Malaysia’s most-capped international football players

Malaysia will play against Indian football team in November in an international friendly.

Malaysia national football team, currently ranked 133rd in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking have seen a lot of ups and downs in the world football arena. In the Southeast Asian Games, the nation’s football team has been crowned champions thrice (1977, 1979, 1989). They also clinched the AFF championship in 2010.

The Malaysians have also been the most successful side in the Merdeka Tournament. They also became the winners of numerous other international friendly competitions. But, their biggest achievement has to be that of 1974, when they achieved the Bronze medal in the coveted Asian Games.

A nation of just over 3.4 crores population with so much glitter in international football has produced many great players for the game. Most of whom have been consistently capped to represent them on the international stage. Let’s have a look at the ten most capped footballers for the Malaysia national football team:

10. Ahmad Yusof (92 games)

The 1960-born midfielder Yusof has played 92 games for Malaysia. He was a part of the 1989 SEA Games, 1986 and 1993 Merdeka Tournament winning side. He was part of the international side for more than a decade, starting from 1981, until his final game in 1993.

Yusof scored his first goal for Malaysia on Indian soil, against Bangladesh playing in New Delhi. He scored a total of six international goals, with the final one coming against Laos in 1993. 

9. Namat Abdullah (95 games)

The full-back represented Malaysia across the 1960s and 1970s. He was a part of the 1974 Asian Games, which bagged the Bronze medal. He also won three Merdeka Tournaments and the King’s Cup of 1972.

Abdullah scored seven goals in his international career, including one against India in the 1973 Merdeka. He was even honoured with the Order of the Defender of State (DSPN). Abdullah left for his heavenly abode on 17 December 2020, after suffering long with cancer.

8. Aidil Zafuan (98 games)

The centre-back played in 98 games (96 for the senior team), defending with courage and even scoring three goals. He debuted for the senior team in 2007, and went on to play till 2022, leaving the pitch as the captain.

7. Santokh Singh (119 games)

Another defender in the list, Santokh played in the 1970s and 1980s for Malaysia. He was honored with the Order of the Defender of the Realm (AMN) in 1980. The veteran has also struck seven goals during his international era. His first came against Indonesia, while his last two goals were in the same match against India in 1983.

6. Chandran Mutveeran (122 games)

Another defender in the list, Chandran played from 1965 to 1974. During these nine years, he played 122 games, scoring two goals. He was also a part of the 1974 Asian Games Gold medal-clinching squad. He has also coached the national team.

ALSO READ: How has Malaysian football team fared in 2024?

5. Zainal Abidin Hassan (129 games)

Zainal Abidin has been one of the most versatile players in the Malaysia national football team. He has contributed in all three zones: defender, midfielder, and striker during his playing days. From 1980-1997, he represented the nation of Malaysia in 129 games, scoring 50 goals. 

4. Arumugam Rengasamy (142 games)

The legendary goalkeeper didn’t live long but left an everlasting impact before his untimely demise in 1988 in a car accident.

His glittered international career ranged from 1973 to 1986. During this time, he played in 142 games, winning four Merdeka Tournaments, two SEA Games, and the Bronzer medal of the important 1974 Asian Games.

3. Mokhtar Dahari (142 games)

The legendary forward also played in 142 games, scoring a mammoth 89 goals. The forward is one of the most popular footballers in Malaysia, due to his dedication to the nation, along with his playing skills and stats.

Of those 89 goals, his first came against Sri Lanka and last against India. He has even worked in a film and has a documentary on his name. The player died of illness at the age of 37, in 1991. He has won a lot of trophies with a 1974 Bronze medal in the Asian Games, two King’s Cups, two SEA Games, and four Pestabola Merdeka.

2. Shukor Salleh (172 games)

A defensive midfielder who played in 172 games for Malaysia, has a very decorated career with the team. He won the 1974 Bronze medal in the Asian Games, along with two SEA Games, two King’s Cups, four Merdeka Tournaments, and one South Vietnam Independence Cup. The international career hails from 1970 to 1981.

1. Soh Chin Ann (195 games)

The legend has played in 195 games for the Malaysia Football Team. During these games in the defense, he even scored 13 goals. He debuted on November 19, 1969, and went on playing until 1984, being in the picture for 15 years.

He probably has the most decorated international career, with two SEA Games, three King’s Cups, four Merdeka, the Jakarta Anniversary Tournament of 1970, and the Bronze medal of the 1974 Asian Games.

He served as the team manager of the Malaysia team from 2007 to 2009. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.