Malaysian football has just made a significant breakthrough on the continental stage.

Arif Aiman, the 23-year-old talent from Johor Darul Ta'zim and Malaysia’s national squad, has been shortlisted in the top 3 candidates for the AFC Best Player 2025.

Arif Aiman Hanapi, the young star of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), has officially been included in the final three nominees for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Best Player Award 2025. This marks the first time a Malaysian player has reached such a prestigious milestone.

At just 23 years old, Arif Aiman has become the new icon of Malaysian football. He will directly compete with two of Asia’s top stars: Akram Afif, Qatar’s standout playing for Al Sadd, and Salem Al Dawsari, a key player for Al Hilal and the Saudi Arabian national team. Being mentioned alongside these renowned names highlights the level Arif Aiman has achieved after several outstanding seasons at both club and national team levels.

Arif Aiman’s achievement is not only personal but also a historic landmark for Malaysian football. For decades, AFC’s top honors have often gone to players from Japan, South Korea, Iran, or West Asian nations. The presence of a Malaysian star in the final round signals that Southeast Asian football can also produce talents capable of competing at the continental level.

The AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 ceremony, scheduled for October 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promises to be a special event not only for Arif Aiman but also for Malaysian fans. Should he triumph over these formidable rivals, Arif Aiman will make history as the first Malaysian footballer to win Asia’s most prestigious individual award, an occasion that could transform the face of national football.

Behind this glorious achievement lies a journey of relentless effort. Wearing the JDT jersey, Arif Aiman consistently delivered impressive performances, helping the club dominate domestic competitions and make an impact on the continental stage. On the national team front, he is a vital figure contributing to Malaysia’s successful matches against strong regional opponents.

If Arif Aiman wins in Riyadh, this victory will not only be a personal honor but also an endless source of inspiration for Malaysia’s younger generation of players, igniting belief that the dream of conquering Asia is attainable. This will be a historic turning point, not just for Arif Aiman but for Malaysian football as a whole.