Arif Aiman
Arif Aiman bin Mohd Hanapi (born 4 May 2002 in Kuantan, Pahang) is a Malaysian professional footballer who plays as a right winger for Johor Darul Ta'zim FC in the Malaysia Super League.[1][2] Standing at 171 cm tall and favoring his right foot, he made his professional debut in 2020 and has since become a pivotal figure in Malaysian football.[1][3] Since joining Johor Darul Ta'zim's senior team, Aiman has contributed to five of the club's 11 consecutive Malaysia Super League titles, along with three Malaysia Cups and three FA Cups.[4] He has also represented the Malaysia national team, showcasing his speed and technical skills on the wing.[2] In 2025, Aiman achieved a historic milestone as the first Malaysian player nominated for the AFC Player of the Year award, though he ultimately lost to Saudi Arabia's Salem Al-Dawsari; he was recognized for his standout performances in continental competitions, including a key role in Johor Darul Ta'zim's 2-0 victory over Chengdu Rongcheng in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite.[4] Additionally, he has been named Malaysia's Most Valuable Player for four consecutive seasons, highlighting his consistent impact despite competition from high-profile foreign signings at his club.[4] As of November 2025, Aiman continues to build on this success, aiming to secure the AFC Player of the Year title in 2026 based on his ongoing contributions in domestic and Asian club football.[4]Early life and youth career
Early life
Arif Aiman Hanapi was born on 4 May 2002 in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.[1] His family relocated to Pahang shortly after his birth, where his father Hanapi opened a gold shop to support their business ventures.[5] Coming from humble beginnings in Pahang, Aiman's early years were marked by familial support that encouraged his interests despite modest circumstances.[6] At the age of seven, Aiman was introduced to football when his father enrolled him in the First Touch Academy, a grassroots program founded by former Malaysian international Datuk Jamal Nasir.[5] Datuk Jamal quickly recognized Aiman's potential, noting his exceptional touch, vision, and ability to attack goals, and remarked to Hanapi, "This boy was different."[6] The academy provided Aiman with his initial structured exposure to the sport, fostering his passion amid the family's adjustments to urban life. He later participated in the Mykids programme from 2011 to 2015, building on his foundational skills.[1] Despite this early encouragement, Aiman faced significant setbacks, including rejection from the prestigious Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD) due to his small and scrawny physique at the time.[5] His father's unwavering support played a crucial role in motivating him to persist, helping him overcome these initial challenges from a physically underdeveloped child to eventually developing into a professional athlete.[6]Youth career
Arif Aiman began his structured youth football journey with the National Football Development Programme (NFDP), where he concentrated on foundational skills such as ball control and basic tactics.[7] Despite initial challenges, including being often assigned to B-team sessions due to his slight build, the program provided essential exposure to organized training environments.[7] Following an initial rejection from the Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD) owing to concerns over his physical stature, Aiman joined the academy in 2015 and remained until 2017, marking a period of significant technical growth.[5] At AMD, he honed fundamentals like passing accuracy and positional awareness, though he continued to face setbacks, including limited playing time in competitive matches for the B-team.[7] This phase emphasized resilience, as he navigated trials and evaluations that tested his adaptability within a national development framework.[6] In 2018, at age 16, Aiman transitioned to Johor Darul Ta'zim III (JDT youth), following a recommendation from the NFDP's CEO and after impressing JDT scouts during selection trials.[7] The JDT academy environment, with its professional coaching staff, accelerated his development, particularly in enhancing his pace and dribbling abilities through targeted drills.[8] To address early physical limitations, he participated in dedicated conditioning programs that built strength and endurance, transforming his on-field presence by 2020 and concluding his youth phase.[5]Professional club career
Debut and JDT tenure
