Safiq Rahim
Safiq Rahim (born 5 July 1987) is a retired Malaysian professional footballer who played primarily as a central or attacking midfielder, most notably for Johor Darul Ta'zim FC (JDT), where he contributed to multiple domestic and regional titles, including the 2015 AFC Cup.[1][2][3] He represented the Malaysia national team from 2007 to 2022, accumulating 81 caps and scoring 15 goals in various competitions such as the AFF Championship and World Cup qualifiers.[4] Rahim retired from professional football on 17 June 2025 at the age of 37, concluding a career marked by his playmaking skills and leadership on the pitch.[1] Born in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, and raised in Selangor, Rahim developed his skills through the youth system at Bukit Jalil Sports School before making his professional debut with Selangor FC in 2006. He remained with Selangor until 2008, then briefly joined PLUS FC in 2009, returning to Selangor for another stint from 2010 to 2012, during which he helped the club secure the 2010 Malaysia Super League title and other domestic honors. In 2013, Rahim signed with JDT, establishing himself as a key figure, though he had a short loan to ATM FA in 2014. Rejoining JDT in 2015, he became a cornerstone of the team, known for his vision, passing accuracy, and goal-scoring ability from midfield, amassing over 138 appearances, 27 goals, and 42 assists for the club across all competitions.[5][2] Rahim's tenure with JDT yielded extensive success, including ten Malaysia Super League titles (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), four FA Cup wins (2016, 2022, 2023, 2024), and four Malaysia Cup triumphs (2017, 2022, 2023, 2025).[3][6] On the continental stage, he was instrumental in JDT's 2015 AFC Cup victory, earning the tournament's Most Valuable Player award for his standout performances, including multiple goals and assists.[3][7] Internationally, Rahim debuted for Malaysia on 14 January 2007 against Myanmar and featured in major tournaments, contributing to the 2010 AFF Championship title while scoring crucial goals, such as in the 2012 edition.[4][3] Throughout his career, Rahim received individual recognition, including the Football Association of Malaysia's Best Midfielder Award in 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016, as well as the National Football Awards Most Valuable Player honor in 2015.[3][7][8] Standing at 1.67 meters, his compact stature and technical prowess made him one of Malaysia's most accomplished midfielders of his generation, often captaining both club and country.[1][2]Biography
Early life
Safiq Rahim was born on 5 July 1987 in Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia.[9] He grew up in Selangor and developed his early interest in football through local youth setups, including affiliations with Selangor FA's youth program.[10] From 2003 to 2004, Rahim attended Bukit Jalil Sports School, Malaysia's premier institution for nurturing young athletes, where he refined his midfield skills and earned selection to youth national teams.[11] This foundational training paved the way for his transition to professional football with Selangor in 2006.Personal life
Safiq Rahim has been married to Zandra Aziela Ibrahim Hakimi, a former Malaysian national ten-pin bowling athlete, since February 2014.[12] Zandra, who retired from competitive bowling after their marriage, has embraced the role of a full-time homemaker and mother, describing their family life as harmonious and centered on their four children.[13] The couple's two eldest sons were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (category two) at age two and have undergone four to five years of therapy, enabling them to achieve independence and develop speech capabilities; Zandra now emphasizes their Islamic education, including hafazan and mengaji, to support their holistic growth.[13] Rahim is known within his family as a supportive husband who balances his demanding football career with home responsibilities, often described by Zandra as "strict on the field but sweet and understanding at home."[13] She has highlighted the challenges of managing family needs amid his professional commitments, including public scrutiny, while maintaining a low-profile, faith-centered lifestyle that prioritizes their children's well-being over external pressures.[13] On 7 May 2024, Rahim experienced a frightening incident when two assailants on a motorcycle approached his Honda City car near Johor Darul Ta'zim's training center in Jalan Seri Gelam, Johor Bahru; the pillion rider used a hammer to smash the rear windscreen, startling Rahim but leaving him physically unharmed.[14] This attack occurred amid a series of targeted assaults on Malaysian footballers, prompting heightened security measures for players and an ongoing police investigation, though no arrests were reported by late 2024.[15][16] Following his retirement from professional football in June 2025 after a storied tenure with Johor Darul Ta'zim, Rahim has transitioned to a more private life, continuing to prioritize family amid the club's squad revamp that also saw the departure of veteran teammate Farizal Marlias.[17] As of November 2025, no public announcements regarding new business ventures or philanthropic initiatives have been made, with his focus remaining on personal and familial matters.Club career
