Latest news with #Cools
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Dion dazzles in J-League
KUALA LUMPUR: Dion Cools is making waves in Japan, with the J-League highlighting the national defender as the first Malaysian to play in the country's top division. The J-League posted a clip of Cools in action for Cerezo Osaka on its official X account this week, praising the 29-year-old's adaptability and potential. "As a versatile utility player who can cover multiple positions, we're excited to see what kind of performances he'll deliver in the future," read the caption, which accompanied a short video montage of his recent outings. Cools joined Cerezo Osaka in early July and has so far featured in two J1 League matches, including the Osaka derby against Gamba Osaka on July 20, which ended in a 1-0 defeat. Though the J-League referred to that match as his debut, the former Club Brugge youth product had already made his first appearance for Cerezo shortly after joining the club mid-season. The move to Japan marked another step forward in Cools' globe-trotting career. Before landing in the J1 League, he spent the 2023-24 season with Thai champions Buriram United, playing a key role in their title-winning campaign. He previously turned out for Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic, FC Midtjylland in Denmark and Belgian sides Zulte Waregem and Club Brugge. Born in Kuching to a Malaysian mother and Belgian father, Cools represented Belgium at youth level before switching allegiance to Malaysia in 2021. Since then, he has earned over 20 caps for Harimau Malaya and was part of the squad that helped Malaysia qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup.
The Star
30-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Cools hopes to shape M'sian football's future with exploits in J.League
PETALING JAYA: For Dion Cools (pic), a move to Japan's prestigious is not just a bold step in his professional career. It's also a message to the entire Malaysian football ecosystem - dream bigger, go further. The national rightback recently signed with Cerezo Osaka, making history as the first Malaysian to play in the One. But to him, the milestone extends beyond personal achievement. 'Being the first Malaysian in the isn't just a personal milestone. It puts Malaysian football on the map in a serious way,' said the 29-year-old. 'I want young players back home to see that it's possible to break through, to compete, and to thrive. We're not just telling a story – we're building the future of football, both here and back home.' Cools, who has previously played in Belgium, Thailand and Denmark, described the environment at Cerezo as world-class where discipline and attention to detail are second nature. 'It's been an incredible journey so far. The environment is structured and focused. Everything from training to match prep is designed to help players improve every single day. It sharpens you, both mentally and physically.' Cools has so far played two matches with Cerezo and also one in the Emperor's Cup. While his focus remains on performing in Japan, Cools is also deeply committed to using this platform to uplift the next generation in Malaysia, especially at the grassroots level. 'Grassroots football is where everything starts. I've seen the impact it can have, especially through Adidas' past initiatives like the Adidas Malaysia Girls Football Program and the recent grassroots event with Manchester United,' said Cools, who is sponsored by Adidas. 'Those events brought international and local players together to coach and inspire young talents. The energy on the ground was powerful. 'Moments like that matter. They give kids belief and show that the dream is real. If my journey can help send that message, I'm all in.'
The Star
30-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Cools hopes he can shape Malaysian football's future with exploits in J.League
Dion Cools during training session with Buriram United. - Photo by Buriram United PETALING JAYA: For Dion Cools, a move to Japan's prestigious is not just a bold step in his professional career. It's also a message to the entire Malaysian football ecosystem - dream bigger, go further. The national rightback recently signed with Cerezo Osaka, making history as the first Malaysian to play in the One. But to him, the milestone extends beyond personal achievement. "Being the first Malaysian in the isn't just a personal milestone. It puts Malaysian football on the map in a serious way," said the 29-year-old. "I want young players back home to see that it's possible to break through, to compete, and to thrive. We're not just telling a story - we're building the future of football, both here and back home." Cools, who has previously played in Belgium, Thailand and Denmark, described the environment at Cerezo as world-class where discipline and attention to detail are second nature. "It's been an incredible journey so far. The environment is structured and focused. Everything from training to match prep is designed to help players improve every single day. It sharpens you, both mentally and physically." Cools has so far played two matches with Cerezo and also one in the Emperor's Cup. While his focus remains on performing in Japan, Cools is also deeply committed to using this platform to uplift the next generation in Malaysia, especially at the grassroots level. "Grassroots football is where everything starts. I've seen the impact it can have, especially through Adidas' past initiatives like the Adidas Malaysia Girls Football Program and the recent grassroots event with Manchester United," said Cools, who is sponsored by Adidas. "Those events brought international and local players together to coach and inspire young talents. The energy on the ground was powerful. "Moments like that matter. They give kids belief and show that the dream is real. If my journey can help send that message, I'm all in."
The Star
23-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Dion makes a statement on and off pitch with his own jersey design
Celebration of legacy: Dion Cools in action in his adidas kit which has patterns inspired by his birthplace Sarawak. PETALING JAYA: Whether donning the national colours of Malaysia, the pink of Cerezo Osaka kit, or now his very own adidas kit – Dion Cools' mission remains unchanged and that is to represent with pride and inspire through performance. Yesterday, the rightback became the first Malaysian and South-East Asian footballer to launch his own limited-edition jersey in collaboration with global sportswear giant adidas. The unveiling at the adidas outlet in Sunway Pyramid was not just a fashion moment but it was a celebration of legacy. 'Football has given me an incredible platform to represent where I come from and what I stand for,' said Cools, who was born in Kuching before moving to Belgium, where his football journey took flight. 'This jersey is special to me because it includes patterns inspired by my birthplace, Sarawak. It's a proud moment.' The No. 21, emblazoned on the back, adds a personal touch, Cools' preferred number since his early professional days in Europe. Cools currently plays in Japan's top-tier J1 League with Cerezo Osaka and continues to be a key figure for Harimau Malaya on the international stage. Eligible to represent both countries, he chose the Malaysian badge and has been a regular fixture in the Malaysian national setup since 2021. Meanwhile, Cools has left it up to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and team management to decide on Harimau Malaya's involvement in any friendly matches this September. He said the national squad still had room to prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for in October. This follows Harimau Malaya's withdrawal from the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup in Tajikistan from Aug 29-Sept 8. 'I think it's bad news (withdrawing from the 2025 CAFA Cup), but at the same time the management have done its best. We have work to do for the Asian Cup qualifiers, and I think that's the most important thing for us. Previously, FAM had announced that Harimau Malaya's withdrawal was due to a change in match dates, with fixtures now starting outside the official international window set by FIFA, making it challenging for the national team, as clubs are not obliged to release their players.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
FAM to decide friendlies after CAFA Cup withdrawal
NATIONAL football squad defender Dion Cools has deferred the decision on Harimau Malaya's potential friendly matches in September to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and team management. He emphasised that the team still has ample time to prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for October and November. This comes after Malaysia's withdrawal from the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup 2025, set to take place in Tajikistan from Aug 29 to Sept 8. 'I think it's bad news (withdrawing from the 2025 CAFA Cup), but at the same time the management has done its best. We have work to do for the Asian Cup qualifiers, and I think that's the most important thing for us,' Cools said. He added, 'September is the best time for us to prepare for October (the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Laos) because we want to go to Saudi Arabia (the 2027 Asian Cup finals) and I think the management will make the right decision, and we have to trust that they will make the right decision. I don't want to panic about it, just stay with the team.' Cools made these remarks during the launch of a special edition jersey in collaboration with an international sportswear brand. FAM had earlier cited the rescheduling of CAFA Cup matches outside FIFA's international window as the reason for Malaysia's withdrawal, as clubs are not obligated to release players during non-FIFA dates. - Bernama