Arif Aiman made his professional debut with Johor Darul Ta'zim II (JDT II) on 29 February 2020, playing 73 minutes in a 3–1 away victory over UiTM in the Malaysia Premier League. Just two weeks later, on 14 March 2020, he earned his senior team debut for Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) as a right winger, substituting into a Malaysia Super League match against Felda United at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, which JDT won 2–0.[9][10] Aiman's integration into JDT's first team began immediately in 2020, where he primarily featured as a winger, initially as a substitute before earning a more prominent role. His first professional goal came on 6 November 2020 in the Malaysia Cup Round of 16, scoring the solitary strike in a 1–0 home win over Kuching City that advanced JDT to the quarterfinals.[11] By 2021, he had progressed to a consistent starting position in both the Malaysia Super League and domestic cup competitions, contributing to JDT's attacking dynamics with his pace and dribbling on the flanks.[7] Throughout his tenure with JDT, which began upon signing a professional contract in January 2020 and continues as of November 2025, Aiman has made 170 appearances and scored 61 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as a key offensive player without any loan spells.[12] His role has evolved from youth academy product to indispensable starter, aiding JDT's dominance in Malaysian football while occasionally shifting between right and left wing positions to suit tactical needs.[13]Milestones and achievements
Arif Aiman's tenure with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) has been marked by several standout individual performances that underscored his rapid emergence as a key attacking force. On 5 August 2022, he achieved his first senior hat-trick in the Malaysia FA Cup semi-final against Penang FC, scoring three goals in a 6-1 victory that propelled JDT to the final. This performance highlighted his clinical finishing and ability to dominate proceedings against defensive setups.[14] Building on that momentum, Arif delivered another hat-trick on 26 June 2023, in the FA Cup semi-final clash with Selangor FC, netting all three goals in the first half during a 4-0 rout. His strikes in the 20th, 33rd, and 38th minutes demonstrated exceptional positioning and composure under pressure, securing JDT's place in the final while earning praise from coach Pablo Matías Solari for his work ethic.[15][16] In the domestic leagues, Arif continued his prolific form with a remarkable 21-minute hat-trick on 8 December 2024, against Kuala Lumpur City FC in the Malaysia Super League, leading JDT to a 3-0 halftime lead and eventual victory. Scoring in the 12th, 36th, and 42nd minutes—his third from a penalty kick—this display not only extended JDT's lead at the top of the table but also showcased his versatility in transitioning from wide play to central threat.[17][18] Arif's contributions extended to the continental stage during the 2024–25 AFC Champions League Elite, where he etched his name in Malaysian football history by scoring the first-ever goal by a Malaysian player in the competition's new format. On 18 September 2024, he netted twice against Shanghai Port FC in a challenging 2-2 away draw, opening the scoring in first-half stoppage time with a precise left-footed finish and adding a second in the 56th minute using his weaker right foot. Despite JDT twice relinquishing the lead to goals from Gustavo Henrique and Willian Popp, Arif's brace earned a vital point against the Chinese Super League champions and demonstrated resilience in a high-stakes debut.[19][20] These efforts were instrumental in JDT's progression to their first knockout stage in the AFC Champions League Elite, as Arif tallied five goals across the league phase, including decisive strikes that helped secure qualification for the round of 16. His goals against teams like Shanghai Shenhua—where he opened the scoring in a 3-0 home win on 1 October 2024—and subsequent performances maintained momentum despite draws and tough fixtures, marking a pivotal step for Malaysian club football on the Asian continent.[21][22] In 2025, Arif reached another milestone by becoming JDT's all-time top local scorer with 61 goals, achieved in a match on 6 October 2025. He also played a key role in JDT's 2–0 victory over Chengdu Rongcheng on 21 October 2025 in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Elite, contributing to the team's first win in the competition's league stage that season.[23][24]International career
Debut and progression
Arif Aiman earned his first call-up to the Malaysia senior national team in May 2021, following strong performances at club level with Johor Darul Ta'zim that highlighted his potential as a dynamic winger.[1] He made his senior international debut on 28 May 2021, coming on as a substitute for 8 minutes in a 0-2 friendly defeat to Bahrain in Dubai, marking the beginning of his adaptation to the demands of international football. In the ensuing months of 2021, Aiman featured in several early matches, including World Cup qualifiers against Vietnam on 11 June (29 minutes played) and Thailand on 15 June (45 minutes), as well as additional friendlies, where he primarily operated as a substitute while adjusting to the higher pace and physicality of international play.