JDT winger Hidalgo cleared to bolster Harimau Malaya

JDT’s Manuel Hidalgo (left) challenged by Sabah FC’s Miguel Cifuentes during the FA Cup final at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in this file picture dated December 14, 2025. FAM today confirmed that Hidalgo is eligible to represent the national team. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 6:28 PM MYT

PETALING JAYA, Sept 17 — The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) today confirmed that Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) winger Manuel Hidalgo is eligible to represent the national team.

FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said the association received confirmation from the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) on Hidalgo’s eligibility yesterday.

The 27-year-old Argentinian-born player can now be called up to bolster the Harimau Malaya squad for the Fifa Asean Cup campaign in Indonesia at the end of this month, he said.

However, another JDT player, Shane Lowry, has yet to receive clearance from the world governing body, Noor Azman said.

“Regarding Hidalgo, we only received the approval letter from Fifa yesterday. The Malaysia squad list will be announced in the near future, possibly tomorrow,” he told a press conference after FAM’s Extraordinary Congress here today.

Hidalgo’s availability is expected to further bolster the national side, following the eligibility clearance previously obtained by JDT players Bergson da Silva and Brad Tapp.

Hidalgo, who has completed five years of playing in Malaysia, began his stint with Sri Pahang in 2021 before joining JDT in 2024.

On KL City defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco’s application, Noor Azman said he needed to obtain more information on the matter.

FAM announced last Sunday that Fifa had confirmed the eligibility of Bergson and Tapp to represent Malaysia. — Bernama