European footballers increasingly eyeing moves to M-League

New Straits Times

9 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: More European footballers are eyeing moves to Malaysia, inspired by the success of naturalised players and the growing Spanish contingent lighting up the M-League.
What once seemed a distant option is fast becoming a genuine pathway, with stars like Andoni Zubiaurre, Juan Muniz, Oscar Arribas and Miguel Cifuentes, better known as Cifu, flourishing at Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Sabah.
"The life I found here is much better than I expected," said Muniz, who joined JDT from Greece in 2023 and now anchors their midfield.
"It's peaceful, professional and competitive — everything a footballer could want."
Arribas, who arrived from Spain's Segunda Division, echoed the sentiment in comments to the Spanish FA.
"Playing here is like playing for a La Liga team. We're treated with so much respect, the facilities are top-class, and the fans see us as stars," he said.
Harimau Malaya's 4-0 rout of Vietnam in the Asian Cup qualifiers last week, featuring a debut goal by Argentine-born striker Rodrigo Holgado, has only strengthened the country's footballing reputation.
Holgado, currently with America de Cali in Colombia, is among a wave of naturalised players representing Harimau Malaya, alongside Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces, Hector Hevel and Gabriel Palmero.
Their presence has drawn attention across Europe and South America, where footballers and fans alike are starting to see Malaysia as more than just a late-career detour.
"There's talk now — players asking what it's really like in Malaysia, whether it's worth the move," said Cifu, who joined Sabah without an agent.
"And I tell them the truth: yes, it is."
JDT's clean sweep of domestic trophies last season, powered by Muniz, Zubiaurre and Arribas, and Cifu's renaissance at Sabah, are no longer viewed as outliers — they're part of a growing shift in perception.
"Honestly, it's been one of the most enriching experiences of my career, not just as a footballer but as a person," said Cifu.
"It opened my mind to a different culture, different football, and gave me a second life on the pitch."
With Malaysia now top of Group F in the Asian Cup qualifiers and key fixtures against Laos, Nepal and Vietnam on the horizon, interest in the national project continues to grow along with speculation over possible new 'additions' for October's crucial clashes.