1. Personal Life
Muhammad Amirul Hadi bin Zainal's personal background is rooted in Malaysian football, with his father also being a prominent player.
1.1. Birth and Family
Muhammad Amirul Hadi bin Zainal was born on 27 May 1986, in Alor Gajah, Malacca, Malaysia. He is the son of Zainal Nordin, a former top player for Selangor FA in the 1990s, indicating a family legacy in Malaysian football.
1.2. Early Life and Upbringing
Although born in Malacca, Amirul Hadi was raised in Klang, Selangor. His upbringing in Selangor likely influenced his early football development and eventual start with the Selangor FA club.
2. Football Career
Amirul Hadi's football career spanned several prominent Malaysian clubs and included extensive international representation for his country. He was primarily known for his role as a central midfielder.
2.1. Club Career
Amirul Hadi played for several clubs in the Malaysian football league system, contributing to multiple championship victories.
2.1.1. Early Career (Selangor FA)
Amirul Hadi began his professional club career with Selangor FA, where he played from 2006. During his tenure with Selangor FA, he scored five goals and was part of the team that won the 2009 Malaysia Super League and 2010 Malaysia Super League titles. He also helped Selangor secure the Malaysia Charity Shield in 2009 and 2010, and the 2009 Malaysia FA Cup.
2.1.2. Pahang FA
Ahead of the 2013 season, Amirul Hadi joined Pahang FA from Selangor. He played as a central midfielder for Pahang and quickly became a key player. He was named "Man of the Match" in the quarter-final of the 2013 Malaysia Cup against PKNS FC, where Pahang secured a one-goal lead. On 3 November 2013, he provided an assist in the 2013 Malaysia Cup Final against Kelantan FA, helping Pahang to a 1-0 victory and ending the club's 21-year drought in the competition. In the 2013 Malaysia Super League season, he made 19 appearances and scored one goal. After reviving his career and helping Pahang lift the Malaysia Cup, he chose not to extend his contract, seeking new challenges down south.
2.1.3. Johor Darul Ta'zim FC
In 2014, Amirul Hadi moved to Johor Darul Ta'zim FC (JDT), where he continued his professional career until 2020. During his time with JDT, he was part of a highly successful period for the club, contributing to multiple Malaysia Super League titles in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. He also won the Malaysia Charity Shield in 2015 and 2016, and the 2016 Malaysia FA Cup. JDT also reached the 2014 Malaysia Cup final, finishing as runner-up, and won the 2017 Malaysia Cup. A significant achievement during his tenure was the 2015 AFC Cup victory, marking a historic continental title for the club.
2.1.4. Johor Darul Ta'zim II F.C.
Amirul Hadi concluded his playing career with Johor Darul Ta'zim II F.C., where he contributed to the team's success, including winning the 2019 Malaysia Challenge Cup.
2.2. International Career
Amirul Hadi was a consistent presence in the Malaysian national football setup, representing his country at various youth and senior levels.
2.2.1. Youth Teams
Amirul Hadi represented the Malaysian U-23 side in the 2008 Olympic Games qualifier, where he scored a solo goal against the Hong Kong U-23 team on 7 March 2007, contributing to a 1-0 away victory at Mongkok Stadium. He also participated in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games, scoring against Laos in a 4-0 win and against Singapore in a 1-1 draw. Furthermore, he was part of the 2009 Southeast Asian Games winning squad, scoring in an 11-0 victory against Timor Leste on 2 December 2009 at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane. He also represented the Malaysian U-20 national team.
2.2.2. Senior Team
Amirul Hadi made his senior international debut for Malaysia against Bahrain in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Malaysia lost the first leg 4-1 before drawing 0-0 at Shah Alam Stadium. On 29 July 2008, he represented the Malaysia XI squad against English Premier League giants Chelsea F.C. at Shah Alam Stadium. Despite Malaysia XI losing 0-2, Amirul Hadi was noted as one of Malaysia's most impressive players, making three attempts on goal. Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari praised the Malaysia XI for their competitive performance.
