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Top 10 Football Superstars Aging Gracefully in Southeast Asia: Including a Messi Idol

On the occasion of Indonesia's generous investment of 5 million dollars to invite the reigning champions of Argentina for a friendly match on home soil, let's take a look at the most famous names who have set foot in the Vietnamese, Thai, Malaysian, and Indonesian leagues.
Frank Merino
By: Frank Merino

From the 1990s to the present day, despite Southeast Asian football being considered as "village-level," clubs in the region have shown great enthusiasm in inviting European veterans to their teams.

EL HADJI DIOUF | Sabah (Malaysia)

El Hadji Diouf, the talented yet controversial Senegalese striker, made a name for himself in France before being recruited by Liverpool for a hefty fee of £10 million. Despite high expectations, his time at the Merseyside club was marred by on and off-field controversies, most notably the incident where he spat at a Celtic fan in 2003.

In late 2014, Diouf joined Malaysia's Sabah FC and was immediately appointed as the team captain. However, his penchant for trouble followed him as he openly praised Sabah's rival, Johor Darul, before deciding to retire just one year later.

Despite his turbulent career, Diouf's presence in the Malaysian league generated significant attention and excitement. Fans were eager to witness the skills and flair that had once captivated audiences in Europe. While his time at Sabah may have been short-lived, it undoubtedly left an indelible mark on both the club and the Malaysian football scene.

El Hadji Diouf's journey to Sabah serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where a player's reputation and past accomplishments can both inspire and raise concerns. The Malaysian fans had hoped for a footballing spectacle, but instead, they experienced a complex character whose actions both fascinated and frustrated.

As we reflect on Diouf's time in Malaysia, we are reminded of the diverse personalities and stories that shape the beautiful game. Football continues to be a sport where talents from all corners of the world come together, sometimes resulting in unexpected and captivating narratives. Stay tuned to Betimate for more intriguing football stories and updates from around the globe.

CARLTON COLE | Persib Bandung (Indonesia)

Following the successful signing of Michael Essien, Persib Bandung made headlines once again by bringing in former Chelsea striker, Carlton Cole. However, just four months after joining the club, the English forward had his contract terminated. Cole failed to find the back of the net in all five appearances and delivered underwhelming performances on the field.

In an interview regarding his dismissal, Cole expressed, "I didn't enjoy the antics here." It was evident that the striker struggled to adapt to the playing style and environment at Persib Bandung, which ultimately affected his form and contribution to the team.

Carlton Cole's stint at Persib Bandung serves as a reminder that the transition to a new club and league can be challenging even for experienced players. It highlights the importance of factors such as cultural adaptation, tactical compatibility, and team dynamics in determining a player's success.

While Cole's time in Indonesia may have been short-lived and lacked the impact many had hoped for, it is a testament to the ambition of clubs in Southeast Asia to attract high-profile names and elevate the quality of football in the region. Persib Bandung's efforts to secure the services of players like Cole demonstrate their determination to make a mark in the footballing world.

MICHAEL ESSIEN | Persib Bandung (Indonesia)

After being voted the best player in Ligue 1 in the 2004-2005 season and being nominated for FIFA awards, Michael Essien was acquired by Chelsea for a then-record fee of £24.4 million, making him the most expensive African footballer at the time.

Over the next nine years, the Ghanaian midfielder made a total of 256 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 25 goals and providing 18 assists. He won a remarkable nine different trophies with the club, solidifying his status as one of the key figures in Chelsea's success during that era.

Towards the end of his career, Essien decided to embark on a new adventure by joining Persib Bandung in Indonesia, becoming the highest-paid player in the league. His move to Persib Bandung was met with great excitement and anticipation from Indonesian football fans, who were eager to witness the talents of a player of Essien's caliber in their domestic league.

Essien's arrival in Indonesia brought a wave of attention and raised the profile of Indonesian football on the global stage. His experience, skill, and leadership qualities were expected to contribute significantly to the development of the game in the country.

Although his time at Persib Bandung was relatively short-lived, Essien left a lasting impact on the team and the league as a whole. His professionalism and dedication to the sport were evident in his performances on the field, as well as his commitment to engaging with fans and embracing the local culture.

While the expectations on Essien to single-handedly transform the Indonesian football landscape were understandably high, it is important to recognize that football is a team sport, and the success of a club or league cannot solely rely on the presence of one player. Essien's contribution went beyond his individual performances, as he played a crucial role in raising the standard and professionalism of the game in Indonesia.

