opponents guessing.
8. Endrick
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Ho Chi Minh City FC (Vietnam)
Endrick, another naturalized Brazilian, brings South American flair to Malaysia’s midfield. His quick feet and playmaking ability have earned him 20 national team caps.
Career Highlights:
- Assisted Malaysia’s equalizer against South Korea in the 2023 Asian Cup
- Won Vietnam League Best Foreign Player in 2024
Endrick’s integration into Malaysian culture is as smooth as his passes.
9. Sergio Aguero
Position: Midfielder
Club: Johor Darul Ta’zim
Not to be confused with his namesake, Sergio Aguero is a box-to-box midfielder known for his stamina. He’s a key player in Johor Darul Ta’zim’s dominance.
Career Highlights:
- Won 7 consecutive Malaysia Super League titles (2017–2023)
- Scored in the 2023 AFC Cup final
His relentless energy and tackling make him a midfield engine.
10. Haziq Nadzli
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Perak FC
At just 22, Haziq Nadzli is Malaysia’s rising star in goal. His reflexes and command of the penalty area earned him a call-up to the national team in 2024.
Career Highlights:
- Saved a penalty in the 2024 Merdeka Tournament semifinals
- Named Malaysia Super League Best Young Player in 2023
Haziq’s calm under pressure belies his young age.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s soccer scene is thriving, thanks to these exceptional players. From seasoned veterans like Safawi Rasid to rising stars like Haziq Nadzli, each brings unique skills and stories to the pitch. Whether through jaw-dropping goals or tireless defense, they’ve put Malaysian soccer on the global map.