He scored his first senior international goal against Myanmar on 23 October 2008, during the 2008 Merdeka Tournament at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, contributing to a 4-0 victory. He was also part of the squad that won the gold medal at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games. In November 2010, Amirul was called up by coach K. Rajagopal for the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. He scored in Malaysia's final group game against Laos, a 5-1 victory. Malaysia went on to win the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup title, their first in history. Amirul Hadi announced his retirement from international football on 14 July 2016, having earned 34 'A' international caps and scored 7 'A' international goals.
2.3. Position and Playing Style
Amirul Hadi primarily played as a central midfielder. He was also noted for his capabilities as an attacking midfielder. His playing style was characterized by his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively from the midfield, including making attempts on goal.
2.4. International Goal Records
The following tables detail the goals scored by Muhammad Amirul Hadi bin Zainal for Malaysia's youth and senior national teams.
2.4.1. Under-23
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 7 March 2007 | Mongkok Stadium, Hong Kong | Hong Kong | 0-1 | 0-1 (W) | 2008 Summer Olympics qualification |
| 2. | 3 December 2007 | Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand | Laos | 1-0 | 4-0 (W) | 2007 SEA Games |
| 3. | 8 December 2007 | Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand | Singapore | 1-0 | 1-1 (D) | 2007 SEA Games |
| 4. | 2 December 2009 | New Laos National Stadium, Vientiane | Timor Leste | 10-0 | 11-0 (W) | 2009 SEA Games |
2.4.2. Senior team
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 23 October 2008 | National Stadium, Bukit Jalil | Myanmar | 4-0 | 4-0 (W) | 2008 Merdeka Tournament |
| 2. | 11 November 2008 | Thuwunna Stadium, Myanmar | Myanmar | 2-1 | 4-1 (L) | 2008 Myanmar Grand Royal Challenge Cup |
| 3. | 29 November 2008 | MBPJ Stadium | Singapore | 2-2 | 2-2 (D) | Friendly Match |
| 4. | 11 September 2009 | MBPJ Stadium | Lesotho | 4-0 | 5-0 (W) | Friendly Match |
| 5. | 7 December 2010 | Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium | Laos | 3-1 | 5-1 (W) | 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup |
| 6. | 9 February 2011 | Shah Alam Stadium | Hong Kong | 2-0 | 2-0 (W) | Friendly Match |
| 7. | 18 June 2011 | Sultan Mohammad IV Stadium | Myanmar | 1-0 | 2-0 (W) | Friendly Match |
3. Honours
Muhammad Amirul Hadi bin Zainal achieved numerous team and individual honours throughout his distinguished football career.
3.1. Club Honours
Selangor
- Malaysia Super League: 2009, 2010
- Malaysia Charity Shield: 2009, 2010
- Malaysia FA Cup: 2009
Pahang
- Malaysia Cup: 2013
Johor Darul Ta'zim
- Malaysia Super League: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
- Malaysia Charity Shield: 2015, 2016
- Malaysia Cup: 2017; runner-up 2014
- Malaysia FA Cup: 2016
- AFC Cup: 2015
Johor Darul Ta'zim II F.C.
- Malaysia Challenge Cup: 2019
3.2. International Honours
- Pestabola Merdeka: 2007
- SEA Games: 2009 Gold Medal
- AFF Championship: 2010
4. Coaching Career
Following the conclusion of his playing career, Muhammad Amirul Hadi bin Zainal transitioned into coaching. He became an assistant coach for Johor Darul Ta'zim II F.C., the same club where he had his final playing engagement.
5. Controversy
On 10 July 2022, Muhammad Amirul Hadi bin Zainal was arrested by the NCID Johor State Police in Johor Bahru after being found in possession of the drug Methamphetamine. He was subsequently charged with drug possession.