The signing of Michael Essien by Persib Bandung represented a significant milestone for Indonesian football, showcasing the league's ambition to attract top talents from around the world. It also served as an inspiration for young Indonesian players, who had the opportunity to learn from and compete against a footballing legend.

PABLO AIMAR | Johor Darul Ta'zim (Malaysia)

Pablo Aimar, a player admired by Messi, had a successful career as a creative midfielder. After eight seasons and 215 appearances in La Liga for Valencia and Real Zaragoza, Aimar joined Benfica, where he won a total of nine titles with these three clubs.

The former River Plate player signed a contract with Johor Darul Ta'zim in 2013 and became the highest-paid player in the history of the Malaysian league. His arrival generated tremendous excitement among Malaysian football fans, who were eager to witness the skills and artistry of a player of Aimar's caliber.

Unfortunately, a series of injuries limited Aimar's playing time, as he made only eight appearances for Johor Darul Ta'zim. Despite the setbacks, Aimar's impact on the team was evident, and his contributions played a part in securing the league title that season.

Aimar bid farewell to the club shortly after winning the championship, as he made the difficult decision to move on from professional football. Although his time in Malaysia was short-lived, his presence left a lasting impression on the league and the fans who had the privilege of witnessing his skills on the pitch.

Pablo Aimar's stint at Johor Darul Ta'zim showcased the club's ambition to attract top talents from around the world and elevate the standard of football in Malaysia. Despite the challenges he faced with injuries, Aimar's reputation as a highly skilled and creative midfielder remained intact, and his influence on the development of the game in Malaysia cannot be overlooked.

ROGER MILLA | Madura United & Putra Samarinda (Indonesia)

Roger Milla, the former striker of Monaco and Saint-Etienne, captivated the world's attention when he scored four goals at the 1990 World Cup at the age of 38, helping Cameroon become the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of the global football tournament.

Four years later, at the age of 42, he set the record as the oldest goal scorer in World Cup history by finding the back of the net against Russia.

In the twilight years of his career, Milla found himself playing football in Indonesia, where he represented Pelita Jaya and Putra Samarinda. Despite his advanced age, Milla showcased his remarkable skills and goal-scoring prowess. In just 35 appearances, he scored an impressive total of 41 goals for the two clubs.

Milla's presence in Indonesian football was a testament to his enduring passion for the game and his desire to continue competing at a high level. His contributions not only elevated the quality of play in the Indonesian league but also inspired young players and fans alike.

Throughout his illustrious career, Milla showcased his ability to defy age and expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the football world. His achievements on the global stage, particularly at the World Cup, solidified his status as one of the most remarkable players of his generation.

ROBBIE FOWLER | Muangthong United (Thailand)

Robbie Fowler, the legendary English striker, instilled fear in the hearts of defenders during his time at Liverpool. With 128 goals in 266 appearances for the Merseyside club, he played a pivotal role in Liverpool's treble-winning season in 2001 and is ranked eighth on the all-time Premier League top scorers list.

In July 2011, Fowler made a surprising move by signing with Muangthong United in Thailand. Not only did he join the club as a player, but he also took on the additional responsibility of being the team's head coach after Henrique Calisto was dismissed. Fowler made 13 appearances for Muangthong United, scoring two goals before eventually returning to England and retiring from professional football.

Fowler's arrival in Thai football caused a stir and generated tremendous excitement among fans. His wealth of experience and goal-scoring prowess added a new level of quality to the league, and his presence served as an inspiration for aspiring young players in Thailand. Fowler's contributions on and off the pitch left a lasting impact on the development of football in the country.

Throughout his career, Fowler was known for his clinical finishing, intelligent movement off the ball, and his ability to score goals from various positions on the field. He was a true icon of the game, admired not only for his skills but also for his professionalism and dedication.

MARIO KEMPES | Madura United (Indonesia)

Mario Kempes, the hero of Argentina's 1978 World Cup triumph with his brace against the Netherlands in the final, completed his remarkable campaign by winning both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot. He also achieved success at the club level, securing the La Liga top scorer title twice with Valencia.

As a legendary figure in Argentine football, Kempes was recognized by FIFA as one of the 125 greatest players of all time. He had a brief stint as a player-coach for Pelita Jaya (now known as Madura United) in the 1995-96 season, where he showcased his skills and leadership. Kempes made 18 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals before retiring from professional football.

Kempes' presence in Indonesian football brought immense excitement and prestige to the league. His experience, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess added a new dimension to the game, inspiring both fans and aspiring young players alike. The opportunity to witness such a legendary figure on the pitch was a rare and cherished experience for Indonesian football enthusiasts.