[25] His role as a right winger in the national setup emphasized his speed and dribbling ability, though initial appearances saw him building experience in limited minutes amid a competitive squad. By 2022, Aiman's consistent club form translated to greater trust from coaches, transitioning him from occasional substitute to a regular starter in AFF Championship fixtures and further Asian Cup qualifiers, with 9 caps that year reflecting his growing integration.[25] Aiman's international progression continued steadily, accumulating caps through key qualification campaigns; he earned 8 caps in 2023 during Asian Cup efforts and 10 in 2024 across various internationals, demonstrating versatility on both flanks.[25] As of 14 October 2025, following Malaysia's 5-1 home win over Laos in an Asian Cup qualifier where he contributed on the pitch, Aiman had amassed 39 caps, underscoring his evolution into a mainstay winger who has navigated the rigors of regional tournaments like the AFF Championship alongside continental qualifiers.[25] On 18 November 2025, he made a brief appearance (8 minutes) in Malaysia's 1-0 away victory over Nepal in another Asian Cup qualifier before being substituted due to injury, bringing his total caps to 40 as of November 2025.[26]Notable performances
Arif Aiman's international career has been marked by several standout performances that highlighted his speed, dribbling, and finishing ability for the Malaysia national team. One of his most remarkable displays came on 20 June 2023, when he scored four goals in a 10-0 friendly victory over Papua New Guinea, contributing significantly to Malaysia's dominant performance in the match.[27][28] In the 2023 AFF Championship, Arif played a key role in Malaysia's campaign, registering assists and creating chances that helped advance the team, though his goal contributions were more prominent in other tournaments. His performances extended to the 2024 AFC Asian Cup, where he netted a crucial penalty goal against South Korea on 25 January 2024, briefly giving Malaysia a 2-1 lead in a thrilling 3-3 draw during the group stage.[29][30] This strike underscored his composure under pressure against a stronger opponent. Arif's contributions in World Cup qualifiers have included notable moments such as an assist for Faisal Halim's goal against Turkmenistan on 8 June 2022 in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers (which doubled as a pathway to broader international exposure), where Malaysia secured a 3-1 win.[31] Additionally, in a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Kyrgyzstan on 16 November 2023 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, he provided three assists, including the setup for the winning goal in stoppage time, demonstrating his playmaking impact in high-stakes matches.[32][33] By October 2025, Arif had accumulated eight international goals, with other key strikes in subsequent qualifiers and friendlies that showcased his ability to dribble past defenders and deliver match-winning plays.[34] These performances have solidified his role as a dynamic winger capable of influencing major tournaments for Malaysia.Professional profile
Playing style
Arif Aiman primarily operates as a right winger, leveraging his explosive pace and agility to outmaneuver defenders on the flank. His low center of gravity enables rapid acceleration and sharp changes in direction, allowing him to beat opponents in one-on-one situations with ease. This physical prowess is complemented by exceptional dribbling skills, characterized by silky footwork and effective body feints that manipulate the ball close to his body, isolating defenders and creating space for attacks.[35][36] A key aspect of Aiman's technical repertoire is his ambidexterity, which permits him to deliver precise crosses, shots, and passes using either foot, enhancing his versatility in wide areas. He excels at exploiting spaces through intelligent positioning, drifting wide to isolate full-backs while contributing to build-up play with cutbacks and overlaps. Tactically astute, Aiman demonstrates strong anticipation in reading the game, closing passing lanes during defensive transitions and forming cover shadows to support his team's structure. His off-ball movement is particularly notable, as he creates two-versus-one overloads on the wings and applies constant pressure to regain possession high up the pitch.[35][36] From his early days as a raw youth prospect, Aiman has evolved into a polished professional, marked by a tireless work rate and disciplined approach to both offensive and defensive duties. Initially recognized for his solo attacking flair, he has refined his game to integrate seamlessly into team tactics, tracking back diligently and pressing opponents relentlessly. This maturation underscores his growth in tactical intelligence and overall discipline, transforming him from an instinctive talent into a reliable contributor on both flanks.[35][36]Career statistics
