Money and Athleticism: Malaysia’s Richest Athletes

by , 17 February 2023

Malaysia is home to some of the world’s most talented and successful athletes, who excel in their chosen sports and earn substantial money from it. This article will look closely at the country’s top earners and explore how they’ve amassed their wealth through their athletic careers. From football to badminton, we’ll highlight the athletes who’ve made the most money in their respective sports and reveal how much they’ve earned.

Money and athletism Malaysias richest athletes - main

Safee Sali

Mohd Safee bin Mohd Sali is a prominent figure in Malaysian football and is widely recognised as one of the best footballers the country has produced. He plays as a forward for Kuala Lumpur City in the Malaysia Super League. He has also represented several other clubs throughout his career, including Sarawak, Selangor, Johor Darul Ta’zim, PKNS, Perlis, and Petaling Jaya City.

Safee’s talents as a striker are evident from his impressive track record. He is a prolific scorer who has scored many goals for the clubs he has played for, which has made him very popular with bettors at betting sites in Malaysia, and has also represented the Malaysian national team with distinction. In addition, Safee played a crucial role in Malaysia’s 2010 AFF Championship victory, scoring nine goals in four consecutive editions of the tournament, and was also the tournament’s top scorer in 2010.

Safee’s success has also made him one of the richest sports stars in Malaysia. With a net worth of $5 million as of 2023, he is among the richest soccer players in the country.

Safee’s playing style is known for its aggressiveness, great pace, good physique, and shooting technique. He has earned a reputation as a regular first-team member of the national team and is famous for his spectacular goals with his long shots and overhead kicks.

Despite his success on the pitch, Safee has also courted controversy. He was booed by home supporters during the final game against Thailand in the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup after lashing out at fans for criticising his poor performances for the national team. Safee’s comments on social media outraged Malaysian fans further, and he later apologised for his behaviour.

Safiq Rahim

Safiq bin Rahim is a renowned Malaysian footballer who is highly regarded for his prowess in the field. He was born on July 5, 1987, in Kuala Selangor and is the son of Rahim bin Muhd. Yatim and Aidah binti Majid. Safiq is the oldest of two siblings and grew up with a passion for football.

Despite his parents’ initial disapproval of his desire to become a professional footballer, Safiq joined Bukit Jalil Sports School to pursue his dreams.

In 2006, Safiq started playing for his hometown club’s youth team. He played a significant role in helping his team win the 2008 Malaysia President Cup 1-0 over Perak youth in the final, scoring the winning goal. He later joined the Selangor senior team in 2007, but it was not until he signed with KL PLUS in 2009 that he became a regular starter.

Safiq’s exceptional performance in the field earned him accolades, including the FAM Football Awards for the Best Midfielder Award four times in 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016, and the FAM Most Valuable Players Award in 2015.

He is considered the best midfielder of his generation and has represented Malaysia on the international stage, participating in the 2004 AFC Youth Championship and the 2006 AFC Youth Championship.

Safiq Rahim is one of the richest Malaysian football players and is estimated to be worth $5 million.

Shukor Adan

Shukor Adan is a legendary football player from Malaysia, renowned for his impressive sports achievements. Born on September 24, 1979, in Malacca, Adan has played predominantly as a defensive midfielder throughout his career but is also highly proficient as a centre-back.

He began his football journey in 1995 with the Malacca President Cup team before moving on to the Negeri Sembilan President Cup team three years later.

In 2000, Adan was promoted to the first team and joined Selangor in 2002, where he played for six years before his contract was terminated. He has represented Malaysia in several international games and captained Malaysia XI against Chelsea in 2008, earning praise from Chelsea’s coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, despite a 0-2 loss.

Adan’s football prowess earned him a place on the list of Malaysia’s most famous football players.

He was surprisingly recalled to the national team in 2014 after a long absence and played a vital role in the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup campaign and Selangor FC, captaining the Malaysian national team.

Adan’s contribution to football has been immense, with notable achievements such as helping Negeri Sembilan win the Malaysia Cup in 2009, where he was named Man of the Match. He also played for Brunei DPMM, ATM, Felda United, and Melaka United, securing promotion to the Malaysian Super League in 2015 with Felda United.

