The Malaysia national soccer team, known as Harimau Malaya, has a rich history in Southeast Asian football. The team is governed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and has been a member of FIFA since 1954. The national team has been a staple in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) competitions and has participated in various international tournaments.

History and Major Successes

• Early Years and Regional Competitions: The team made its first official appearance in 1953. Malaysia has been a regular participant in the AFF Championship and the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
• 1980 Summer Olympics: Malaysia qualified for the Olympics in Moscow, but boycotted the event due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
• Merlion Cup and Pestabola Merdeka: The team enjoyed success in the 1970s and 1980s, winning the Merlion Cup and the Pestabola Merdeka, a friendly tournament hosted by Malaysia.
• 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship: One of the few occasions where Malaysia qualified for a FIFA tournament at the youth level, hosting the event as well.
• 2010 AFF Championship: Malaysia won its first AFF Suzuki Cup (now AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup) by defeating Indonesia in the finals, marking a significant achievement in the team's history.

Notable Players

• Mokhtar Dahari: Often regarded as one of Malaysia's greatest players, Dahari was known for his speed and goal-scoring ability during the 1970s and 1980s.
• Soh Chin Aun: A legendary defender known as "The Towkay," he was a key figure in Malaysia’s defense and played a significant role in the team's successes in the 1970s.
• Safee Sali: A modern-day hero for Malaysian football, he played a pivotal role in the 2010 AFF Championship victory.

Notable Coaches

• K. Rajagobal: As the head coach, he led the team to its historic victory in the 2010 AFF Championship, becoming a celebrated figure in Malaysian football.
• Datuk K. Ghani Minhat: Known as the "Raja Bola," he contributed both as a player and a coach, influencing Malaysian soccer throughout his career.

The Malaysia national team continues to strive for improvement and success on both regional and international stages, with a passionate fan base supporting their journey.