Throughout his career, Kempes was known for his powerful and accurate shooting, exceptional dribbling skills, and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His contributions to the sport extended beyond his playing days, as he continued to be involved in various capacities, including punditry and coaching.

DENILSON | Hai Phong FC (Vietnam)

Denilson, a player who once broke the world transfer record when he joined Real Betis for £21.5 million in 1998 and became a World Cup champion with the Brazilian national team in 2002, had a career that was not without its challenges at the club level.

After stints in Spain, France, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, Denilson chose Hai Phong FC in Vietnam as his final destination in his football journey. He made an immediate impact by scoring a sensational free-kick goal in his debut match against Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL). However, his time at the club was short-lived as he suffered a severe injury just three weeks later, which forced him to depart from the team.

Despite the setbacks, Denilson's presence in Vietnamese football brought excitement and international recognition to the league. His experience, skill, and flair on the pitch inspired both his teammates and local fans, leaving a lasting impression in the minds of Vietnamese football enthusiasts.

Following his time in Vietnam, Denilson sought another opportunity to continue his playing career and decided to venture to Greece, where he joined Kavala FC before eventually retiring from professional football.

DANI GUIZA | Johor Darul Ta'zim (Malaysia)

Dani Guiza, the Spanish "sharpshooter," once claimed the prestigious La Liga Golden Boot in the 2007/08 season while playing for Mallorca. His impressive tally of 27 goals surpassed the likes of Luis Fabiano, Sergio Aguero, Raul, and David Villa. Over the course of eight seasons in the top-flight of Spanish football, Guiza netted 52 goals in 141 appearances.

In November 2012, he made a move to Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta'zim on loan, leaving a lasting impression with his performances. Guiza found the back of the net 8 times in just 13 appearances, showcasing his clinical finishing and predatory instincts.

Despite now being 42 years old, the former Spanish international continues to pursue his passion for the game. Currently, he competes in the third tier of Spanish football, playing for Sanluqueno. Guiza's dedication to the sport is evident as he continues to showcase his skills and contribute to his team's success.

DAVID ROCASTLE | Sabah FA (Malaysia)

David Rocastle, a true legend of Arsenal, graced the North London club with his presence in 228 appearances over a decade of unwavering commitment. He played a vital role in Arsenal's success under the management of George Graham. However, in a surprising turn of events, Rocastle was unexpectedly sold to Leeds in 1992, and just six years later, he made the decision to move to Sabah FA in Malaysia on a free transfer.

Unfortunately, Rocastle's career at Sabah FA was plagued by knee injuries, limiting his opportunities on the field. Eventually, these injuries forced him to retire from professional football at the end of 1999.

Tragically, in January 2001, Rocastle confirmed that he had been diagnosed with cancer, and just two months later, at the age of 33, he passed away. The football world mourned the loss of a talented player and a beloved figure known for his skill, passion, and unwavering dedication to the beautiful game.

David Rocastle's legacy extends beyond his on-pitch achievements. He was an inspiration to many, both on and off the field, and his impact on the footballing community will always be remembered.

Indonesia's Football Association (PSSI) has made a bold move by inviting the Argentine national team to Jakarta for a friendly match during the FIFA Days in June 2023. This presents an opportunity for Argentina to play in Asia, and they have considered several offers before accepting Indonesia's invitation.

According to reliable sources from TyC Sports, the Albiceleste will face the Australian national team in China on June 15th. Following that match, they will have a friendly encounter with Indonesia on either June 18th or 19th.

While Argentina has announced their specific schedule, Indonesia has not officially confirmed this special friendly match yet. If successful, Indonesia will become the first Southeast Asian national team to compete against the reigning World Cup champions.

In order to secure the participation of Argentina's top stars, including Lionel Messi, PSSI had to allocate a budget of 5 million USD (equivalent to 117 billion VND). Vivin Cahyani, a member of the PSSI Executive Committee (Exco), stated that this is a reasonable investment.

Above are the top 10 legendary footballers who have aged gracefully in Southeast Asia. Feel free to add or share your opinions, and make sure to visit Betimate regularly for more interesting football and sports news updates.

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Frank Merino
Written by: Frank Merino
Frank Merino is a writer for Betimate.com, providing non-stop analysis and opinions on all things football. Since 2018, I have started writing football analysis articles on the internet and predicting and recommending prestigious football bets for users around the world.

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