Malaysian Footballer Makes AFC Player of the Year History

A Historic Nomination for Malaysian Football

The landscape of Asian football is witnessing a significant shift with the announcement of the final shortlist for the AFC Player of the Year award. For the first time in history, a Malaysian player, Arif Aiman Hanapi of Johor Darul Ta’zim FC, has been nominated for the continent’s most prestigious individual football honor. The 23-year-old attacker’s inclusion is not just a personal triumph but a monumental moment for football in Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region. His nomination breaks a long-standing pattern, signaling the growing competitiveness and talent emerging from Southeast Asia on the international stage. The winner will be crowned at the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 ceremony in Saudi Arabia, an event that will now be closely watched by millions of new fans.

The Elite Company of Continental Stars

Arif Aiman finds himself in the most esteemed company on the three-man shortlist. He is competing directly against two of Asian football’s most recognized and accomplished stars. From Qatar, there is Akram Afif, a dynamic forward who has already secured the AFC Player of the Year award twice in his career. His technical brilliance and goal-scoring prowess for both club and country make him a formidable contender. The other finalist is Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari, the 2022 winner of the award. Al-Dawsari is a household name, celebrated for his performances in top-flight leagues and his crucial role in the Saudi national team. The fact that Arif Aiman is considered alongside these established giants of the game underscores the remarkable level of his performances over the past season.

Breaking a Two-Decade ASEAN Drought

The significance of Arif Aiman’s nomination is profoundly historical. He has become only the second player from the ASEAN football federation to be shortlisted for this award in over two decades. The last and only other player to achieve this was Thailand’s Therdsak Chaiman, who was nominated back in 2003. This twenty-two-year gap highlights the immense challenge for players from this region to gain recognition at the elite continental level, often dominated by football powerhouses from West Asia and East Asia. Arif’s breakthrough, therefore, is not an isolated event; it serves as an inspiration and a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers across Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and beyond, proving that with exceptional talent and dedication, they too can compete for the highest honors.

The Meteoric Rise of Arif Aiman

Arif Aiman’s journey to this point has been characterized by rapid development and consistent excellence. He broke into the senior squad of Malaysian powerhouse Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) in 2020 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s attacking lineup. His pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal have made him a nightmare for defenders in the Malaysia Super League. However, it was on the continental stage where he truly announced his arrival. During the recent AFC Champions League Elite campaign, Arif was instrumental in JDT’s historic run to the tournament’s last 16. His contributions in crucial matches against some of Asia’s best clubs demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and against high-caliber opposition, undoubtedly catching the eye of the award’s selectors. His career trajectory shows a player who has matured quickly and embraced the responsibility of being a central figure for his club.

The Stakes at the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025

The upcoming awards ceremony in Riyadh is more than just a black-tie event; it is a culmination of a year’s worth of football across Asia. For Arif Aiman, winning the award would be a fairy-tale ending to an already incredible year, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer for Malaysian sport. Even a nomination alone is a victory, providing immense visibility for both the player and Malaysian football on a global scale. It places the national league and its development programs under a positive spotlight, potentially attracting more international interest and investment. The ceremony will be a celebration of Asian football’s diversity and talent, from the established leagues of Saudi Arabia and Japan to the emerging forces in Southeast Asia.

A New Chapter for ASEAN Football

This nomination is a powerful indicator that the competitive balance in Asian football is evolving. For years, the AFC Player of the Year award has been largely the domain of players from a select group of nations. Arif Aiman’s presence on the shortlist challenges that status quo. It suggests that the investment in youth development, professional league structures, and continental competition within ASEAN countries is beginning to yield world-class talent capable of rivaling the best. This achievement can serve as a catalyst, motivating football associations, clubs, and young players across the region to aim higher. The success of one player can inspire a generation, and the ripple effects of this nomination will likely be felt for years to come, pushing the entire region to elevate its standard of play.

Looking Beyond the Ceremony

Regardless of the final outcome in Riyadh, the story of Arif Aiman’s nomination is one of breakthrough and national pride. It marks a before and after for Malaysian football. The attention he has garnered will inevitably lead to speculation about his future, with possibilities of transfers to more prominent leagues now more realistic than ever. His continued development will be crucial, not only for his career but also as a standard-bearer for the quality that exists within ASEAN football. This moment validates the efforts of Johor Darul Ta’zim FC in building a competitive team and provides a tangible goal for every young footballer in Malaysia. The dream of being the best in Asia is no longer a distant fantasy but a proven possibility, thanks to the historic path carved by a 23-year-old from Johor. For more information on the AFC Awards, you can visit the official AFC website. To follow Arif Aiman’s club, you can check Johor Darul Ta’zim’s official site.