How did JDT get so big? The club has made a film to explain

‘Untamed’, a 76-minute documentary on the rise of Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT), was screened at TGV Suria KLCC on October 28, 2026. — Picture courtesy of JDT

First Published: Sunday, 01 Nov 2026 9:00 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 — A little over a decade ago, Johor FC were fighting to stay in Malaysia’s top flight; today, as Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), they are the country’s dominant club.

That journey is now the subject of Untamed, a 76-minute club-produced documentary that revisits its milestones, achievements and controversies.

“The whole idea behind producing these documentaries is to help everyone learn more about JDT than they previously knew, particularly what happens behind the scenes and how things operate,” chief operating officer Alistair Edwards told reporters at a special screening at TGV Suria KLCC last week.

Edwards said he is often asked on his travels how the club achieved so much in such a short time.

His answer, as the film tells it, is simple: “As you can see, it comes down to having a good team, led by one person who is behind the vision.”

The club was founded in 1972 as Perbadanan Kemajuan Ekonomi Negeri Johor (Johor State Economic Development Corporation) Football Club, became Johor FC in 1996 and was rebranded as Johor Darul Ta’zim in 2013 under owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the Regent of Johor.

The league titles followed from 2014, and the Southern Tigers, as the club is nicknamed, have since become regulars in Asian competition.

Untamed draws on management voices including Edwards, finance director Datuk Seri Jaifuddin, special projects manager Kevin Ramalingam and former sporting director Martin Prest.

From the pitch come current players Arif Aiman, Bergson da Silva, Matt Davies and Corbin Ong, along with former players Safiq Rahim and Safee Sali and former head coach Bojan Hodak.

JDT chief operating officer Alistair Edwards (centre) with former players Safiq Rahim (right) and Aidil Zafuan (left) at the ‘Untamed’ screening at TGV Suria KLCC on October 28, 2026. — Picture courtesy of JDT

Former youth and sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin and rapper Joe Flizzow also appear.

The documentary is streaming on JDT+, the club’s own platform, which launched on October 22.

More is on the way, including Unbound, a series on the club’s AFC Champions League Elite campaigns, due in November.

Edwards said he hopes younger players will take the film as motivation to prepare for their careers.

“This platform allows us to share those experiences and create something positive for the next generation, both in their careers as footballers and in their lives beyond professional football,” he said.