Naturalised striker Bergson da Silva calls Malaysia call-up a dream come true after five years in JDT

PETALING JAYA, Sept 21 — Naturalized striker Bergson da Silva expressed his excitement over being called up to the Malaysian national team for the Fifa Asean Cup 2026 in Indonesia, marking a dream come true after over five years of playing in Malaysia with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT). The Brazil-born forward emphasized that getting the chance to represent his new country was a special moment for himself, his family, and everyone who supported him throughout his journey.

"No, never," he stated, "that’s why I told you, being here is like a dream for me, for my family and for all the people who have lived these moments with me during these more than five years." Bergson, one of the top scorers in the M-League, viewed his role as leading the Harimau Malaya attack as a significant responsibility rather than pressure.

He reiterated his desire to wear the national team jersey and contribute positively to the team. Expecting a tough encounter against Indonesia, Bergson expressed the team's confidence in their abilities and their intention to secure victory in the tournament. The Harimau Malaya squad will depart for Jakarta on September 20 to participate in Group A of the Fifa Asean Cup 2026, which also includes hosts Indonesia, Singapore, and Bangladesh.

Malaysia, ranked 136th in the world, will face Bangladesh in their opening match on September 25 before competing against Indonesia on September 28 and Singapore on October 1.