JDT legend Farizal retires, honoured by teammates and fans
The 39-year-old began his career with the now-defunct Shahzan Muda in 2006 before playing for Perlis, Negri Sembilan, Perak, Selangor and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT).
Farizal said he was deeply grateful to his family, teammates, coaches, support staff, Harimau Malaya fans, and JDT — the club he has called home since 2015.
"Football has shaped me into who I am today. It taught me discipline, sacrifice, fighting spirit, and the value of unity," Farizal said in a post on Instagram on Saturday.
He paid special tribute to JDT owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, crediting his leadership and vision for moulding not just the team's success but also his growth as an athlete and individual.
During his decade with the Southern Tigers, Farizal made over 250 appearances, winning nine consecutive Super League titles, multiple Malaysia Cup and FA Cup crowns, and lifting the AFC Cup in 2015.
He was also a key figure for the national team, earning more than 60 caps since his debut in 2009, including appearances at the AFF Cup.
His farewell post was met with an outpouring of love and respect from across the football community.
Safawi Rasid and Wan Zack Haikal both called him a "legend."
Wan Zack added: "Thank you for all the memories. Let's get our license to teach others."
Former JDT teammate Fernando Forestieri said: "Legend, my best wishes for the future, good luck papi."
Natxo Insa, another veteran on the squad, posted: "So many experiences and battles we've faced."
Hazwan Bakri, Matthew Davies, Shahrel Fikri, Akhyar Rashid, Junior Eldstal, Shio Hong Wan, Mohamadou Sumareh, and Mauricio dos Santos echoed the "legend" tribute, with Davies adding: "Proper club legend, shared the field with you capt."
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