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Zaquan Adha
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Mohamad Zaquan Adha bin Abd. Radzak (born 3 August 1987) is a Malaysian former professional footballer who played as a forward.
Key Information
Personal life
[edit]He is the younger of a set of twins; his brother Aidil Zafuan is also a footballer.[2]
Club career
[edit]Negeri Sembilan FA
[edit]Zaquan started representing the Negeri Sembilan FA football team in the 2004 SUKMA Games. He with his twin brother won the gold medal in the 2004 SUKMA Games football competition. In the 2005–06 season, he and his brother were promoted into the senior team, and Negeri Sembilan also won their first Malaysia Super League title.
His contract with Negeri Sembilan was scheduled to end at the end of the 2008 season. Zaquan and his brother had been attracting interest from several Slovakian top league clubs. He had confirmed that he and his brother would sign a contract with an unnamed Slovak Corgoň Liga team after the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup. However, he and Aidil remained with Negeri Sembilan.[3]
Malaysian Armed Forces
[edit]In December 2011, it was announced that Zaquan signed a contract with the Malaysia Premier League team, Malaysian Armed Forces FA. He has helped the club win the 2012 Malaysia Premier League title and reach the 2012 Malaysia Cup final before losing to Kelantan 3–2.
Johor Darul Ta'zim
[edit]For the 2013 season, Zaquan joined the rebranded club Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C. along with his twin brother.[4] He suffered an ACL injury on April and left out for the rest of the season.[5]
Johor Darul Ta'zim II
[edit]On 9 November 2013, it was announced that Zaquan was demoted to Johor Darul Ta'zim II in the Malaysia Premier League after one season playing for Johor Darul Ta'zim.
Perak TBG
[edit]On 21 December 2016, Zaquan signed a one-year contract with Malaysia Super League club Perak.[6] He scored his first goal for his new club in a 2–2 draw against Felda United. He then converted a penalty against Selangor FA in a 1–0 victory against the Red Giants.
Kuala Lumpur
[edit]On 5 December 2017, Zaquan signed a contract with newly promoted side Kuala Lumpur.[7] He made his debut and scored his first goal for the club in a dramatic 4–3 victory against Kedah FA. He scored his second goal for the club in a dramatic Klang Valley Derby during the 2018 Malaysia FA Cup quarter finals. Despite KL winning 3–0, they eventually lost on penalties (8–7).
Negeri Sembilan
[edit]It was reported by the Malaysian news site Utusan Malaysia that Zaquan has signed for Negeri Sembilan in December 2020.[8] Negeri Sembilan is a rebrand club of Negeri Sembilan FA football team, the team which he played his first professional football for. He played a major part in 2021 season with 7 league goals in 16 appearances as Negeri Sembilan were promoted to the Malaysia Super League at the end of the season as champions.[9]
On 14 March 2024, Zaquan announced his retirement from football.[10]
International career
[edit]Youth
[edit]Zaquan has been representing Malaysia since he was 14 years old, with his twin brother Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak. He was part of the Malaysia youth squad for 2004 AFC Youth Championship. He was then called up by coach K. Rajagopal in the 2006 AFC Youth Championship qualifier against Myanmar. He scored 2 goals in the qualifier to take Malaysia into their second appearance in a row to the 2006 AFC Youth Championship held in India. However, he didn't make it into the tournament because of an injury.
Malaysia U23
[edit]Zaquan was called up by Malaysia U23 national coach B. Sathianathan during the 2008 Olympic games qualifier fourth group match against Hong Kong, after he recovered from an injury. During the 2007 Merdeka Tournament, Zaquan scored 3 goals, one of them in the final against Myanmar. Malaysia beat Myanmar 3–1 and took the trophy for the first time since last winning it in 1993. He was then chosen for the 2007 Southeast Asian Games. Malaysia however failed to advanced after a draw against rivals Singapore. Zaquan was called up again by national coach K.Rajagobal for 2009 Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane, Laos. The national U-23 side won gold medal for the first time after 20 years since the team won it in 1989.
