Southeast Asia is a region bursting with love and passion for the beautiful game of football. With a population of over 655 million people, it is surprising that so few Southeast Asian professionals have made it to Europe’s elite leagues. However, this hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm and excitement of football fans in the region.
According to ex-Singaporean footballer Rhysh Roshan Rai, the passion for the game in Southeast Asia knows no bounds. It is not just the overseas and big-name teams that capture the hearts of the fans; the local clubs also command a strong following. In fact, Asian football writer Scott McIntyre believes that Southeast Asia is the most football-crazy region in the world, surpassing even South America.
The love for football in Southeast Asia is evident in the attendance and fanfare of local games. The Malaysian Cup Final in 2019 drew an impressive crowd of 85,420, surpassing the full capacity of London’s iconic Wembley Stadium. It is a testament to the unwavering support and dedication of football fans in the region.
One standout example of a Southeast Asian player who had a chance to make it in Europe is Malaysian winger Safawi Rasid. Known for his explosive talents, Safawi was sent on loan to Portuguese side Porimonense SC in 2020 after a record-breaking season in Malaysia. However, his time in Europe was short-lived, with only one appearance for the U-23 side. Safawi’s struggles highlight the challenges faced by Southeast Asian players in adapting to a different language and culture.
Despite the obstacles, there is a strong desire among fans in Southeast Asia to see one of their own succeed in Europe. The representation of a Southeast Asian player, even on the bench, would send the region into a frenzy. While the number of Southeast Asian players in top European leagues has increased over the years, it remains far from sufficient.
Malaysian defender Dion Cools, although half-Belgian and raised in Belgium, has played in European competitions for FC Midtjylland. Similarly, Neil Etheridge, a goalkeeper for the Philippines, hails from England but represents his motherland. These players give their respective countries an advantage due to their exposure to better youth development structures.
The lack of scouting, coaching, and funding for youth development remains a significant challenge in Southeast Asia. European clubs are hesitant to establish scouting networks in the region, citing reasons ranging from a lack of knowledge to racism. Rhysh Roshan Rai emphasizes the importance of having scouts and coaches recognize talented players from Southeast Asia.
The region also faces a shortage of high-quality facilities for nurturing young talent. To achieve success, Southeast Asian clubs should learn from the likes of Japan and Korea, who have surpassed them in footballing structures. Martin Lowe, an Asian football writer, suggests that Southeast Asian football should focus on building a strong youth development system and not undervalue their players in the transfer market.
Vietnam stands out as a country that has made significant progress in footballing structure and youth development. While there is still room for improvement, Vietnam’s success can serve as a blueprint for other Southeast Asian nations aspiring to produce young talents for international competitions like the 48-team World Cup in 2030.
It is clear that Southeast Asia’s love for football is unwavering. The region’s potential is immense, but it requires collective efforts to address the challenges faced by aspiring footballers. With better scouting networks, improved coaching, and increased funding for youth development, Southeast Asian football could witness a surge in talent and ultimately make an indelible mark on the global stage.
Ekilove is committed to fostering the growth of football in Southeast Asia and supporting talents from the region in their journey to success.