Latest news with #Machuca
New Straits Times
04-08-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Machuca thanks his grandma for Malaysia shirt
KUALA LUMPUR: His footie-loving granny worked hard to get him to play for a national team in the other side of the world. The Argentine-born Imanol Machuca attributed his move to Harimau Malaya to his Malaysian grandmother. In an interview with Spanish media outlet, Sabado Velez recently, the 25-year-old winger said his Malaysia debut was a "unique experience", one made possible by his grandmother. Machuca played a key role as Malaysia thrashed Asean powerhouse Vietnam 4-0 in an Asian Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10. In retrospect, Machuca thanked his grandmother for making his Malaysia dream a reality. "I got a phone call from my grandmother. She had been working on this (joining Malaysia) for a while. I had been talking about it for some time, but never managed to make it happen. Thank God, this year I was finally able to play. It was incredible." Speaking ahead of the Copa Libertadores round of 16, Machuca, who plays for Velez Sarsfield FC in Argentina, also talked about his Malaysian adventure. "There's a lot of passion in Malaysia. When the announcement (about Machuca playing for Malaysia) was made, the post got 15,000 likes and so many comments with the Malaysian flag. I want to send a big hug to all Malaysians," he said. Machuca said he was charmed in his first visit to Malaysia. "It's a beautiful country. Economically stable, the cities are very nice, although the weather is quite humid and hot. "People are friendly. They treated me well, and the culture is impressive. "I have been in contact with the coach (Peter Cklamovski). I hope they will call me again. I had a great experience in the Asian Cup qualifiers. We did well and I hope we can win our next two games (against Laos on Oct 9 and 14)."
New Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's heritage players feel loved at Bukit Jalil
KUALA LUMPUR: The five men from the Western Hemisphere were overwhelmed by the love from Malaysian fans on Tuesday. The heritage players, making their Malaysia debut, won the hearts of more than 61,000 appreciative fans at the National Stadium, as they helped Malaysia crush Vietnam 4-0 in an Asian Cup qualifier. The Argentine-born winger, Imanol Machuca, came on in the 72nd minute as a reserve, and was welcomed by a thunderous roar from the crowd. "Unforgettable night, thank you for all the love, this is just the beginning," said Machuca in his social media post. The Spain-born defender Jon Irazabal, who played the full 90 minutes, said: "An honour to represent Malaysia in my first game. Thank you all for the incredible support, everything felt easier with you behind us. I'm grateful for the opportunity and ready for the next battle." The Argentina-born striker Rodrigo Holgado, who scored Malaysia's second goal in the 59th minute, wrote: "A dream night. I'm very happy to represent this beautiful country and fulfil this dream in my football career. I want to thank everyone who has been part of this, my teammates for the warm welcome, the coaching staff, and all the people of this wonderful country who made me feel so happy from the first minute." The Brazil-born Joao Figueiredo, who opened the scoring in the 49th minute, and the Argentine-born centreback Facundo Garces were also moved by the fans' response.
The Star
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Machucha missed birth of first child to be with Malaysian team ahead of Vietnam clash
Latest Malaysian footballer Imanol Machuca. PETALING JAYA: The country comes first rather than family for mixed heritage footballer Imanol Machuca. The 25-year-old missed the birth of his first born baby boy back in Argentina in order to be with the national football team for the all-important 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam on Tuesday. His wife Ailen Bernardi, a personal trainer, gave birth at the start of the week but Imanol was already on board the plane on a 30-hour journey from Roldan. "My beautiful baby boy," Machuca announced on his Instagram. And Machuca certainly has all the motivation he needs to help Malaysia end their long winless drought against Vietnam. Machuca, a winger who plays for Velez Sarsfield on loan from Brazilian side Fortaleza, is one of the five Malaysians abroad who joined the national team led by Australian coach Peter Cklamovski earlier this week. The others are strikers Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado; and defenders Jon Iranzabal and Facundo Garces. "Malaysia have given all the best to me since I arrived to join the training camp earlier in the week. "I genuinely feel it is something special to represent the Harimau Malaya. It is a big honour for me and I will give it my all," added Machuca, who are among the youngest mixed heritage players in the national team. Cklamovski yesterday released the list of 30 players for the third and final phase of training, leaving out Syamer Kutty Abba, Ahmad Zikri Khalil and Haqimi Azim. The final list includes Dion Cools, who just arrived from Japan on Friday to join the training camp. Malaysia's last victory over Vietnam came in 2014. Since then, the Golden Star Warriors have won seven of their eight meetings in all competitions, with one match ending in a draw. Their most recent encounter was a 3-0 defeat for Malaysia in the 2022 AFF Cup group stage - now renamed the Asean Championship. Both nations sit level at the top of Group F with three points each, having won their opening matches. The Team Goalkeepers: Azri Ghani, Haziq Nadzli, Sikh Izhan, Syihan Hazmi. Defenders: Corbin Ong, Daniel Ting, Dion Cools, Facundo Garces, Gabriel Palmero, Harith Haiqal, Jon Irazabal, Junior Eldstal, Matthew Davies, Quentin Cheng, Shahrul Saad, Ubaidullah Shamsul. Midfielders: Afiq Fazail, Endrick Dos Santos, Hector Hevel, Nazmi Faiz, Nooa Laine, Stuart Wilkin. Strikers: Arif Aiman Hanapi, Faisal Halim, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Paulo Josue, Rodrigo Holgado, Romel Morales, Safawi Rasid.