Senior
[edit]Zaquan made his senior debut against Bahrain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier on 2007. Malaysia lost their first match of the qualifier 4–1 before drawing 0–0 at Shah Alam. He was a regular with the national team from 2008 until 2010 and have played in 2008 AFF Cup and 2011 Asian Cup qualifiers in 2009. He missed the 2010 and 2012 AFF Cup due to an injury. He return to the national team in 2016 under Ong Kim Swee and listed for the 2016 AFF Cup.
On 24 March 2018, he was called up by Tan Cheng Hoe and selected as the captain for the match against Lebanon in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, where Malaysia lost 2–1. In the friendly match against Bhutan, he scored 4 goals in the 7–0 victory, ending Malaysia's 2 years and 12 games winless run. He was chosen as captain for the Malaysian team in their AFF Cup 2018 campaign where Malaysia finish as the runners up.
Zaquan also represented the Malaysia XI against European league team who did a tour to Asia such as Chelsea in 2008 and Manchester United in 2009.
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | Malaysia Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Negeri Sembilan | 2005-06 | Malaysia Super League | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | |||||
| 2006-07 | Malaysia Super League | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3[a] | 0 | 2 | |||||
| 2007-08 | Malaysia Super League | 11 | 1 | 3 | – | 15 | ||||||
| 2009 | Malaysia Super League | 11 | 2 | 10 | – | 23 | ||||||
| 2010 | Malaysia Super League | 7 | 7 | 0 | – | 14 | ||||||
| 2011 | Malaysia Super League | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | 5 | 0 | ||
| Total | 29 | 11 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 54 | ||||||
| ATM | 2012 | Malaysia Premier League | 20 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 | – | 31 | 4 | |
| Total | 20 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 | – | 31 | 4 | |||
| Johor Darul Ta'zim | 2013 | Malaysia Super League | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 8 | 0 | |
| Total | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 8 | 0 | |||
| Johor Darul Ta'zim II | 2014 | Malaysia Premier League | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 1[b] | 1 | 12 | 3 |
| 2015 | Malaysia Premier League | 20 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 1[c] | 0 | 30 | 5 | |
| 2016 | Malaysia Premier League | 22 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | – | 26 | 9 | ||
| Total | 47 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 15 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 68 | 17 | ||
| Perak | 2017 | Malaysia Super League | 21 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0 | – | 32 | 2 | |
| Total | 21 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0 | – | 32 | 2 | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | 2018 | Malaysia Super League | 14 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 1 | – | 24 | 4 | |
| Total | 14 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 1 | – | 24 | 4 | |||
| Kedah | 2019 | Malaysia Super League | 21 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 1 | – | 35 | 5 | |
| 2020 | Malaysia Super League | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1[d] | 0 | 8 | 0 | |
| Total | 28 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 43 | 5 | ||
| Negeri Sembilan | 2021 | Malaysia Premier League | 16 | 7 | – | 1 | 0 | – | 17 | 7 | ||
| 2022 | Malaysia Super League | 20 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | – | 25 | 2 | ||
| 2023 | Malaysia Super League | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 9 | 1 | ||
| Total | 43 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 1 | – | 51 | 10 | |||
| Career Total | 59 | 14 | 22 | 6 | 1 | 96 | ||||||
- ^ Appearances in 2007 AFC Cup.
- ^ Appearances in 2014 Malaysia Cup play-off.
- ^ Appearances in 2015 Malaysia Cup play-off.
- ^ Appearances in 2020 AFC Champions League preliminary.
International
[edit]| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | 2007 | 2 | 0 |
| 2008 | 11 | 2 | |
| 2009 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2010 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 14 | 8 | |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 49 | 12 | |
International goals
[edit]- Scores and results list Malaysia's goal tally first.[14]
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 10 October 2008 | Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 2–0 | 4–1 | Friendly | |
| 2. | 20 October 2008 | Petaling Jaya Stadium, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia | 2–0 | 6–0 | 2008 Merdeka Tournament | |
| 3. | 11 September 2009 | Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 1–0 | 5–0 | Friendly | |
| 4. | 14 November 2009 | Buxoro Arena, Tashkent, Uzbekistan | 1–3 | 1–3 | 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification | |
| 30 December 2009 | Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 3–1 | 4–1 | Friendly1 | ||
| 5. | 1 April 2018 | Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 2–0 | 7–0 | Friendly | |
| 6. | 4–0 | |||||
| 7. | 5–0 | |||||
| 8. | 6–0 | |||||
| 9. | 3 November 2018 | Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 1–0 | 3–0 | Friendly | |
| 10. | 12 November 2018 | Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2018 AFF Championship | |
| 11. | 24 November 2018 | Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 2–0 | 3–0 | 2018 AFF Championship | |
