Births on January 29

Safee Sali, Malaysian footballer

Mohd Safee bin Mohd Sali, born on 29 January 1984, stands as one of Malaysian football's most iconic and prolific forwards. A seasoned striker, he has graced the pitches of the Malaysia Super League for various clubs, notably concluding a significant playing chapter with Kuala Lumpur City FC as a forward. His career trajectory is marked by groundbreaking achievements and consistent goal-scoring prowess, making him a revered figure in the sport.

A Pioneering Stint in the Indonesia Super League

In a landmark move that etched his name in Malaysian football history, Safee Sali became the first Malaysian footballer to play in the highly competitive Indonesia Super League (ISL). This momentous transition occurred in 2011 when he joined Pelita Jaya. His venture into the ISL was profoundly significant, as it demonstrated the potential for Malaysian talents to thrive in foreign leagues, opening doors for subsequent players and elevating the profile of Malaysian football. During his tenure in Indonesia, Safee showcased his formidable goal-scoring ability, quickly adapting to the robust style of play and proving his mettle against top regional opponents, including a brief loan spell with Arema Cronus in 2013, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and effective striker.

An Illustrious Club Career Journey

Safee Sali's club career has been extensive and impactful, spanning various prominent teams across Malaysia before and after his groundbreaking Indonesian expedition. His journey commenced with Telekom Melaka (2003-2005) and continued through Kuala Lumpur FA (2005-2006) and Sarawak FA (2006-2007). A pivotal period of his early career was spent with Selangor FA (2007-2010), where he consistently delivered strong performances and earned recognition as a potent attacking force. Following his successful venture in Indonesia, Safee returned to Malaysia to join Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in 2013, a period coinciding with the club's unprecedented rise to dominance in Malaysian football. His contributions were vital to JDT's early successes, including securing the Malaysia Super League title and laying the foundation for their future achievements. Subsequent chapters of his career saw him represent PKNS FC (2017-2018) and Petaling Jaya City FC (2019-2020) before his return to Kuala Lumpur City FC, where he continued to offer his invaluable experience, leadership, and an imposing presence in the attacking third.

The Unforgettable Harimau Malaya Legacy

Safee Sali's contributions to the Malaysia national team, affectionately known as the 'Harimau Malaya,' are arguably the most celebrated aspects of his distinguished career. He represented his nation at the highest international level until his retirement from national duty in 2017, leaving an indelible mark. His most iconic achievement came in 2010 when he was a cornerstone of the Malaysian squad that secured the AFF Championship title for the very first time in the nation's history. Safee was instrumental in this historic triumph, emerging as the tournament's top scorer with five crucial goals, a testament to his predatory instincts and ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage. Beyond this landmark victory, Safee holds an unparalleled record: he is the only Malaysian footballer to have scored in four consecutive AFF Championship tournaments, showcasing remarkable longevity and unwavering consistency at the regional stage. Furthermore, with a grand total of nine goals throughout his appearances, he stands as Malaysia's all-time leading goalscorer in the AFF Championship, solidifying his status as a true legend and one of the most prolific strikers to ever wear the national colours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mohd Safee Sali

What is Mohd Safee Sali's most significant achievement with the Malaysia national team?

Mohd Safee Sali's most significant achievement with the Malaysia national team is undoubtedly being a key member and the top scorer of the squad that won the 2010 AFF Championship, marking Malaysia's first-ever triumph in the prestigious regional tournament. He contributed five crucial goals to this historic victory.

What made Safee Sali a pioneer in Malaysian football?

Safee Sali became a pioneer in Malaysian football in 2011 by becoming the first Malaysian footballer to play in the highly competitive Indonesia Super League (ISL) when he joined Pelita Jaya. This groundbreaking move opened doors and inspired other Malaysian players to consider opportunities in foreign leagues, demonstrating the potential for Malaysian talents abroad.

How many goals did Safee Sali score in the AFF Championship, and what unique records does he hold?

Safee Sali is Malaysia's all-time leading goalscorer in the AFF Championship with an impressive nine goals. He also holds the unique and remarkable record of being the only Malaysian footballer to score in four consecutive editions of the tournament, highlighting his exceptional consistency and longevity at the highest regional level.

Which major clubs did Safee Sali play for throughout his distinguished career?

Throughout his distinguished career, Safee Sali played for several prominent clubs including Telekom Melaka, Kuala Lumpur FA, Sarawak FA, Selangor FA, Pelita Jaya (Indonesia), Arema Cronus (Indonesia on loan), Johor Darul Ta'zim, PKNS FC, Petaling Jaya City FC, and Kuala Lumpur City FC, where he continued to contribute his experience.