Malaysia naturalizes striker with 60 goals, ready to face Vietnam

Malaysia has recently granted citizenship to striker Jordan Mintah, a player with more than 60 goals, gearing up to challenge Vietnam in March next year during the 2027 Asian Cup qualification.

Striker Jordan Mintah of Kuching City, born in 1997, has officially become a Malaysian citizen after completing the naturalization process. This marks a significant milestone in the Ghanaian player's career, as he is now eligible to be registered as a local player in Malaysia’s domestic competitions.

Mintah first arrived in Malaysia in 2017 and joined Terengganu, one of the prominent clubs in the Malaysian Football League (MFL). However, in search of playing opportunities and career growth, he spent seasons on loan at UiTM, then Terengganu FC II, KL City, before arriving at Kuching City, where he currently plays.

Known for his powerful playing style and impressive goal-scoring ability, Mintah quickly became one of the most notable forwards in Malaysia. He stands out not only for his incredible speed but also for his precise finishing, which has deeply impressed fans. Throughout his career in Malaysia, Mintah has scored over 60 goals, a remarkable achievement for a player competing in Southeast Asia.

Mintah is the latest addition to Malaysia’s growing list of naturalized players, alongside notable names like Mohamadou Sumareh, Liridon Krasniqi, Guilherme de Paula, and Endrick dos Santos. Increasing the number of naturalized players is part of Malaysia’s football strategy to strengthen the national team, especially aiming to advance past the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

In March next year, Vietnam will host Malaysia with determination to avenge their previous defeat. However, this goal will be more challenging as Malaysia’s current squad includes many high-quality naturalized players, forming a strong and competitive team.