| 12. | 3–0 |
1 Not FIFA 'A' International match.
Honours
[edit]Club
[edit]Negeri Sembilan
- Sukma Games: 2004
- Malaysia Super League: 2005-06
- Malaysia Premier League: 2021
- Malaysia Cup: 2009, 2011
- Malaysia FA Cup: 2010
ATM
- Malaysia Premier League: 2012
- Kedah
International
[edit]- Malaysia U-18
- Lion City Cup: 2005
- Malaysia U-23
- Malaysia
- AFF Championship runner-up: 2018
Individual
[edit]- FAM Football Awards Best Young Players: 2006-07
References
[edit]- ^ "Zaquan Adha". Archived from the original on 16 December 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "Aidil Zafuan". Official website of Johor Darul Ta'zim FC. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
- ^ Aidil, Zaquan Kekal Bersama N.Sembilan[permanent dead link] (in Malay)
- ^ "Zaquan sarung jersi Johor". Utusan Online. 9 November 2013. Archived from the original on 17 December 2017. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
- ^ ZAQUAN ADHA EXPECTS HIS FIRST APPEARANCE FOR JDT II VERY SOON - Johor Darul Ta'zim, 17 April 2014.
- ^ "Bekas pemain JDT Zaquan Adha sertai pasukan Bos Gaurus". Astro Awani. 21 December 2016.
- ^ "Zaquan tekad ulangi era gemilang KL". Berita Harian. 6 December 2017.
- ^ "Zaquan kembali ke Negeri Sembilan". Utusan Malaysia. 11 December 2020.
- ^ Kapten Kembar Cipta Sejarah Unik Julang Piala Buat Pasukan - Makan Bola, 22 September 2021.
- ^ "Zaquan Adha umum bersara dengan linangan air mata". Sinar Harian (in Malay). 14 March 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
- ^ "Zaquan Adha". Soccerway.com. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ^ MOHAMAD ZAQUAN ADHA ABD RADZAK - Malaysian Football League.
- ^ Malaysia - Record International Players - RSSSF.
- ^ a b "Abdul Radzak, Mohd Zaquan Adha". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
- ^ Malaysia AFF squad international caps and goals
External links
[edit]Zaquan Adha
View on GrokipediaEarly life and youth career
Early life
Zaquan Adha, whose full name is Mohamad Zaquan Adha bin Abdul Radzak, was born on 3 August 1987 in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.[7][8] He is the identical twin brother of Mohamad Aidil Zafuan bin Abdul Radzak, a fellow professional footballer who also pursued a career in the sport. The brothers shared their early years in Seremban, a town with a strong local football culture that likely influenced their mutual interest in the game from a young age.[7] Standing at a height of 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches), Zaquan Adha possessed a balanced physique suitable for his eventual role as a forward, aiding his agility and positioning on the field during his developmental years.[7] This physical attribute, combined with his twin's similar build, supported their parallel paths in athletic pursuits within their hometown environment.Youth career
Zaquan Adha began his structured football development at the Bukit Jalil Sports School, enrolling there from 2001 to 2003. The school's intensive training program emphasized technical proficiency, physical fitness, and tactical understanding, allowing him to refine his skills as a versatile midfielder and striker capable of contributing in both defensive transitions and attacking phases.[9] In 2004, Adha joined the Negeri Sembilan U-19 team, making his debut at the 2004 SUKMA Games, where he played a key role in the squad's gold medal victory as the host state. His time with the U-19 side from 2004 to 2005 showcased his early positional versatility, switching between midfield and forward roles, and highlighted his goal-scoring prowess in youth tournaments, including initial exposure to international youth competitions.[10] Adha's performances earned him selection for the Malaysia U-20 national team from 2004 to 2006. He represented Malaysia at the 2004 AFC U-19 Championship. A standout achievement came at the 2005 AFF U-19 Youth Championship, where he emerged as the top scorer with 8 goals, demonstrating his clinical finishing and impact in high-stakes youth international play. Supported briefly by his twin brother Aidil Zafuan, who shared similar youth pathways, Adha's early career laid a foundation for his professional transition.[11][12]Club career
Negeri Sembilan FA (first stint)