Arif Aiman's professional career statistics encompass his contributions for Johor Darul Ta'zim in domestic and continental competitions, as well as his appearances for the Malaysia national team.[12][37] The following tables provide a breakdown by season and competition, with totals reflecting data as of November 19, 2025, during the ongoing 2025/26 season. Assists are included where tracked, though reporting varies across sources.Club Statistics
Arif Aiman has made all his professional club appearances for Johor Darul Ta'zim since debuting in 2020, accumulating 170 appearances, 61 goals, and 42 assists across all competitions as of November 19, 2025.[37] His seasonal high for goals came in 2023 with 24 goals in 40 appearances.[37]| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | All Competitions | 13 | 8 | 10 |
| 2025/26 Total | 13 | 8 | 10 | |
| 2024/25 | Malaysia Super League | 21 | 7 | 8 |
| 2024/25 | Malaysia FA Cup | 6 | 2 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | Malaysia Cup | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | AFC Champions League | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| 2024/25 Total | 42 | 18 | 11 | |
| 2023 | Malaysia Super League | 24 | 12 | 12 |
| 2023 | Malaysia FA Cup | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| 2023 | Malaysia Cup | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| 2023 | AFC Champions League | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| 2023 Total | 40 | 24 | 17 | |
| 2022 | Malaysia Super League | 21 | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | Malaysia FA Cup | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| 2022 | Malaysia Cup | 5 | 1 | 3 |
| 2022 | AFC Champions League | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 Total | 37 | 8 | 3 | |
| 2021 | Malaysia Super League | 21 | 2 | 1 |
| 2021 | Malaysia Cup | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | AFC Champions League | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 Total | 36 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2020 | Malaysia Super League | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 Total | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| Career Total | 170 | 61 | 42 |
International Statistics
Arif Aiman has earned 41 caps for Malaysia, scoring 14 goals and providing 13 assists as of November 19, 2025.[38] His international debut occurred in 2021, and goals include notable strikes in Asian Cup qualifiers and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Friendlies are included in caps, consistent with FIFA standards, though some sources exclude them for official tallies. On November 18, 2025, Aiman made a brief appearance (8 minutes) in a 1-0 Asian Cup qualifier win over Nepal before suffering a hamstring injury and being substituted.[26]| Year | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Friendlies | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 2025 | World Cup Qualifiers (Asia) | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Total | 5 | 3 | 2 | |
| 2024 | Friendlies | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| 2024 | AFF Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | AFC Asian Cup | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 Total | 8 | 2 | 3 | |
| 2023 | Friendlies | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| 2023 | AFC Asian Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Asian Cup Qualifiers | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Total | 9 | 6 | 6 | |
| 2022 | Friendlies | 7 | 1 | 2 |
| 2022 | World Cup Qualifiers (Asia) | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 Total | 10 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2021 | Friendlies | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 | Asian Cup Qualifiers | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | AFF Championship | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 Total | 9 | 2 | 0 | |
| Career Total | 41 | 14 | 13 |
Honours
Club honours
Arif Aiman has been an integral part of Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) dominance in Malaysian football since his senior debut in March 2020, contributing to multiple domestic titles during his tenure.[39]Domestic League Titles
JDT secured the Malaysia Super League championship in each season from 2020 to 2025, marking six consecutive titles with Aiman featuring in all of them, including 25 appearances across the 2020 and 2021 campaigns alone.[40][41]Cup Competitions
- Malaysia Cup: Aiman won the title with JDT in 2023, and 2025, helping the club claim two cups during his time.[41][42]
- FA Cup: He lifted the trophy in 2022, 2023, and 2024, part of JDT's three straight victories, with notable contributions in the 2024 final where the team won 6-1.[40][43]
- Piala Sumbangsih (Charity Shield): Aiman was part of four winning squads from 2020 to 2023, plus the 2025 edition, where JDT defeated Selangor FC 3-0 in the season opener.[44]