Johor Darul Ta’zim midfielder Afiq Fazail capped a remarkable 2025-26 campaign by being crowned the Liga M Awards 2025/26 Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the first time in his career.
The prestigious individual honour represents the latest milestone in Afiq’s long-standing reputation as one of the most consistent Malaysian midfielders, while also highlighting his important contribution to JDT’s historic fourth Quadruple in Malaysian football.
At 32, Afiq combined his experience, composure and ability to control the tempo of matches with six assists throughout the campaign. His influence helped JDT secure the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Cup, Malaysia Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup.
The MVP award also adds to Afiq’s impressive collection of Liga M Awards honours. He had previously won the Best Midfielder award in 2022 and 2023, but this year’s victory marked the biggest individual recognition of his career.
Afiq defeated Danial Amier Norhisham of Kuching City FC and Nooa Laine of Selangor FC to claim the MVP crown.
“This is a meaningful achievement for me, especially as it is my first MVP award. This trophy proves the hard work I have put in for the team,” Afiq said.
“I will continue working hard to provide balance in upcoming matches. This award will certainly give me extra motivation to contribute more and help my teammates.”
The MVP trophy was presented by Communications Minister Dato’ Seri Fahmi Fadzil, alongside Malaysian Football League (MFL) president Dato’ Ab Ghani Hassan.
JDT emerged as the biggest winners of the 2025-26 Liga M Awards, claiming seven major honours and once again underlining their dominance of Malaysian football.
Goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi continued his extraordinary run by winning the Best Goalkeeper award for a fourth consecutive year.
Brazilian striker Bergson da Silva was named Best Foreign Player and also claimed the Liga Super Golden Boot after scoring an outstanding 27 goals.
JDT head coach Xisco Muñoz was named Best Coach after guiding the Southern Tigers to their historic fourth Quadruple. It was his first nomination and victory in the category, beating defending winner Aidil Sharin Sahak of Kuching City and Kim Pan-gon of Selangor FC.
JDT were also crowned Best Team, while their passionate supporters, the Boys of Straits, were named Best Supporters.
Selangor FC also enjoyed a memorable evening, with Faisal Abdul Halim winning the Best Forward award for the first time.
The 28-year-old scored 17 goals during the 2025-26 campaign, marking an impressive comeback after a difficult period.
“This is a very meaningful trophy, especially after a challenging season and everything I had to overcome to reach this level,” Faisal said.
“It was not easy, but I tried my best and worked hard to help the team. This success is for all Selangor supporters and my family.”
His Selangor teammate Quentin Cheng also celebrated a breakthrough after winning the Best Defender award for the first time, having previously been nominated three times since 2021.
Former Liga M MVP in 2018 and 2019, Safawi Rasid, now with Kuching City FC, also returned to the spotlight after winning the Local Liga Super Golden Boot.
Safawi scored 13 goals for Kuala Lumpur City FC last season to claim the award.
It marked his first individual trophy since winning Best Midfielder in 2020 and added another chapter to his impressive career, which also includes the 2019 Local Liga Super Top Scorer award after scoring eight goals for JDT.
Penang FC youngster Haziq Kutty Abba was another standout winner after being named Best Young Player, highlighting the continued emergence of young Malaysian talent in the domestic league.
Melaka FC received the Fair Play Award, while Ramadhan Saifullah Usman of Kuching City FC won the Best Goal award.
Liga M Awards 2025-26 — Full Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Goalkeeper | Syihan Hazmi Mohamed (JDT) |
| Best Defender | Quentin Cheng (Selangor FC) |
| Best Midfielder | Afiq Fazail (JDT) |
| Best Forward | Faisal Abdul Halim (Selangor FC) |
| Best Coach | Xisco Muñoz (JDT) |
| Best Foreign Player | Bergson da Silva (JDT) |
| Best Young Player | Haziq Kutty Abba (Penang FC) |
| MVP | Afiq Fazail (JDT) |
| Fair Play Award | Melaka FC |
| Best Team | Johor Darul Ta’zim |
| Best Goal | Ramadhan Saifullah Usman (Kuching City FC) |
| Liga Super Golden Boot | Bergson da Silva (JDT) — 27 goals |
| Local Liga Super Golden Boot | Safawi Rasid (KL City FC) — 13 goals |
| Best Supporters | Boys of Straits (JDT) |
FAN XI
Coach: Xisco Muñoz (JDT)
Goalkeeper: Haziq Nadzli (Kuching City FC)
Defenders:
- James Okwuosa (Kuching City FC)
- Eddy Israfilov (JDT)
- Rodney Celvin (Kuching City FC)
Midfielders:
- Petrus Shitembi (Kuching City FC)
- Afiq Fazail (JDT)
- Danial Amier (Kuching City FC)
- Oscar Arribas (JDT)
Forwards:
- Ramadhan Saifullah (Kuching City FC)
- Bergson da Silva (JDT)
- Arif Aiman Hanapi (JDT)