Selangor (2006–2008)
Safiq Rahim joined Selangor FA's first team in the 2006/07 season, marking his professional debut at the age of 19 as an attacking midfielder. During that campaign, he contributed to the team's efforts in a season that ended with an 8th-place finish.[18] In the 2007/08 season, Safiq transitioned into a central midfielder role, becoming a regular starter. His growing influence in midfield provided key contributions to team dynamics, including improved creativity and control in the Malaysia Super League, helping Selangor secure a 4th-place finish.[19] The foundation established during this period at his formative club paved the way for his first senior international call-up later that year.[4] Safiq's early performances highlighted his rise. By late 2008, seeking greater playing opportunities amid limited starting chances, he departed Selangor on a transfer to newly promoted KL PLUS after rejecting a contract extension offer from the club.[20][21]Kuala Lumpur (2009)
In 2009, Safiq Rahim joined Kuala Lumpur FA (then known as KL PLUS) on loan from Selangor FA, seeking greater playing opportunities after limited starts in his previous stint.[22][23] This move briefly interrupted his development at Selangor, where he had struggled for consistent first-team action.[23] During the season, Safiq featured in 10 matches for KL PLUS across competitions, contributing 2 goals as a central midfielder.[24] He played a key role in the team's midfield, providing creativity and set-piece delivery amid KL PLUS's transitional phase following their promotion to the Malaysia Super League. The club endured a challenging campaign, finishing 8th in the league table out of 14 teams, marked by inconsistent results and defensive vulnerabilities.[25] The loan period allowed Safiq to adapt to a new tactical setup under different coaching influences, enhancing his versatility in a squad grappling with mid-table survival.[22] At the end of the 2009 season, his loan concluded, and Safiq returned to Selangor FA, signing a new contract on 1 December 2009.[26]Selangor (2010–2012)
After a stint with Kuala Lumpur FA in 2009, Safiq Rahim returned to Selangor FA ahead of the 2010 season, rejoining his boyhood club as a more experienced midfielder.[27] He quickly established himself as a pivotal figure in the team's midfield, providing creativity and control that were instrumental in Selangor's successful campaign. Under coach K. Devan, Safiq's vision and passing ability helped drive the team's attack, contributing to their conquest of the 2010 Malaysia Super League title—the club's first in three years.[27] His performances also extended to continental competition, where he made his AFC Cup debut that year.[1] In the 2010 season, Safiq featured prominently across competitions, recording 4 goals and 4 assists in 31 appearances for Selangor in the Super League, showcasing his growing influence as a playmaker.[5] The following year, he assumed greater leadership responsibilities, stepping up as vice-captain during captain Mohd Amri Yahyah's injury absence in early 2011, guiding the team through domestic challenges including the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup runs.[28] Safiq's midfield orchestration was evident in key fixtures, such as derbies against rivals like Kelantan FA, where his set-piece delivery and composure under pressure highlighted his maturation. His statistical contributions continued, with notable goals in league matches that underscored his role in maintaining Selangor's competitiveness.[5] By 2012, Safiq had solidified his status as one of Selangor's core leaders, often wearing the armband in important games and mentoring younger players amid intense midfield battles.[27] However, with his contract set to expire at the end of November 2012, Safiq sought new opportunities for career advancement, leading to his departure for Johor Darul Ta'zim ahead of the 2013 season. The move to the ambitious southern club marked the end of his second spell at Selangor, where he had amassed over 60 league appearances and played a defining role in the team's resurgence.[29][27]Johor Darul Ta'zim (2013–2018)