In 2019, Adan transferred to Melaka United alongside other former captains of notable football clubs, such as Razman Roslan from Selangor FA and Safiq Rahim from Johor Darul Ta’zim F.C. Safiq Rahim remains an iconic figure in the Malaysian football world and is known for playing as a central midfielder and attacking midfielder, usually deployed as an advanced playmaker. With a net worth estimated to be $5 million as of January 9, 2023, Adan’s immense contribution to Malaysian football has undoubtedly earned him a place in history as one of the most significant Malaysian footballers of all time.

Indra Mahayuddin

Indra Putra Mahayuddin is a name that resonates with Malaysian football fans. Born on September 2, 1981, the football star has had an illustrious career in Malaysian football, and his net worth is estimated at $5 million as of January 9, 2023.

Indra Putra is a versatile forward who has played for various Malaysian clubs, including Perak, Pahang, Selangor, T-Team, Kelantan, and Felda United. He has also represented Malaysia in international competitions such as the 2003 SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, the FA Premier League Asia Cup 2003, and the 2002 Tiger Cup in Thailand. In the latter competition, he helped the Malaysian national football team to a 4th-place finish.

Indra Putra has had an impressive career in Malaysian football and is the all-time highest goalscorer in the Malaysia Super League. He has been described as his generation’s best Malaysian football player by former Perak coach Steve Darby.

Indra Putra won the 2004 Malaysian Super League season top goalscorer accolade, scoring 15 goals from 21 games played, making him the last Malaysian football player to win the award. The football star has had an eventful career that has seen him play for various Malaysian clubs. After his contract with Pahang expired, He joined Selangor for the 2008 season. In 2011, he signed with T-Team, a Kuala Terengganu-based club, for one season before returning to Kelantan for the 2012 season. During that season, Indra Putra helped the team to win the 2012 Super League and 2012 Malaysia FA Cup, completing the treble. In addition, he scored an extra-time winner during the 2012 Malaysia Cup final, clinching a dramatic 3-2 victory over ATM.

In 2013, Indra Putra joined Felda United, who had just been relegated to the Premier League. He was instrumental in the club finishing second in the 2014 Malaysia Premier League. The next season, the club was promoted straight back to the Malaysia Super League.

Indra Putra’s impressive career in Malaysian football has earned him a spot in the list of the most popular football players in Malaysia. He is also ranked among the elite list of famous celebrities born in Malaysia.

Norshahrul Idlan

Malaysia has produced some great sports stars in various disciplines. Among them is Norshahrul Idlan, who is famously known as Mat Yo. Born on June 8, 1986, Norshahrul is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Thai League 1 club BG Pathum United and represents the Malaysia national team. As of January 9, 2023, Norshahrul’s net worth is estimated to be $5 Million, making him one of the richest Malaysian sports stars.

Norshahrul was born in Besut, Terengganu, and moved to Perak when he was only a month old. His love for football was evident from a young age, and he started playing for the Perak FA President’s Cup team at the age of 12. He eventually graduated to the senior team in 2003, where he was mainly used as a substitute or played for the reserve team. However, Norshahrul’s fortunes changed when he was invited to play for the Malaysia national under-20 football team at the 2004 AFC Youth Championship held in Malaysia. Norshahrul showcased his skills and scored ten goals for Malaysia, which helped him become a regular striker for Perak.

Norshahrul has represented the Malaysia national team in numerous international competitions and has been instrumental in their success. In 2010, he was part of the Malaysia national squad that won the AFF Suzuki Cup for the first time in its history. He scored two goals for Malaysia in the tournament against Indonesia and Laos. Norshahrul continued to represent Malaysia and played a vital role in their progress to the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup finals. Although Thailand denied Malaysia the title, Norshahrul scored a goal against Vietnam in the semi-final second leg.

After spending a season with ATM FA, Norshahrul joined Terengganu FA for the 2015 Malaysia Super League season. He later moved to Thai League 1 club BG Pathum United, where he continues to excel as a striker. Norshahrul’s impressive performances have made him one of the most popular football players in Malaysia and an elite member of the famous celebrities born in the country.

