{{Short description|Maldivian footballer (1985–2024)}} {{similar names|Muhammad Arif (disambiguation)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}} {{Infobox person <!-- SEE TALK PAGE FOR DISCUSSION --> | name = Mohamed Arif | image = Footballer Mohamed Arif.jpeg | caption = | native_name = މުހައްމަދު އާރިފް | birth_name = | birth_date = {{birth date|1985|8|11|df=y}} | birth_place = Hithadhoo, Addu City, Maldives | death_date = {{death date and age|2024|6|25|1985|8|11|df=y}} | death_place = Malé, Maldives | resting_place = Galolhu Cemetery, Galolhu, Malé, Maldives<ref name ="BakaFuneral">{{Cite news|url=https://www.addulive.com/362569|title=ބަކާގެ ޖަނާޒާ ބާއްވައިފި|last=Azuhaa|first=Aishath|date=26 June 2024|language=dv|trans-title=Baka's funeral was held|access-date=29 June 2024|work=AdduLIVE}}</ref> | native_name_lang = dv | other_names = Baka | occupation = Footballer | height = 1.78 m | module = {{Infobox football biography | embed = yes | header-color = lavender | position = Midfielder | youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Addu YDP | years1 = 2004–2006 | clubs1 = Island FC | years2 = 2007 | clubs2 = VB Sports Club | years3 = 2008 | clubs3 = Club Valencia | years4 = 2009–2010 | clubs4 = New Radiant SC | years5 = 2010–2011 | clubs5 = Victory | years6 = 2011–2012 | clubs6 = VB Sports Club | years7 = 2012–2013 | clubs7 = Club Eagles | years8 = 2013–2014 | clubs8 = Maziya | years9 = 2015 | clubs9 = Kanbawza | years10 = 2016 | clubs10 = Club Valencia | years11 = 2017 | clubs11 = Victory | years12 = 2017 | clubs12 = Maziya | years13 = 2018–2019 | clubs13 = Eagles | years14 = 2019–2020 | clubs14 = Club Green Streets | years15 = 2020–2024 | clubs15 = United Victory | nationalyears1 = 2008–2018 | nationalteam1 = Maldives | nationalcaps1 = 58 | nationalgoals1 = 1 }} }}
'''Mohamed Arif''' ({{Langx|dv|މުހައްމަދު އާރިފް}}; 11 August 1985 – 25 June 2024), better known by his nickname '''Baka''', was a Maldivian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Myanmar National league club Kanbawza Football Club and the Maldives national team.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Samaah |first=Mohamed |date=2 June 2017 |title=ބަކާގެ ކުޅުމަށް ބަލާއިރު ގައުމީ ޖާޒީ އޭނާއަށް ހައްގު ނުވޭބާ؟ |trans-title=Does Baka deserve national jersey? |url=https://sun.mv/90601 |access-date=23 May 2024 |work=Sun |language=dv}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 December 2020 |title=ޔޫވީ އަށް ގަދަ ތިނެއް ހޯދޭނެ: ބަކާ |trans-title=UV will get top three: Baka |url=https://mihaaru.com/local_sports/83843 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206060106/https://mihaaru.com/local_sports/83843 |archive-date=6 December 2020 |access-date=23 May 2024 |work=Mihaaru |language=dv}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2019 |title=Arif Dismisses Segrt Claim As A Lie |url=https://boalha.mv/news-detail/1416 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221065242/https://boalha.mv/news-detail/1416 |archive-date=21 February 2024 |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=boalha.mv}}</ref> Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the Maldives, he was among the most successful players in the country.