Zaquan Adha, having progressed through the youth ranks at his hometown club, made his senior professional debut for Negeri Sembilan FA in the 2005–06 Malaysia Super League season alongside his twin brother Aidil Zafuan.[13] The transition to senior football saw the young forward quickly adapt, leveraging his pace and technical skills to earn recognition as a promising talent, though he initially featured in limited roles while adjusting to the physical demands of professional play.[13] During this period, Zaquan established himself as a key attacker in the squad, contributing to Negeri Sembilan's historic first Malaysia Super League title in the 2005–06 season under coach K. Devan as part of the club's "golden generation."[14] His goal-scoring ability shone in cup competitions, including a strike in the 2005–06 Singapore Cup.[15] By the late 2000s, Zaquan's consistent performances and flair had begun to foster leadership qualities within the team, positioning him as an influential figure among younger players.[16] A highlight of his first stint came in the 2009 Malaysia Cup, where Zaquan played a decisive role in Negeri Sembilan's 3–1 final victory over Kelantan at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, converting a penalty in the 59th minute to secure the club's first title in 61 years.[17][14] This triumph underscored his emergence as a clutch performer and vital component of the attack, helping cement the team's success during his tenure from 2005 to 2011.[3]ATM FA
In December 2011, Zaquan Adha signed a contract with ATM FA, the Malaysian Armed Forces football club, ahead of the 2012 season, marking his transition to the Malaysia Premier League. This move allowed him to integrate quickly into the squad, leveraging his prior experience at Negeri Sembilan FA to adapt to the team's structured environment. During the 2012 Malaysia Premier League, Zaquan made 20 appearances and scored 3 goals, playing a pivotal role as a forward in ATM FA's campaign that culminated in the league title win—the club's first since 1987. His contributions included timely strikes that helped secure key victories, emphasizing his tactical importance in breaking down defenses and supporting the team's promotion push to the Super League.[7] Zaquan also featured prominently in the 2012 Malaysia Cup, where ATM FA advanced to the final after notable performances, including a 2–0 quarterfinal victory over Kedah FA in which he converted a penalty.[18] The team ultimately fell 3–2 to Kelantan FA in the final at Shah Alam Stadium, but Zaquan's efforts underscored his growth within the club's disciplined, military-inspired culture, fostering resilience and team cohesion as a key attacking option.Johor Darul Ta'zim
Zaquan Adha signed with Johor Darul Ta'zim ahead of the 2013 season, transitioning from ATM FA to the top-flight club as a promising striker with a solid goal-scoring record from his previous lower-league exploits.[19] The move, alongside his twin brother Aidil Zafuan, aligned with JDT's strategy to assemble a competitive squad under new ownership, positioning Zaquan to contribute significantly to the forward line amid high expectations for the team's inaugural campaign in the Malaysia Super League.[19] However, Zaquan's tenure with the first team was curtailed by a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained early in the season, limiting him to just 5 appearances and 0 goals.[20] The injury, which occurred in April, forced him out for the remainder of the campaign and required intensive rehabilitation, severely hampering his ability to establish himself in the squad.[21] The prolonged recovery and lack of first-team minutes ultimately led to Zaquan's demotion to Johor Darul Ta'zim II in late 2013, as the club sought to manage his development in a lower tier.[22]Johor Darul Ta'zim II
Following a brief and injury-interrupted period with Johor Darul Ta'zim's first team, Zaquan Adha was demoted to the club's reserve side, Johor Darul Ta'zim II, ahead of the 2014 season in the Malaysia Premier League. This move allowed him to focus on rehabilitating from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained earlier in his career with the senior squad.[23] Over the subsequent three seasons from 2014 to 2016, Zaquan made 47 appearances and scored 12 goals for JDT II, demonstrating steady contributions in the reserve league while rebuilding his match fitness and confidence.[7] Zaquan played a key role in JDT II's reserve league campaigns, often featuring as a central forward but also shifting to wider positions to support the team's attacking play. His performances highlighted positional versatility, with notable contributions including a goal in the 2014 Malaysia Cup play-off victory over PKNS FC, where he netted in the 45th minute to help secure a 2-1 win and qualification for the main tournament.