1. Early Life and Personal Background
Ali Bakar was born on November 18, 1947. He came from a family with a strong connection to football; his brother, Isa Bakar, was also a distinguished football player who represented both Penang FA and the Malaysian national football team.
2. Playing Career
Ali Bakar's football career spanned over a decade, marked by his significant contributions at both club and international levels, where he primarily played as a forward for his club and a midfielder for the national team.
2.1. Club Career
Bakar began his career in the youth ranks of his hometown club, Penang FA, playing from 1964 to 1967. During his time in the youth team, he helped Penang win the 1966 Malaysia Kings Gold Cup and the 1966 Burnley Cup.
He then transitioned to the senior team of Penang FA in 1968, remaining a pivotal player until his retirement in 1976. As a key forward for the club, Ali Bakar achieved considerable success. He was part of the team that secured the Malaysia Cup in 1974. Further club honours included winning the Aga Khan Gold Cup in 1976, an international tournament held in Dhaka. Domestically, he also contributed to Penang's success in the Malaysia Kings Gold Cup, winning titles in 1968 and 1969. Additionally, he was part of the Penang side that reached the finals of several competitions, including the 1968 Malaysia FAM Cup and the Malaysia Cup in both 1968 and 1969. He also helped the team achieve runner-up finishes in the Malaysia Kings Gold Cup in 1971 and 1975.
2.2. International Career
From 1970 to 1976, Ali Bakar was a vital member of the Malaysian national football team, predominantly playing as a midfielder. He showcased his leadership and importance by serving as the flag bearer for Malaysia at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, where he was also a squad player in the football competition.
His international career was highlighted by numerous achievements. He was part of the Malaysian team that secured the bronze medal at the 1974 Asian Games held in Iran, where Malaysia finished third. Bakar also participated in the 1976 AFC Asian Cup. Throughout his time with the national team, he helped Malaysia win several prestigious tournaments, including the Merdeka International Football Tournament in 1970, the Jakarta Anniversary Tournament in 1970, and the Kings Cup in 1972. He also played a role in Malaysia's victories in the Merdeka Cup in 1974 and 1976.
3. Honours and Achievements
Ali Bakar accumulated numerous honours and achievements throughout his distinguished career with both Penang FA and the Malaysian national team.
Penang FA
- Burnley Cup: 1966
- Malaysia Kings Gold Cup: 1966, 1968, 1969
- Malaysia Cup: 1974
- Aga Khan Gold Cup: 1976
- Malaysia FAM Cup runner-up: 1968
- Malaysia Cup runner-up: 1968, 1969
- Malaysia Kings Gold Cup runner-up: 1971, 1975
Malaysia National Football Team
- Asian Games Bronze medal: 1974
- Merdeka International Football Tournament: 1970
- Jakarta Anniversary Tournament: 1970
- Kings Cup: 1972
- Merdeka Cup: 1974, 1976
4. Death
Ali Bakar tragically passed away on August 16, 2003, at the age of 55. He suffered a sudden heart attack while playing in a charity football match in Singapore. He collapsed on the field and was rushed to the hospital, but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Following his death, his body was transported back to his home state of Penang, where he was laid to rest.
5. Legacy and Recognition
Ali Bakar is remembered as one of Malaysia's significant footballing talents of his era. His contributions to the national team, particularly his participation in the 1972 Summer Olympics and the 1974 Asian Games bronze medal-winning squad, left a lasting impact on Malaysian sports. In recognition of his enduring legacy and his role in the 1972 Summer Olympics football team, he was posthumously inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia's Hall of Fame in 2004. His career continues to be highlighted as a testament to the golden age of Malaysian football.