Safiq Rahim transferred to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in 2013 from Selangor, becoming one of the club's inaugural marquee signings under the visionary leadership of owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, aimed at transforming JDT into a dominant force in Malaysian football.[30] This move marked a significant step in his career, adapting to a ambitious setup backed by substantial investment and high expectations, where he quickly established himself as a central midfielder with strong vision and passing ability. Over his full tenure at JDT, spanning two stints, Rahim recorded approximately 207 appearances and 32 goals, with the bulk of these contributions occurring during his initial 2013–2018 period, underscoring his integral role in the team's rise.[5] Rahim's time at JDT was defined by remarkable achievements, including five consecutive Malaysia Super League titles from 2014 to 2018, a feat that solidified the club's domestic supremacy and made them the first Malaysian team to accomplish such a streak.[31] His most iconic moment came in the 2015 AFC Cup, where JDT became the first Malaysian club to win a continental title by defeating Istiklol 1–0 in the final; Rahim, serving as captain, was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player for his commanding performance, including key assists and leadership on the pitch.[32] These successes highlighted his tactical evolution from a playmaker to a seasoned leader, often dictating the tempo in midfield and fostering team cohesion.[33] As JDT's captain during much of this era, Rahim not only wore the armband but also mentored emerging talents, guiding younger players through the demands of high-stakes matches and contributing to a culture of excellence that propelled the squad forward.[8] His commanding presence in the dressing room and on the field exemplified tactical maturity, blending defensive solidity with creative flair to support JDT's attacking transitions. This club form also briefly revitalized his international career, aligning domestic triumphs with renewed contributions for the Malaysia national team. In November 2018, after six trophy-laden seasons, Rahim departed JDT—reportedly as his contract concluded—to join Melaka United, marking the end of a transformative chapter at the Southern Tigers.[34]Melaka United (2019–2020)
In December 2018, Safiq Rahim signed a one-year contract with Melaka United ahead of the 2019 Malaysia Super League season, providing a brief respite from the intense pressures of his previous stint at Johor Darul Ta'zim.[35] As a seasoned central midfielder and national team stalwart, he was recruited to bolster the squad's experience and leadership, helping to revive and stabilize Melaka United following a challenging 2018 campaign where they narrowly avoided relegation. Over his two-year tenure, Safiq made 31 appearances across all competitions and contributed 4 goals, often serving as a key playmaker from midfield.[5] Appointed club captain for the 2020 season, Safiq emerged as a vital influencer in the dressing room, guiding younger players and fostering team cohesion amid ongoing club challenges, including financial strains that led to delayed salary payments.[36] He and his teammates agreed to wage reductions to support the club's sustainability during this period.[36] Safiq's on-field contributions included crucial goals, such as penalties in tight matches, which helped Melaka secure mid-table finishes and maintain their Super League status.[3] Safiq's time at Melaka was abruptly disrupted by the indefinite suspension of the Malaysia Super League on 13 March 2020, prompted by the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, which limited the season to a shortened format after resumption in August. The halt affected team momentum and preparations, contributing to an abbreviated campaign where Melaka finished fifth despite playing only 11 league matches. With the expiration of his extended contract at the end of 2020, Safiq departed Melaka United and rejoined Johor Darul Ta'zim in February 2021, bringing his leadership experience back to the Southern Tigers.[37]Johor Darul Ta'zim (2021–2025)