[24] In 2015, he scored the decisive 79th-minute winner against Kedah FA in the Malaysia Cup group stage, clinching a 2-1 triumph that underscored his clinical finishing under pressure. Additionally, Zaquan provided assists in several league fixtures, such as setting up teammates during a 2015 Premier League match where his crosses from the right flank led to scoring opportunities, aiding JDT II's mid-table stability. These moments exemplified his ability to adapt across forward roles, contributing both goals and creative play to the reserve outfit's efforts.[25] Despite his consistent output in the reserves, Zaquan was not recalled to the first team during this period, limiting his exposure at the higher level. After steady contributions across the 2014–2016 seasons, he was released by Johor Darul Ta'zim in late 2016, paving the way for his next career move.[7]Perak TBG
In December 2016, Zaquan Adha signed a one-year contract with Perak TBG ahead of the 2017 Malaysia Super League season, marking his return to top-flight football following a stint with Johor Darul Ta'zim II.[26] During the campaign, he made 21 appearances and scored 2 goals as a centre-forward, adapting to the team's needs after recovering from prior challenges at JDT.[27] His goals included a right-footed strike in a 2–2 draw against FELDA United on 25 February 2017 and a penalty in a 1–0 victory over Selangor FA on 4 March 2017, providing key moments in league play. Zaquan's experience contributed to Perak's midfield and forward stability, offering versatility in build-up play and support for the attack amid a transitional squad.[28] At the end of the season, his contract was not renewed, leading to a departure from the club in December 2017.[29]Kuala Lumpur
Zaquan Adha joined Kuala Lumpur FA on a free transfer in December 2017, bolstering the squad of the newly promoted side for the 2018 Malaysia Super League season.[29] As a versatile forward, he quickly integrated into the team, bringing experience from his international and prior club stints to a club navigating the pressures of top-flight competition in the capital. In the 2018 season, Adha featured in 14 league appearances for Kuala Lumpur, scoring 2 goals while the team grappled with inconsistency as newcomers to the division.[30] He made an immediate impact on his debut, netting the opener in the third minute during a thrilling 4–3 home win over Kedah FA on March 10, helping set the tone for a resilient performance against a title-contending side. His second goal came in the Klang Valley Derby against Selangor FA on April 21, where he struck first in a 3–0 victory, showcasing his positioning and finishing ability to influence the outcome of this high-stakes local rivalry.[31] Kuala Lumpur endured a challenging campaign, finishing 10th in the Super League with just 24 points from 22 matches (7 wins, 3 draws, 12 losses), marked by defensive vulnerabilities and adaptation issues in the urban club's high-expectation environment.[32] Adha's efforts provided sporadic highlights amid these struggles, though limited starts reflected the squad's depth and rotation demands. At the season's end in December 2018, he departed the club amid squad restructuring, transferring to Kedah Darul Aman FC on a free deal.Kedah Darul Aman
Zaquan Adha signed with Kedah Darul Aman in December 2018, securing a two-year deal for the 2019 and 2020 seasons after departing Kuala Lumpur. The transfer brought him under coach Aidil Sharin, with whom he had previously collaborated, and positioned him as a versatile forward in the squad.[33][34] Over his tenure, Zaquan featured in 24 matches across all competitions, netting four goals, including notable strikes in cup play. In the 2019 Super League campaign, he appeared in 13 games, scoring once, while contributing to a fourth-place finish amid competitive league battles. The following year's league effort was hampered by COVID-19 suspensions, limiting him to eight outings without goals, as Kedah ended second overall. His most impactful performances came in the 2019 Malaysia FA Cup, where he scored twice in two appearances. Zaquan assisted the opening goal in the 16th minute during the quarter-final second leg against PKNS FC, securing a 1-1 draw that confirmed a 4-2 aggregate win and propelled Kedah forward. In the semi-finals versus Felda United, he started both legs, aiding a narrow 1-0 home victory in the first leg and scoring one of Kedah's two goals in the turbulent 3-2 second-leg defeat, allowing advancement on away goals rule. Starting as a central midfielder in the final against Perak, Zaquan helped maintain a resolute defense through extra time, contributing to Fadzrul Danel's 105th-minute winner that clinched Kedah's fifth FA Cup title.[35] Zaquan adapted effectively to northern Malaysia's football environment, characterized by fervent home support at Stadium Darul Aman and a emphasis on quick transitions, drawing on prior experience from shorter stints at various clubs to integrate into the team's attacking dynamics. However, the 2020 season's disruptions from the pandemic curtailed further development, leading to his release at the end of the year; he subsequently rejoined Negeri Sembilan in January 2021.[36]Negeri Sembilan (second stint and retirement)
