Retiring on 21 February 2023 at the age of 39, Mohd Safee Mohd Sali concluded a professional career defined by his status as a prolific forward for both Malaysian and Indonesian clubs. He secured his place in regional sports history as the first Malaysian player to compete in the Indonesian Super League, eventually recording 180 total goals in club play.
Early Development and Domestic Clubs
Born on 29 January 1984 in Kajang, Safee attended SMK Cochrane before beginning his senior association football career. His early path included stints with Kuala Lumpur FA, where he scored 11 goals in his first season, and a loan spell at Telekom Melaka. Following a period with Sarawak FA, where he netted 19 goals across all competitions during the 2005/06 season, he moved to Selangor FA. At Selangor, he donned the number 10 jersey and contributed to two Malaysia Cup final appearances, establishing himself as a significant local goalscorer before seeking international experience.
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In February 2011, Safee transferred to the Indonesian club Pelita Jaya for a USD 30,000 fee. His move marked the first time a Malaysian athlete participated in the Indonesian Super League. Despite initial registration challenges requiring him to wear the number 55 shirt, he later reclaimed his preferred number 10 and was appointed club captain in October 2011. His time in Indonesia proved productive, highlighted by a four-goal match against Gresik United and a season-ending tally of 20 league goals.
International Performance and Later Career
Safee represented the Malaysia national team from 2006 to 2017, earning 76 caps and scoring 23 goals. His most notable international achievement was winning the 2010 AFF Championship, where he consistently performed across multiple editions of the tournament. Following a return to Malaysia to join Johor Darul Ta'zim, where he participated in a 2015 AFC Cup victory, he played for PKNS, Perlis, and PJ City. He concluded his career with Kuala Lumpur City, winning the 2015 Malaysia Cup and reaching a second AFC Cup final in 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 29 January 1984, Kajang
- Primary Position: Forward
- International Caps: 76
- International Goals: 23
- Total Club Goals: 180
- Retirement Date: 21 February 2023
- Education: SMK Cochrane
- Religion: Islam
Questions readers ask
Was Safee the first Malaysian to play in the Indonesian Super League?
Yes, he became the first Malaysian player to compete in the league upon transferring to Pelita Jaya in 2011.
How many total goals did Safee score in club football?
He scored a total of 180 goals, comprising 153 for Malaysian League clubs and 27 for Indonesian League clubs.