Koo Keat

Koo Kien Keat, a former professional badminton player from Malaysia, is a household name in the world of sports. Born on September 18, 1985, in the capital of Malaysia’s Perak State, Koo’s love for badminton started at a young age. He made a name for himself in the sport and achieved numerous accomplishments throughout his career.

Koo is a versatile player who excelled in both men’s and mixed doubles. However, he is best known for his partnership with Tan Boon Heong, with whom he formed the world’s #1-ranked men’s doubles team in 2010. The duo achieved one of their most remarkable feats by defeating a Chinese team to clinch the BWF World Championships title in 2010. This triumph cemented their place in badminton history and put Malaysia on the world map of badminton.

In 2004, Koo represented Malaysia in the Thomas Cup, partnering with Chew Choon Eng. Their performance in the second doubles match against Flandy Limpele, and Eng Hian of Indonesia in the quarter-finals was outstanding. Despite this, the Badminton Association of Malaysia decided to pair him with Chan Chong Ming. The two went on to win the bronze medal at the 2005 World Championships.

Koo formed a new partnership with Tan Boon Heong in 2006, and the duo quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the badminton world. They won the gold medal at the 2006 Doha Asian Games as an unseeded pair. Along the way, they defeated several top pairs, including Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia. Their victory made them the youngest-ever men’s doubles pair to win an Asian Games gold medal, with Koo at 22 and Tan at 19.

2007 was Koo and Tan’s best year, as they won several Super Series tournaments and ascended to the top of the world rankings. They also secured their first All England Super Series title by defeating Chinese pair Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng in straight games.

Koo’s success in badminton has not only made him a national hero in Malaysia but has also made him one of the richest sports stars in the country. According to Forbes and Business Insider, Koo Kien Keat’s net worth is currently estimated to be around $5 million.

Koo Kien Keat’s contribution to the badminton world cannot be overstated. His achievements on the court have earned him a place in the annals of badminton history and made him a role model for aspiring badminton players worldwide.

His sporting talents have also made him a rich man, as Koo Kien Keat’s net worth is $5 Million.

Stanley Bernard

Malaysia has produced some outstanding athletes, including those who have achieved great financial success. One of the richest sports stars in Malaysia is the renowned footballer Stanley Bernard Stephen Samuel. Born on March 10, 1986, Stanley hails from Kuala Lumpur and is widely regarded as a prestigious Bukit Jalil Sports School prodigy.

Stanley made his debut in the second tier of the Malaysian Premier League with Kuala Lumpur FA at the age of 18. Throughout five seasons, he displayed his prowess as a top scorer, culminating in the 2008 Malaysia Cup group stage, where he scored five goals in six matches. Stanley also represented the Malaysia national team, playing two games against Manchester United.

Not content with playing in his home country, Stanley sought to expand his horizons by playing abroad. In 2009, he was offered a trial at Indian League (I-League) team Sporting Clube de Goa, which he passed with flying colors. He was subsequently signed as one of the two AFC import player quotas, making him the first Malaysian to play in the I-League. Despite joining mid-season, Stanley helped Sporting avoid relegation and reach the final of the Indian FA Cup, scoring five goals in 14 matches across all competitions. Unfortunately, new regulations ended his stint in India, as AFC foreign players’ quotas were removed.

In 2012, Stanley returned to Kuala Lumpur FA but suffered a double fracture of the tibia towards the end of the season, which ultimately led to his retirement after unsuccessful attempts at a comeback. However, despite retiring relatively young, Stanley has continued to be involved in football as a pundit and match commentator for Asian broadcasters Astro SuperSport and Astro Arena.

Stanley’s achievements on and off the field have contributed to his wealth, and as of January 9, 2023, his net worth stands at $5 million. This has earned him a spot on the list of the richest sports stars in Malaysia, alongside other notable names.

Rashid Sidek

Rashid Sidek, a legendary badminton player and coach from Malaysia, is one of the country’s richest sports stars. Born on July 8, 1968, Rashid is the youngest of the famous five Sidek brothers who dominated the badminton scene in Malaysia during the 1990s. Rashid and his siblings were introduced to the sport by his father, Mohd Sidek, who became their coach and mentor.