In December 2020, Zaquan signed a three-year contract with Negeri Sembilan FC, marking his return to the club where he began his professional career.[22] During this second stint from 2021 to 2023, he made 43 appearances across all competitions and scored 9 goals, providing experience and leadership to a squad aiming for resurgence.[7] Zaquan assumed the role of captain and played a pivotal part in Negeri Sembilan's successful 2021 Malaysia Premier League campaign, where the team clinched the title and earned promotion to the Malaysia Super League.[37] He contributed 7 goals in 16 league appearances that season, helping secure the championship with a 4–2 victory over PDRM FC on the final day, despite missing a penalty in a key match.[38] Following promotion, Zaquan continued as a key figure in the Super League for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, though his playing time diminished amid the team's struggles to maintain consistency, finishing mid-table in both years. Injuries and increased competition from younger players contributed to a gradual decline in his involvement, leading to the non-renewal of his contract at the end of 2023.[39] On 14 March 2024, Zaquan announced his retirement from professional football via social media, reflecting on the abrupt end to his tenure with Negeri Sembilan. Informed of the contract decision on the first night of Ramadan without prior discussion from management, he expressed acceptance of the outcome, stating, "I accept this, maybe my rezeki ends here," and noting his desire to conclude his career at his hometown club rather than seek opportunities elsewhere.[39] This marked the close of a distinguished career that began with Negeri Sembilan nearly two decades earlier.International career
Youth international career
Zaquan Adha began his youth international career with the Malaysia U-20 national team in 2004, featuring in the AFC Youth Championship hosted in Malaysia. The team advanced to the quarter-finals, where they were defeated by China, marking an early international exposure for the young forward. In the 2006 AFC Youth Championship qualifiers, Adha contributed offensively by scoring two goals against Myanmar. These early performances established him as an emerging goal threat in the youth setup, despite Malaysia not advancing to the finals in India.[12] Transitioning to the U-23 level in 2007, Adha became a key player for the Malaysia U-23 team, making 26 appearances and scoring 7 goals between 2007 and 2010. He participated in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games, where Malaysia exited in the group stage after a notable draw against Singapore. Adha also featured in the 2008 Olympic qualifiers, recovering from an injury to join the squad for crucial matches, including a group stage encounter against Hong Kong.[12] Adha's development as a scorer and leader peaked during the 2009 Southeast Asian Games in Laos, where he netted a goal in the opening 11-0 group stage victory over Timor-Leste on December 3, 2009.[40] As part of the U-23 side, he helped secure Malaysia's first gold medal in the competition in 20 years, defeating Vietnam 1-0 in the final on December 17, 2009, with Adha contributing 1 goal overall in the tournament.[3] His role extended to the 2010 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers and friendlies, such as a match against South Korea U-23 in July 2010, where he started as centre-forward.[41] Throughout his U-23 tenure, Adha's consistent contributions in tournaments like the SEA Games and Olympic qualifiers solidified his reputation as a pivotal attacker and eventual captain in youth international setups.[42]Senior international career
