Safawi Rasid: The Journey of a Malaysian Football Star
Safawi Rasid has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in Malaysian football, known for his technical skill and a lethal left foot. From his early days in regional academies to competing on the continental stage, Safawi's career is a testament to talent and perseverance.
Youth Career and Early Development
Safawi's journey began with the T-Team football academy, an initiative established by head coach Jibang Marzuki across six Terengganu cities: Dungun, Marang, Besut, Kemaman, Setiu, and Kuala Terengganu. Joining the Dungun branch at just 15 years old, Safawi quickly became a mainstay in the first-eleven. Initially playing as a central midfielder, he gained a reputation for his powerful long-range shots.
Recognizing his potential, his manager encouraged his commitment to training, and Safawi went on to represent Terengganu in the MSSM (Majlis Sukan Sekolah Malaysia) tournaments annually. At 16, he moved 66 kilometers away from home to attend Sekolah Sukan Bukit Nenas to further refine his skills. His standout performances in the Sports School League caught the eye of T-Team coach Rahmad Darmawan, who integrated him into the first team.
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Professional Breakthrough with T-Team
Safawi's transition to professional football happened rapidly. At the age of 17, he made his official professional debut on August 13, 2014, appearing in a Malaysia Cup match against Selangor.
Rise to Prominence at Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT)
In December 2016, Safawi signed with the champions, Johor Darul Ta'zim, where he was assigned the number 29 jersey. This move marked the beginning of a highly successful period in his career.
The 2017 Season
Safawi's debut for JDT began on January 27, 2017, in a 3–1 victory over Felda United. He also gained international experience on February 7, 2017, featuring in the AFC Champions League qualifying play-offs against Gamba Osaka. He scored his first Malaysian Super League goal for the club on July 15, 2017, against Sarawak. By the end of the year, he earned medals in both the Malaysia Super League and the Malaysia Cup, contributing to JDT's fourth consecutive league title.
2018 and 2019: Continental Recognition
The 2018 season saw Safawi's scoring ability flourish. He netted a hat-trick against UiTM in the Malaysia FA Cup on March 17 and scored a notable goal against Persija Jakarta during the AFC Cup group stage. In 2019, Safawi achieved global recognition when he scored a stunning curler against the Chinese club Shandong Luneng in the AFC Champions League, which earned him the AFC Goal of the Decade award.
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European Venture and Return to Malaysia
Seeking to test himself in Europe, Safawi joined the Portuguese Primeira Liga club Portimonense on a season-long loan. However, the stint was challenging; he debuted for the U-23 side on October 16, 2020, against Sporting CP U23, but due to a lack of first-team playing time, the loan was cut short in December 2020.
Upon returning to JDT in 2021, he scored in the Piala Sumbangsih against Kedah on March 5. Unfortunately, a knee injury sustained in the following match against UiTM sidelined him for three months. He bounced back in 2022, recording 4 goals and 6 assists in 26 appearances, including a vital assist for Bergson in a 2–1 win over Ulsan Hyundai in the AFC Champions League.
Loan Spells and Career Resurgence
Safawi spent the latter part of his JDT tenure on various loan assignments to regain form and experience different leagues:
- Ratchaburi: Joined the Thai League 1 side on December 4, 2022. He scored his first goal for the club on March 19, 2023, in a victory over Chonburi.
- Terengganu: Returning to his roots on February 12, 2024, Safawi enjoyed a prolific spell, scoring 18 goals and providing 4 assists in 36 appearances.
- Kuala Lumpur City: Joining on July 2, 2025, Safawi saw a significant return to form. He scored 13 goals in 23 matches, becoming the league's top local goalscorer and the joint-third top overall scorer. His contributions helped KL City climb to second place in the Malaysia Super League.
On July 4, 2026, Safawi signed with Kuching City alongside teammate Nazmi Faiz to help the club prepare for the ASEAN Club Championship and the AFC Champions League Two.
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Key Facts
- AFC Honor: Winner of the AFC Goal of the Decade for his strike against Shandong Luneng.
- Early Start: Joined the T-Team Academy at age 15 in Dungun.
- League Success: Won the Malaysia Super League and Malaysia Cup with JDT in 2017.
- Local Scoring Record: Became the top local goalscorer in the league during his loan at KL City (13 goals).
- International Experience: Played in the Portuguese Primeira Liga (Portimonense) and Thai League 1 (Ratchaburi).
Career Summary Table
| Period/Year | Club/Team | Key Achievement/Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | T-Team | Professional debut at age 17 |
| 2017 | Johor Darul Ta'zim | First MSL and Malaysia Cup medals |
| 2019 | Johor Darul Ta'zim | AFC Goal of the Decade |
| 2020 | Portimonense | Loan spell in Portugal |
| 2023 | Ratchaburi | First Thai League 1 goal |
| 2024 | Terengganu | Scored 18 goals in 36 appearances |
| 2025-26 | KL City | Top local goalscorer (13 goals) |
| 2026 | Kuching City | Joined for AFC Champions League Two |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which award did Safawi Rasid win for his goal against Shandong Luneng?
Safawi Rasid won the AFC Goal of the Decade for the curling goal he scored against the Chinese club Shandong Luneng during the 2019 AFC Champions League group stages.
How did Safawi start his football journey?
He began at the T-Team Football Club Academy in Dungun at age 15, where he played as a central midfielder and was noted for his long-range left-footed shots.
Did Safawi play in Europe?
Yes, he joined the Portuguese Primeira Liga club Portimonense on a season-long loan in 2020, though he primarily featured for the U-23 side before the loan was cut short.
What was his achievement during his loan at Kuala Lumpur City?
Safawi became the league's top local goalscorer with 13 goals in 23 matches, helping the team reach second place in the Malaysia Super League.
Which clubs has Safawi played for on loan?
Safawi has had loan spells at Portimonense (Portugal), Ratchaburi (Thailand), Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur City, and Kuching City.