Najmuddin Akmal

In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Kamal Akmal is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Muhammad Najmuddin Akmal.

Muhammad Najmuddin Akmal

Personal information
Full name	Muhammad Najmuddin Akmal bin Kamal Akmal
Date of birth	(2003-01-11) 11 January 2003 (age 22)
Place of birth	Malaysia
Height	1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)
Position(s)	Defender
Team information
Current team	Johor Darul Ta'zim II
Number	7
Youth career
	Johor Darul Ta'zim youth
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2022–	Johor Darul Ta'zim II
International career‡
2018–2020	Malaysia U16
2021–2022	Malaysia U19
2023–	Malaysia U23	12	(2)
2024–	Malaysia	2	(0)
Medal record Men's football Representing   Malaysia Malaysia U-19 ASEAN U-19 Boys' Championship Winner 2022 Malaysia U-22 Merlion Cup Winner 2023
* Club domestic league appearances and goals ‡ National team caps and goals as of 14 December 2024

Muhammad Najmuddin Akmal bin Kamal Akmal (born 11 January 2003) simply known as Najmuddin Akmal, is a Malaysian professional footballer who currently plays as a defender for Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League club Johor Darul Ta'zim II. Mainly a defender, he is also capable of playing occasionally as a right-midfielder and right-winger.

Club career

Johor Darul Ta'zim II

Najmuddin started his career as a youth player for Johor Darul Ta'zim. In 2022, he was promoted to Johor Darul Ta'zim II to compete in the MFL Cup.

For the MFL Cup, Najmuddin led Johor Darul Ta'zim II to become champion the 2024–25 MFL Cup. He scored his first hat-trick of the season after heading the ball in after finishing off Shahrul's pass in the penalty box to beat Haziq Mukriz. Johor Darul Ta'zim II won 7-0 over Penang II. ^[1]

International career

Youth

In 2018, Najmuddin was selected for the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship held in Malaysia. However, Malaysia U16 failed to advance to the next round and finished bottom of the group. ^[2]

For Malaysia U19, Najmuddin has also been selected to compete in the 2022 AFF U-19 Youth Championship. He has brought Malaysia win 2-0 over Laos in the final to be crowned champions for the second time at the Patriot Stadium. ^[3]

For Malaysia U23, Najmuddin participated in the 2023 Merlion Cup campaign held in Singapore. He successfully led Malaysia U23 to become the Merlion Cup champion and scored the opening goal for Malaysia with a header in the 74th minute. Malaysia U23 defeated Hong Kong U23 with a score of 2-1. ^[4]

Apart from that, Najmuddin was also selected for the 2023 SEA Games. Immediately after that, Malaysia U23 missed the opportunity to advance to the next stage and ended up in third place in the group. ^[5]

Senior

In December 2024, Najmuddin has received a call-up from the Malaysia national team for the first time to face the 2024 ASEAN Championship. He made two appearances in the tournament. ^[6]

In his first debut, he was selected in the match against Timor Leste and Malaysia won with a score of 3-2 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium. In his second match, he was introduced in the second half to replace Jimmy Raymond in the 85th minute against Thailand.

Honours

JDT II

• MFL Cup: 2024–25

Malaysia U19

• AFF U19 Youth: 2022

Malaysia U23

• Merlion Cup: 2023

References

1. "JDT II muncul juara Piala MFL" (in Malay). Harian Metro. 14 April 2025. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
2. "Get to know Malaysia-U16 player". Football Association of Malaysia. 16 September 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
3. "Malaysia edge Laos for second crown". ASEAN Football Federation. 15 July 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
4. "Malaysia edge Hong Kong to win Merlion Cup crown". NST Online. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
5. "Final squad for SEA Games 2023". SNE Sports. 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
6. "Najmuddin Akmal debut untuk Malaysia" (in Malay). Football Association of Malaysia. 12 December 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2025.

External links

• Najmuddin Akmal at Soccerway