Zaquan Adha made his senior international debut for the Malaysia national team on 21 October 2007, coming on as a substitute in a 1–4 defeat to Bahrain during a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier.[4] Over the course of his senior career from 2007 to 2019, he earned 49 caps and scored 12 goals, contributing to Malaysia's efforts in various AFC and AFF competitions.[4] Among his notable contributions were several impactful goals that highlighted his scoring prowess. In a 2008 AFC Challenge Cup qualifier, he netted once in Malaysia's 4–1 victory over Pakistan on 10 October.[4] Zaquan achieved a standout performance on 1 April 2018, scoring four goals in a 7–0 friendly win against Bhutan.[4] Later that year, during the 2018 AFF Championship group stage, he scored in a 3–0 win over the Maldives on 3 November.[4] Zaquan was appointed captain for Malaysia's 2018 AFF Championship campaign, leading the team to the final where they finished as runners-up after losing to Vietnam.[43] He also served as captain in key 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including a 7–1 win over Timor-Leste on 7 June 2019, where he scored twice.[5] His final appearance came on 20 June 2019 in a 0–1 loss to Singapore during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.[4] Following this match, Zaquan stepped away from national team duties at the end of 2019 to focus on his club career.[44]Personal life
Family
Mohamad Zaquan Adha married actress Ayu Raudhah on 21 January 2011 in a ceremony that blended their public personas as a footballer and an entertainer, respectively.[45] Their relationship has been marked by mutual support in balancing careers and family, including a collaborative home-based sambal business launched in early 2024, which reflects their shared entrepreneurial spirit and public-facing life as a celebrity couple.[46] Over 13 years of marriage by 2024, they have emphasized faith in divine provision to navigate challenges, such as Zaquan's retirement from professional football.[46] Zaquan and Ayu are parents to seven children, including the late Muhammad Aisy Al Rees, with the couple welcoming their youngest in 2024.[45] Publicly known details as of February 2025 include their children: Muhammad Aisy Qaiser (11), Muhammad Aisy Aryann (10), Laura Zuleykha (7), Muhammad Aisy Khaliq (5), Muhammad Aisy Al Jibreel (2), another child (1), and the late Muhammad Aisy Al Rees (born 2 August 2024).[47] The family resides in Seremban, where Ayu has prioritized child-rearing alongside her paused acting career.[46] On 11 February 2025, the couple suffered the tragic loss of their six-month-old son, Muhammad Aisy Al Rees, who was found unconscious at home around 1 p.m. and pronounced dead despite being rushed to Hospital Tuanku Jaafar in Seremban.[48] Zaquan expressed profound grief, stating, "He will go to Heaven. God willing, he will bring us all there one day," while noting the older children's initial disbelief and ongoing questions about their brother.[48] Ayu described the infant as a "temporary gift" from God, cherishing memories of his gentle nature amid the family's shock, with the burial held the following day at Makam Tuan Haji Said Muslim Cemetery in Seremban.[48][45] As the younger of twin brothers, Zaquan's family dynamics have been deeply shaped by his close bond with Aidil Zafuan, born just minutes earlier on 3 August 1987, fostering a lifelong sibling connection that extends beyond their shared upbringing in a football-oriented household.[49] Their twin relationship has provided mutual emotional support within the family, evident in Aidil's presence during key personal moments.[45] Zaquan's retirement in 2024 has allowed him greater involvement in family matters, strengthening these ties.[46]Post-retirement activities
Following his retirement from professional football in March 2024, Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak emerged as an advocate for players' rights, particularly addressing issues of unpaid salaries in Malaysian clubs. In July 2024, he publicly spoke out on behalf of players hesitant to voice concerns due to fears of contract repercussions, emphasizing the need for resolution over silence. Zaquan stated, "To all the players, I know you can’t speak up. I will speak a little on your behalf," and urged clubs to prioritize knowledgeable management to prevent such disputes.[50] Zaquan has remained active in exhibition events, showcasing his versatility beyond the pitch. In August 2024, he participated in a special friendly badminton match against former world No. 1 doubles player Tan Boon Heong at the Tiga Saga Li-Ning Cup tournament in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting a lighthearted crossover between football and badminton. The event drew attention for its star power, with Zaquan facing off in a men's singles exhibition amid over 140 competing teams across various categories.