Malaysian footballer Cools made a historic move on his 29th birthday by signing with J-League 1 side Cerezo Osaka. This makes him the first Malaysian player to join Japan’s top football league, a significant achievement not only for him but also for Malaysian football.
After two seasons with Thai club Buriram United, Cools is set to face a new challenge in one of Asia’s most competitive leagues. He expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m truly happy to have the opportunity to come to Japan and Osaka, and I’m very grateful for this chance. I look forward to meeting my new teammates, staff, and all the fans. I will give my all to help the team achieve its goals and win as many games as possible.”
Cools will join Cerezo Osaka after completing his national team duty for Malaysia in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Vietnam on June 10.
Cerezo Osaka, currently eighth in the J-League standings with 29 points, will benefit from Cools’ defensive strength and attacking ability, particularly down the right flank. His arrival could help the team improve its position, especially after conceding 26 goals in 20 matches.
While several Malaysians have played in Japan’s lower divisions (J2 and J3), such as Luqman Hakim Shamsudin and Muhammad Abu Khalil, Cools is the first to break into J1. His move marks a significant step for Malaysian football, and national head coach Peter Cklamovski has long advocated for Japan as the perfect platform for players to develop their skills at a high level.
