Penang Goalkeeping Legend Firos Mohamed Dies After On-Field Collapse

Firos Collapses Mid-Match in Manjung

During a veterans football game in Manjung, Perak, on July 6, 53-year-old Firos Mohamed, one of Malaysia’s most renowned goalkeepers from the 1990s, passed away. He was representing the Penang legends team in the Dr Zambry Abd Kadir Cup, a friendly tournament honouring football veterans from Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Perak.

When Penang and Kedah were playing at the Manjung Municipal Council Stadium, the incident happened in the 27th minute. Firos showed no symptoms of concern before collapsing close to the middle of the field.

Medical personnel immediately responded and rushed him to KPJ Sri Manjung Specialist Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead at 10.23pm. Authorities later confirmed the cause of death as a heart attack.

A Storied Career Remembered

Firos earned recognition throughout the 1990s as Penang’s first-choice goalkeeper and briefly played for the Malaysian Olympic squad. His confident presence between the posts and sharp reflexes made him a fan favourite, particularly among supporters of the Harimau Kumbang (Black Panther) squad. Teammates and rivals alike remember him as fiercely competitive yet humble.

Firos Mohamed, Left, as Goalkeeping Coach, Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Firos continued to play football after he finished his professional career. He served as a goalkeeping coach at the Penang Football Academy and frequently participated in charity and veterans matches. At the time of his passing, he continued mentoring young players and supporting grassroots football development.

Family and Community in Mourning

Firos is survived by his wife, Fildaanis Mat, and their three sons aged 18 to 29. The family had travelled together to Manjung to support him during the tournament.

Firos’ funeral took place the following day in Penang. More than 100 family members, friends, and former teammates gathered at the Sungai Batu Muslim Cemetery for the burial, following funeral rites held at the Kampung Melayu surau in Air Itam.

Firos Mohamed Wife and Son, Screengrab via YouTube

His wife recalled that Firos had been in high spirits leading up to the match and showed no sign of illness, despite reportedly experiencing minor chest discomfort the previous week. Former Penang coach Radzuan Putah later confirmed that Firos had brushed off the pain, insisting he felt better and did not seek further medical checks.

Tributes for a National Hero

Fans, coaches, and former players from all around Malaysia’s football community paid their respects. Penang FC issued an official condolence message, describing his death as a profound loss to the club and Malaysian football.

Manjung District Police Chief ACP Hasbullah Abd Rahman confirmed no foul play was suspected and classified the case as a sudden death due to cardiac arrest.

For those who watched him play and knew him personally, his memory will live on as a symbol of dedication, excellence, and love for the game.

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