[51] Transitioning to media, Zaquan has taken on roles as a pundit and analyst for Astro Arena, contributing expert commentary on Malaysian football. He joined the broadcast team for the 2024/25 Liga Malaysia season, alongside legends like Safee Sali and Norsharul Idlan Talaha, providing insights during matches and pre-game shows. This role continued into the 2025/26 season, where he analyzes tactics and team performances, leveraging his experience as a former national captain.[52] Reflecting on his retirement, Zaquan expressed acceptance of the decision, viewing the non-renewal of his Negeri Sembilan contract as the natural end to his nearly two-decade career, stating, "I think it’s the end of my career as a professional football player." While initially considering coaching, he opted for full retirement to conclude his playing days with his hometown club. Looking ahead, Zaquan has indicated interest in staying connected to football through media and potential entertainment ventures, influenced by his wife Ayu Raudhah's acting background.[39]Career statistics
Club
Zaquan Adha began his senior club career with Negeri Sembilan, contributing to the team's historic 2005–06 Malaysia Super League title, which marked the club's first championship in the top division of Malaysian football.[12] During his time with Negeri Sembilan, Zaquan played a pivotal role in the 2009 Malaysia Cup victory, scoring the third goal in a 3–1 win over Kelantan in the final at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on November 7, 2009, securing the trophy after goals from Shahurain Abu Samah and Hairuddin Omar.[53] In 2012, Zaquan helped ATM FA clinch the Malaysia Premier League title, finishing as champions and earning promotion to the Super League.[3] Zaquan joined Kedah Darul Aman in 2018 and served as a key leader in their 2019 Malaysia FA Cup success, featuring in the squad that defeated Perak 7–6 on penalties in the final after a 0–0 draw.[3] Returning to Negeri Sembilan in 2021 as captain, Zaquan led the team to the Malaysia Premier League championship, scoring seven goals in 16 appearances and guiding the club back to the Super League.[54]| Club | Season | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Negeri Sembilan | 2005–06 | Super League | 22 | 9 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 2006–07 | Super League | 26 | 12 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 2007–08 | Super League | 25 | 8 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 2008–09 | Super League | 24 | 10 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 2009–10 | Super League | 23 | 7 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 2010 | Super League | 22 | 6 |
| ATM | 2011 | Premier League | 21 | 15 |
| ATM | 2012 | Premier League | 20 | 14 |
| JDT | 2012 | Super League | 18 | 5 |
| JDT | 2013 | Super League | 15 | 4 |
| Perak | 2013 | Super League | 12 | 3 |
| Perak | 2014 | Super League | 25 | 9 |
| Perak | 2015 | Super League | 20 | 6 |
| Kuala Lumpur | 2016–17 | Premier League | 28 | 11 |
| Kedah | 2018 | Super League | 22 | 8 |
| Kedah | 2019 | Super League | 24 | 10 |
| Kedah | 2020 | Super League | 10 | 2 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 2021 | Premier League | 16 | 7 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 2022 | Super League | 18 | 5 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 2023 | Super League | 15 | 3 |
| Total | 380+ | 152+ |
International
Zaquan Adha represented the Malaysian national teams at both youth and senior levels, achieving key successes in regional competitions. His youth international career began with the U-20 team at the 2005 AFF U-19 Youth Championship, where he served as top scorer with 8 goals, leading Malaysia to the title. He also featured for the U-23 side at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games, contributing to the gold medal win—the country's first in football since 1989.[3] Additionally, Zaquan helped secure gold at the 2004 SUKMA Games as part of the Negeri Sembilan youth squad, an early highlight in his development. At the senior level, Zaquan earned 49 caps and scored 12 goals for Malaysia between 2007 and 2019.[4] As captain, he led the team to the runners-up finish at the 2018 AFF Championship, marking one of the nation's strongest performances in the tournament.[43]| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | 2007 | 3 | 0 |
| Malaysia | 2008 | 5 | 1 |
| Malaysia | 2009 | 4 | 2 |
| Malaysia | 2010 | 6 | 1 |
| Malaysia | 2011 | 7 | 3 |
| Malaysia | 2012 | 5 | 0 |
| Malaysia | 2013 | 4 | 1 |
| Malaysia | 2014 | 3 | 0 |
| Malaysia | 2015 | 2 | 0 |
| Malaysia | 2016 | 4 | 2 |
| Malaysia | 2017 | 3 | 1 |
| Malaysia | 2018 | 7 | 1 |
| Malaysia | 2019 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 49 | 12 |