Safiq Rahim rejoined Johor Darul Ta'zim on 11 February 2021, returning to the club after spending two seasons with Melaka United. His second stint saw him continue as a key midfielder, leveraging his experience to support the team's dominance in domestic competitions. Over the next four seasons, Safiq made 69 appearances across all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing assists that underscored his playmaking role. In the 2023 season, Safiq contributed from the substitutes' bench, notably scoring in a 6–1 league victory over Kuala Lumpur City FC on 3 July, marking a personal milestone in his Super League career.[38] His veteran presence helped Johor Darul Ta'zim secure multiple titles, including the 2022 Malaysia Cup. As Malaysia's national team captain during this period, Safiq's leadership extended to club level, where he mentored younger teammates and emphasized discipline and tactical awareness in training and matches.[17] During the 2024–25 season, Safiq featured in 7 Super League matches and additional AFC Champions League Elite games, aiding Johor Darul Ta'zim's unbeaten run to the league title with 23 wins and 1 draw, conceding 8 goals, and a record 70 points. The team also won the Malaysia Cup, defeating Sri Pahang FC 2–1 in the final, while reaching the last 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite before elimination by Buriram United. Safiq's final club appearances highlighted his longevity, with over 200 total outings for Johor Darul Ta'zim across both stints, contributing to approximately 32 goals and 42 assists in the club's trophy-laden era.[39][40][5]Retirement
Safiq Rahim announced his retirement from professional football on 17 June 2025, at the age of 37, following the conclusion of the 2024–25 season with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT).[11] The decision came as part of JDT's squad overhaul, where the club released 11 players, including the veteran midfielder who had been a cornerstone since rejoining in 2021.[41] This marked the end of a career spanning nearly two decades, during which he amassed significant achievements with the Southern Tigers.[39] JDT issued an official tribute acknowledging Safiq's unwavering commitment, leadership, and contributions to the club's success over multiple seasons.[17] Teammates, club officials, and fans expressed widespread admiration for his legacy, with many highlighting his role in transforming JDT into a dominant force in Malaysian football.[42] On 8 August 2025, JDT honored Safiq by inducting him into the club's Hall of Fame alongside fellow stalwarts Farizal Marlias and Izham Tarmizi, presenting commemorative jerseys numbered according to their total appearances.[43] As of November 2025, Safiq has not publicly announced specific post-retirement plans, though his reflections emphasized gratitude for his journey and a desire to remain connected to the sport in some capacity.[39]International career
Youth career
Safiq Rahim's youth career commenced at the Bukit Jalil Sports School, Malaysia's premier national sports institution dedicated to identifying and nurturing talented young athletes across various disciplines, including football. Enrolled from 2003 to 2004, he underwent intensive training that emphasized technical proficiency, physical conditioning, and team play, particularly honing his role as a central midfielder with strong vision and passing accuracy.[1] The selection process for Bukit Jalil involved scouting from local clubs and schools, where promising players like Safiq were chosen based on their potential demonstrated in regional youth competitions and trials organized by the Football Association of Malaysia. This environment not only accelerated his skill development but also exposed him to high-level coaching. By 2008–2009, Safiq transitioned to the Malaysia U-23 setup, marking the culmination of his primary youth phase and preparing him for Olympic-eligible competitions. He featured prominently in U-23 matches, including a friendly against Saudi Arabia in September 2009, where he played as a midfielder alongside teammates like Aidil Zafuan and Bunyamin Omar.[44]Under-23 career
Safiq Rahim emerged as a prominent figure in Malaysia's under-23 national team during the late 2000s, primarily operating as a central midfielder who anchored the team's structure and facilitated transitions from defense to attack in regional youth competitions.[1] His tenure with the U-23 side from 2008 to 2011 focused on building experience through tournaments that served as pathways to Olympic and senior international levels, emphasizing his leadership and playmaking abilities in high-stakes matches.[45] Rahim's standout achievement came at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane, Laos, where he captained the Malaysia U-23 team to a historic gold medal, ending a 20-year drought in the men's football event.[45][46] In the semi-final against hosts Laos, he scored the third goal in a 3-1 victory, sealing progression to the final and demonstrating his clinical finishing from midfield. The decisive moment arrived in the final against Vietnam, where an own goal by defender Mai Xuan Hop in the 83rd minute secured a 1-0 win and the championship title.[46] Beyond the SEA Games, Rahim contributed to Malaysia's U-23 efforts in AFC-related youth competitions, including the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, where the team competed in the men's football tournament as part of broader Olympic qualification pathways.[47] His consistent performances in these events, marked by 3 appearances at the Asian Games, underscored his role in fostering team cohesion and tactical discipline.[47] This U-23 experience provided a crucial foundation for his seamless integration into the senior national team.Senior career
