A total of 89 goals in 142 international appearances established Mokhtar Dahari as the premier forward in Malaysian football history. Known to fans by the nickname Supermokh, he emerged from humble origins in Selangor to dominate the domestic league and represent his country for over a decade, eventually holding the world record for men's international goals for nearly 24 years.
Early Development and Domestic Success
Born on 13 November 1953 in Setapak, Selangor, Dahari grew up in a household supported by his father, a lorry driver. After moving to Kampung Pandan in Kuala Lumpur at age 11, he attended Victoria Institution, where he refined his football skills. He joined Selangor and immediately made an impact, becoming the club's top scorer in his debut season. His dedication to the team was absolute; he played for Selangor from 1972 until 1986, winning ten Malaysia Cup titles and scoring 177 goals. Beyond his main club, he also participated in the FAM Cup and Selangor League representing teams such as Kwong Yik Bank, PKNS, and Talasco.
International Dominance
Dahari made his international debut for Malaysia in 1972 at age 19 against Sri Lanka. He became a fixture for the national side, helping the team secure bronze in the 1974 Asian Games and consecutive gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games in 1977 and 1979. His scoring prowess peaked in 1980 when he reached 85 international goals, surpassing the record previously held by Ferenc Puskás. During a 1975 friendly match, he netted both goals in a 2-0 victory against Arsenal, an achievement that generated interest from Real Madrid. He declined the transfer, citing his commitment to Selangor.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Retirement and Coaching
After announcing his retirement in May 1986, Dahari presented his number 10 jersey to the club president. He briefly returned to the pitch in January 1987 for one final season. As physical injuries limited his playing time, he transitioned into coaching. He served as a player-coach for Kwong Yik Bank and mentored younger talent within the Selangor system, including future executive Roshan Thiran. During this period, he also collaborated with Reduan Abdullah to document his professional career.
Final Years and Legacy
Dahari married Tengku Zarina Tengku Ibrahim in 1979, and the couple had three children: Nur Azera, Mohd Reza, and Nur Arina. Before his professional football career reached its height, he worked at PKNS and later for Kwong Yik Bank, now known as RHB Bank. In his final years, he suffered from motor neurone disease, a condition he kept private while seeking treatment in London. He died on 11 July 1991 at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur and was buried at Taman Keramat Permai Muslim Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 November 1953, Selangor
- Died: 11 July 1991, Kuala Lumpur
- Nickname: Supermokh
- International goals: 89
- Malaysia Cup titles: 10
- World Soccer Best Asian Striker: 1976
- Religion: Islam
- Burial place: Taman Keramat Permai Muslim Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Why did Mokhtar Dahari turn down an offer from Real Madrid?
He declined the move due to his patriotism and dedication to his home club, Selangor.
What was the cause of Mokhtar Dahari's death?
He died from motor neurone disease, though his death was also linked to muscular dystrophy in historical reports.
How many international goals did he score?
He scored 89 goals in 142 matches against national 'A' teams.