Arif began playing for Island FC at the age of 19 in 2004. During his international career, he was integral to the team's victories in the SAFF Championship, first in 2008 and again in 2018. Arif was awarded the Best Football Player of the Year in 2010. He also secured the title of Second Best Player for 2011 and Third Best Player for 2013. He received the nickname "Baka" from his former coach Mauroof Ahmed, who named him after a foreign midfielder who had previously played for Victory Sports Club.<ref name=":1" />
== Early life == Mohamed Arif was born on 11 August 1985 in Hithadhoo in Addu.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mohamed Arif - Player Info |url=https://globalsportsarchive.com/people/soccer/mohamed-arif/59925/ |website=Data Sports Group |access-date=26 June 2024 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405184141/https://globalsportsarchive.com/people/soccer/mohamed-arif/59925/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Career == Arif's football career was defined by his journey through various clubs and tournaments. He began in 2004 with Island Football Club (IFC), which later rebranded to VB Sports Club in 2006.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shamoon |first=Mohamed |date=12 March 2018 |title=Mohan praises Baka's performance |url=https://sun.mv/102570 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108061124/https://sun.mv/102570 |archive-date=8 November 2019 |access-date=23 May 2024 |work=Sun |language=dv}}</ref> After a stint there, he moved to Club Valencia for the 2008 season of the Dhivehi League, showcasing his skills as he transitioned to New Radiant SC for the following two seasons. Returning to VB Sports Club in 2011, Arif played a pivotal role in their Dhiraagu Dhivehi League triumph that year.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}
His career path continued with brief spells at Eagles Sports Club in 2012 and Maziya Sports Club in 2013, where his performance led to a contract extension. In January 2014, Arif ventured internationally, joining Myanmar's Kanbawza Football Club (KBZ FC) in their premier division and Premier League setup, before returning to the Maldives and signing with Club Green Streets in May 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shaany |first=Aishath |date=9 May 2019 |title=Baka leaves Club Eagles, signs with Green Streets |url=https://raajje.mv/55901 |access-date=23 May 2024 |work=Raajje TV |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522195601/https://raajje.mv/55901 |url-status=live }}</ref> He later moved to United Victory in September 2020, further enriching his professional experience.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shaany |first=Aishath |date=25 September 2020 |title=Baka transfers to United Victory |url=https://raajje.mv/87141 |access-date=23 May 2024 |work=Raajje TV |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522195602/https://raajje.mv/87141 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== International === On the international stage, Arif has been a mainstay in the Maldives senior national team, known for his role as a midfielder and playmaker. His notable contributions came in the SAFF Championship, where he played a crucial part in multiple championship-winning campaigns for Maldives, including victories in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mohamed Arif |url=https://us.soccerway.com/players/mohamed-arif/70932/ |access-date=25 June 2024 |website=Soccerway |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130150013/https://us.soccerway.com/players/mohamed-arif/70932/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mohamed |first=Shahudha |date=25 June 2024 |title=އާރިފްގެ ކުއްލި ވަކިވުން ގައުމީ ބޮޑު ހިތާމައަކަށް |trans-title=Arif's sudden death a national tragedy |url=https://dhauru.com/post/news/29304 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626135537/https://dhauru.com/post/news/29304 |archive-date=26 June 2024 |access-date=26 June 2024}}</ref> Arif's career trajectory underscores his versatility and impact both domestically and internationally, solidifying his reputation as a significant figure in Maldivian football.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Solih |first=Aishath Shuba |date=27 June 2024 |title=Mohamed Arif (Baka): A fundamental pillar of the golden age, a football legend |url=https://edition.mv/mohamed_arif_baka/34231 |access-date=28 June 2024 |work=The Edition}}</ref>
== Illness and death == In June 2024, Arif went to perform Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia on the invitation by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mohamed |first=Naizak |date=25 June 2024 |title=Football star Baka dies amid treatment after health decline |url=https://en.sun.mv/90245 |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=Raajje TV}}</ref> After he returned to Maldives, it is said that he contracted a viral disease during his visit when he had to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of ADK Hospital.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last=Osmanagic |first=Ameera |date=25 June 2024 |title=Football legend Mohamed Arif (Baka) passes away |url=https://edition.mv/news/34224 |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=The Edition |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626135538/https://edition.mv/news/34224 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Zalif |first=Zunana |date=25 June 2024 |title=Football legend Bakaa passes away |url=https://raajje.mv/154934 |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=Raajje TV |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626135538/https://raajje.mv/154934 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name = "BakaDisease">{{Cite news |last=Shahzaan |first=Mohamed |date=25 June 2024 |title=މެނިންގޮކޯކޮލް ޑިޒީޒްގެ ޝިކާރައަކަށްވީ ބަކާ، ޖަނާޒާ ފަތިސް ނަމާދަށްފަހު |url=https://adhadhu.com/article/55508 |access-date=28 June 2024 |work=Adhadhu |language=dv |trans-title=Baka becomes victim to Meningococcal disease, funeral after Fajr prayer}}</ref> He died on 25 June 2024, while receiving treatment. Arif was 38.