Safiq Rahim made his senior international debut for the Malaysia national team on 14 January 2007, starting in a 0–0 group stage draw against Myanmar at the AFF Championship in Bangkok, Thailand.[4] Over his 15-year tenure, he earned 81 caps and scored 15 goals, contributing to a record of 23 wins, 21 draws, and 37 losses for the team.[4] Rahim was appointed captain for the 2010 AFF Championship and retained the armband for much of his subsequent international career, providing leadership through multiple campaigns including the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.[48] Under his captaincy, Malaysia qualified for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup for the first time in 16 years, with Rahim featuring in key qualifiers such as the 1–2 loss to Bahrain on 11 June 2022 in Kuala Lumpur, which marked his final international appearance.[4][49] In the AFF Championships, Rahim played a pivotal role in Malaysia's resurgence. As captain in 2010, he appeared in all seven matches, helping the team win the title with a 4–2 aggregate victory over Vietnam in the final, ending a 20-year regional drought.[50] In 2012, he contributed to Malaysia's semi-final run, where they were defeated by eventual champions Thailand, including a memorable long-range goal in the group stage.[51] His standout performance came in 2014, where he scored six goals to claim the Golden Boot and led Malaysia to the final with decisive strikes, such as a penalty in the semi-final against Vietnam and two goals in the second leg of the final against Thailand, despite a 3–4 aggregate loss.[52][53][28] Rahim's leadership and consistent performances, often synergizing with his club form at Johor Darul Ta'zim, were instrumental in reviving Malaysian football's international standing during a period of transition.[50] He effectively retired from international duty after the 2022 Asian Cup qualifier, having cemented his legacy as one of Malaysia's most capped and influential midfielders.[4][54]Malaysia XI
Safiq Rahim captained the Malaysia XI in two high-profile exhibition matches during English clubs' pre-season Asian tours in July 2011, serving as morale-boosting events that highlighted Malaysian football talent against Premier League opposition. On 13 July, he led the side against Arsenal at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, where Malaysia XI suffered a 0–4 defeat; as the central playmaker, Rahim orchestrated the midfield and nearly scored with a powerful free-kick from over 35 yards that was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.[55][56] Three days later, on 16 July, Rahim again captained Malaysia XI against Liverpool in the same venue, resulting in a 3–6 loss despite a spirited performance. Trailing 0–1 at halftime, he equalized with a stunning free-kick just before the break, curling the ball into the top corner from outside the penalty area, which electrified the 85,000-strong crowd and marked one of the standout moments of his career in these fixtures.[57][58] These invitational games, organized by the Football Association of Malaysia, doubled as fundraising opportunities and platforms to inspire local fans, drawing massive attendance and fostering national pride in football.[59] Across these two appearances, Rahim's leadership and set-piece expertise complemented his official senior international duties by providing rare exposure to elite European clubs, enhancing team cohesion and individual skills without the pressure of competitive stakes.[55][57]Career statistics
Club
As of his retirement on 17 June 2025, Safiq Rahim's club career statistics are as follows (appearances and goals across all competitions unless noted):[5]| Club | Years | League apps | League goals | Total apps | Total goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selangor | 2006–2008, 2010–2012 | 85 | 13 | 105 | 17 | - |
| Kuala Lumpur (PLUS FC) | 2009 | 22 | 5 | 22 | 5 | - |
| Johor Darul Ta'zim | 2013–2018, 2021–2025 | 102 (Super League) | 16 | 138 | 27 | 42 |
| ATM FA (loan) | 2014 | - | - | Included in Selangor? | - | - |
| Melaka United | 2019–2020 | 20 | 2 | 31 | 4 | - |
| Career total | - | - | - | ~296 | ~53 | - |
International
Senior career
Safiq Rahim earned 81 caps and scored 15 goals for the Malaysia senior national team from 2007 to 2022.[4]| Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| AFF Championship | 24 | 6 |
| World Cup qualifiers | 20 | 3 |
| Asian Cup qualifiers | 15 | 2 |
| Friendlies and others | 22 | 4 |
| Total | 81 | 15 |