Naturalised striker Bergson da Silva calls Malaysia call-up a dream come true after five years in JDT

Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) player Bergson Gustavo Silveira Da Silva celebrates scoring his sixth goal during the FA Cup match against Penang FC at the City Stadium in George Town, Penang, September 20, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 21 Sep 2026 8:10 PM MYT

PETALING JAYA, Sept 21 — Naturalised striker Bergson da Silva described his call-up to the Malaysian national team to compete in the Fifa Asean Cup 2026 in Indonesia from September 25 to October 5 as a dream come true after spending more than five years playing in the country with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).

The Brazil-born striker said he never expected to get the opportunity to represent Malaysia, making his inclusion in the national squad a special moment for himself, his family and everyone who had supported his journey over the years.

“No, never. That’s why I told you, being here is like a dream for me, for my family and for all the people who have lived these moments with me during these more than five years.

“Representing this jersey and this country is a pleasure for all of us. We are here to give our best, and I am one of them,” he told reporters before the national team training session at Hilton Hotel here today.

Bergson, who has been among the top scorers in the M-League since joining JDT, said he viewed the responsibility of leading the Harimau Malaya attack as a major responsibility rather than pressure as he always determined to make the most of the opportunity to contribute to the team.

“Yes, I take it as a big and good responsibility, not as pressure. Every step that we take in life has targets, so being here is one more big responsibility for me. I always wanted to wear this jersey and be with the team. So, I just want to enjoy it and give my best,” he said.

Looking ahead to Malaysia’s meeting with Indonesia in the Fifa Asean Cup 2026, Bergson expects a tough encounter given the rivalry between the two sides and their respective ambitions to secure victory.

He said the national team would study their opponents thoroughly while expressing confidence in the squad’s ability to produce a positive result.

On the Fifa Asean Cup 2026, Bergson described the tournament as a valuable new experience for the national side, but said the team would be targeting the title.

“I think it will be a good experience for us as a team and as a group, but we will try our best to take the trophy and bring it to Malaysia,” he said.

The Harimau Malaya squad will depart for Jakarta tomorrow to compete in the Division 1 of the Fifa Asean Cup 2026 competition after having been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Singapore and Bangladesh.

Group B comprises Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Pakistan.

Malaysia, ranked 136th in the world, will open their campaign against 181st-ranked Bangladesh at Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta on Friday.

The national side will then face 118th-ranked Indonesia at the same venue on September 28, before concluding their Group A campaign against 148th-ranked Singapore at Stadium Si Jalak Harupat, Bandung on October 1. — Bernama