The Star
04-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Big lift for our boys
New reinforcements: (from left) Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Imanol Machuca posing for a picture during a training session. — FAM PETALING JAYA: Just two day after a sobering 0-3 defeat to Cape Verde, the national football team have injected a fresh wave of optimism with the inclusion of four new faces ahead of their crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam on June 10 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Following the arrival of 25-year-old Argentinian-born centreback Facundo Garces on Tuesday, Harimau Malaya have officially welcomed four more mixed-heritage players – dubbed 'Malaysians Abroad' – into the fold. They are winger Imanol Machuca, centreback Jon Irazabal, and forwards Rodrigo Holgado and Joao Figueiredo. While details of their Malaysian lineage have not been publicly disclosed, reports from South America suggest that Machuca, Garces and Holgado trace their roots to Malaysian grandparents. Argentinian-born Machuca, 25, currently on loan at Argentine club Velez Sarsfield from Brazil's Fortaleza, is a dynamic flanker known for his quick feet and vision. Standing at 1.70m, he's effective on either wing and poses a creative threat in the final third. 'Since arriving at the national training camp, Malaysia have given me the best,' said Machuca. 'I can feel it's something truly special to represent Harimau Malaya. It's an honour, and I will give it my all.' Equally enthusiastic is Argentinian-born Holgado, 29, who plies his trade as a striker for Colombian side America de Cali. The clinical frontman has already bagged seven goals and two assists in 15 league outings this season. 'Since arriving here, I've fallen in love with the atmosphere and the country,' said Holgado. 'Now I'm beginning to understand what it means to play for Malaysia – and I'm ready to give everything.' Figueiredo, a 29-year-old Brazilian-born forward who last featured for Turkish Super Lig club Istanbul Basaksehir, brings a wealth of experience. He netted 12 goals in 48 appearances across competitions and is capable of operating across the entire frontline. 'Personally, this season means a lot to me,' said Figueiredo. 'And now, to represent Malaysia and share this dream – to go further on the Asian and world stage – is truly an honour. I can't wait to feel the support and love from the fans.' Defensive solidity has also been boosted by the addition of Spanish-born Jon Irazabal. The 28-year-old centreback recently helped Azerbaijan's Sabah FK clinch the national cup title. 'I chose Malaysia because I believe this is where my national responsibility truly lies,' said Irazabal. 'I've already started to feel how unique and meaningful it is to play for Malaysia.' These reinforcements are seen as vital by head coach Peter Cklamovski, who is reshaping the national team's identity with a blend of domestic stalwarts and foreign-born talents eligible through heritage. Beyond the new additions, Cklamovski has already utilised the services of Dutch-born midfielder Hector Hevel and Spanish-born wingback Gabriel Palmero – part of the expanding pool of Malaysians abroad. As anticipation builds for the Vietnam clash, the inclusion of these five foreign-born players – all tested professionals in competitive leagues – has not only added depth but ignited hope that Harimau Malaya can bounce back strongly and stake their claim for a spot in the Asian Cup.
New Straits Times
04-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Four new heritage players join Harimau Malaya squad
KUALA LUMPUR: The national football squad, in a statement released today (June 4), announced the addition of four new heritage players to the Harimau Malaya squad. The four - Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado - have been training with the squad over the past few days. "They have shown good performances and are players with quality. They are prepared to strengthen the national squad and help realise the dream of all Malaysians," said the statement. Argentina-born Machuca is looking forward to representing Malaysia. He is currently on the books at Velez Sarsfield. "It is an honour to represent Malaysia, I feel that it is something special. I will give everything I have," said Machuca. Holdgado, who is also Argentina-born, echoed Machuca's sentiments. "From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with the atmosphere and the country. Now I understand what it really means to play for Malaysia. I'm ready to give it my all," said Holgado, who plays for America de Cali at club level. Bilbao-born Irazabal, who plays for Sabah FK, believes he was meant to represent Malaysia. "I chose Malaysia because I truly believe this is where my national duty lies. I've already begun to feel how special and unique it is to represent Malaysia," said Irazabal. Brazil-born Figueiredo is determined to help Malaysia reach greater heights. He currently plies his trade with Istanbul Basaksehir. "Personally, this season has meant a great deal to me. And now, being able to represent Malaysia and share this dream with all of you — to go further on the Asian and global stage — is truly an honour," he said. "I can't wait to feel the support and love from the fans. It's something unique and extraordinary." Earlier this week, the national squad announced the addition of Argentina-born Facundo Garces to the squad. He currently competes for Deportivo Alaves at club level.