<ref name=":0" /> His death has also caused his supporters and many people to mourn and flood with Messages of Condolences, notables being the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Maldivian Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, and AFC President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 June 2024 |title=The President conveys condolences to the family of Late Mohamed Arif |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/31055 |access-date=25 June 2024 |website=The President's Office |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626135538/https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/31055 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shahid |first=Malika |date=25 June 2024 |title=FAM mourns 'irreplaceable loss' of football legend Arif (Baka) |url=https://edition.mv/news/34227 |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=The Edition |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626135719/https://edition.mv/news/34227 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=27 June 2024 |title=AFC offers condolences on the passing of footballer Arif |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/139621 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=PSM News}}</ref> It was later found out through documents that the cause of his death was Meningococcal disease.<ref name = "BakaDisease"/> thumb|The Tomb of Mohamed Arif (Baka) at Galolhu Cemetery. His funeral prayer was held after Fajr prayer at Masjid Al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Auzam (Islamic Centre),<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dhauru.com/post/news/29308|title=އާރިފްގެ ކަށުނަމާދު ކުރާނީ އިސްލާމީ މަރުކަޒުގައި|last=Mohamed|first=Shahudha|date=25 June 2024|trans-title=Arif's funeral prayer at Islamic Centre|access-date=29 June 2024|work=Dhauru |language=dv}}</ref> which was led by the Head Imam of the Islamic Centre, Sheikh Mohamed Latheef. After his funeral prayer, he was taken to be buried at Galolhu Cemetery.<ref name = "BakaFuneral"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dhauru.com/post/photo-story/29310|title=ފުޓްބޯޅަ ތަރި މުހައްމަދު އާރިފްގެ ޖަނާޒާ: ގައުމީ ބޮޑު ހިތާމައެއް|last=Junaid|first=Anoof|date=26 June 2024|language=dv|trans-title=Football star Mohamed Arif's funeral: Mourning|access-date=29 June 2024|work=Dhauru}}</ref>
==Honours== '''Maldives''' * SAFF Championship: 2008, 2018<ref name=":1" />
'''Club Valencia''' * Dhivehi League: 2008<ref>{{Cite web |title=Club Valencia - Trophies |url=https://us.soccerway.com/teams/maldives/club-valencia/3855/trophies/ |access-date=26 June 2024 |website=Soccerway}}</ref> * Maldives FA Cup: 2016<ref name=":2" />
'''Victory Sports Club''' * Maldives FA Cup: 2010<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maldives 2010 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/maled2010.html |access-date=26 June 2024 |website=RSSSF}}</ref>
'''VB Sports Club''' * Dhivehi League: 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dhiraagu Dhivehi League |url=http://www.famaldives.com/standings.php?id=32 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108002455/http://www.famaldives.com/standings.php?id=32 |archive-date=8 January 2012 |website=Football Association of Maldives}}</ref> * Maldives FA Cup: 2011<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rifshaan |first=Ali |date=1 November 2011 |title=ވީބީ އިން އެފްއޭ ކަޕް ތަށި ހިއްލާލައިފި |trans-title=VB receives FA Cup |url=https://sun.mv/12235 |access-date=26 June 2024 |work=Sun |language=dv}}</ref> * Maldivian FA Charity Shield: 2012{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}
'''Maziya S&RC''' * Maldives FA Cup: 2014<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Maldives - List of Cup Winners |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/maledcuphist.html |access-date=26 June 2024 |website=RSSSF}}</ref> * Maldivian FA Charity Shield: 2017<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alifulhu |first=Azzaam |date=16 February 2017 |title=މާޒިޔާ ޖެހިޖެހިގެން ތިން ވަަނަ ފަހަރަށް ޗެރިޓީ ޝީލްޑް އުފުލާލައިފި |trans-title=Maziya wins Charity Match three times in a row |url=https://mihaaru.com/sports/13184 |access-date=26 June 2024 |work=Mihaaru}}</ref> * Malé League: 2017
'''Individual''' * Haveeru Footballer of the Year: 2010<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 January 2011 |title=Celebrating the best in Maldivian sport |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/sports/34008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233632/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/sports/34008 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |work=Haveeru Daily}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{FIFA player|267025}} *{{sports links}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Arif, Mohamed}} Category:1985 births Category:2024 deaths Category:Maldivian men's footballers Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Maldives men's international footballers Category:Club Valencia players Category:New Radiant S.C. players Category:Victory Sports Club players Category:Shan United F.C. players Category:Club Eagles players Category:Dhivehi Premier League players Category:Myanmar National League players Category:Footballers at the 2006 Asian Games Category:Footballers at the 2014 Asian Games Category:Asian Games footballers for the Maldives Category:Maldivian expatriate men's footballers Category:Maldivian expatriate sportspeople in Myanmar Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Myanmar Category:People from Addu City