After completing his Sijil Penilaian Menengah (SPM) exam, Rashid was selected to be a part of the Project 1988/90 squad with the aim to bring the Thomas Cup back to Malaysia. Rashid’s talent and dedication were soon evident as he played a crucial role in Malaysia’s campaign at the 1990 Thomas Cup. Although they lost to China in the finals, Rashid’s strong performance earned him widespread recognition.

Rashid went on to win the Malaysian Open title for three consecutive years from 1990 to 1992, becoming a household name in Malaysia. His success on the court earned him the nickname “jaguh kampung” (local hero) and cemented his status as one of the country’s greatest badminton players.

In the 1992 Thomas Cup, Rashid’s stellar performance proved to be the deciding factor as Malaysia clinched the championship after a thrilling 3-2 win over arch-rivals Indonesia. Rashid’s victory over Ardy Wiranata in the first match of the final was crucial in setting the tone for Malaysia’s historic triumph.

Rashid’s dominance on the court was recognised when he reached the top of the world rankings in 1997. However, he retired in 2000, making way for a new generation of Malaysian badminton players like Wong Choong Hann, Yong Hock Kin, and Roslin Hashim.

As of January 9, 2023, Rashid Sidek’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million, making him one of the richest sports stars in Malaysia. His contribution to the sport of badminton in Malaysia has been immense, and he remains an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.

Lee Chong Wei

Lee Chong Wei, the retired Malaysian badminton player, is considered one of the most successful athletes in the history of the sport. Born on October 21, 1982, Lee was ranked as the world’s number-one singles player for a total of 349 weeks, including an impressive 199-week streak from August 21, 2008, to June 14, 2012. His net worth, as of January 9, 2023, is estimated at $16 million, making him one of the richest sports stars in Malaysia.

Lee’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. He made his Olympic debut at the 2008 games in Beijing, where he earned a silver medal. In 2012, he secured the silver medal again before winning the bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In addition to his Olympic success, Lee has also won numerous other titles, including eight Malaysia Open titles and three All-England Open crowns. He also won gold in both the men’s singles and mixed team events at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, making him a true badminton legend.

Lee’s remarkable success in badminton can be attributed to his hard work and dedication. He started playing the sport at age 11 and was drafted to the national team at age 17. Over the years, he has honed his skills to become one of the most technically gifted players in the game. His speed, agility, and powerful smashes on the court have earned him many fans. His ability to compete at the highest level for many years is a testament to his resilience and determination.

In 2012, Lee married his teammate Wong Mew Choo, and they welcomed a son, Kingston, in 2013

Nicol David

Malaysia boasts some of the world’s richest and most successful athletes, and Nicol David is one of them.

Born on August 26, 1983, David is a female professional squash player who has won multiple gold medals in the World Games and the Asian Games. With a net worth of $5 million as of January 9, 2023, she is considered one of the greatest squash players of all time.

David’s squash career began when she was just five years old, and her talent was quickly recognised by her coach Ee Phoeh Hoon at the Bukit Dumbar Squash Centre. Then representing her home state of Penang, along with her sisters, and achieved her first national-level victory at the Milo-Dunlop Sport National Junior Interstate Championship in 1992. Since then, she has won multiple titles and achieved numerous milestones in her career.

In August 2006, David became the world number one in squash, a position she held for a record-breaking 108 consecutive months. She has also won the World Open title a record eight times and the British Open title five times. Her achievements have earned her numerous awards, including the WSA Player of the Year on no less than seven occasions.

She took the accolade of greatest woman player in a poll by the Professional Squash Association (PSA).

David was no stranger to the Squash Championship, which she has won a record nine times, and a 13-month, 51-match winning streak from March 2006 until April 2007. In addition, she won the World Junior Squash Championships twice, in 1999 and 2001, becoming the youngest woman to win the title at the age of 15.

In 2014, David produced one of the sport’s greatest comebacks, collecting her 8th Championship title.

As one of the richest Malaysian athletes, Nicol David has an estimated net worth of $5 million and has made a name for herself as one of the greatest squash players of all time, holding a record-breaking 108 consecutive months as the world number one in her sport.

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