{{short description|Malaysian footballer}} {{Malay name|Safiq|Rahim}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Safiq Rahim | image = Safiq Rahim.jpg | caption = Safiq in training with Malaysia in 2011 | fullname = Safiq bin Rahim<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.footballmalaysia.com/portal/player_details.php?userid=35|title=Safiq Rahim profile|publisher=Football Malaysia|access-date=22 July 2018|archive-date=19 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519095915/https://www.footballmalaysia.com/portal/player_details.php?userid=35|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.the-afc.com/player/4922|title=Safiq Rahim Player Profile|website=www.the-afc.com|access-date=26 July 2018}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1987|7|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/93844/safiq-rahim|title=Player Profile - ESPN FC|access-date=1 December 2017|archive-date=6 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206053825/http://www.espnfc.com/player/93844/safiq-rahim|url-status=live}}</ref> | birth_place = Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia<ref name="Safiq 2006 article">[https://blis4.bernama.com/index.php?mod=articles&opt=la&cid=2&scid=11&aid=2190642 Safiq janji komitmen 100 peratus bantu pasukan negara] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625024253/https://blis4.bernama.com/index.php?mod=articles&opt=la&cid=2&scid=11&aid=2190642 |date=25 June 2023 }} - Berita Harian, 1 November 2006.</ref><ref name="BH news">[https://www.bharian.com.my/bhplus-old/2015/03/41453/3-calon-kapten-pilihan-shukor 3 calon kapten pilihan Shukor] - Berita Harian, 17 March 2015.</ref> | height = {{height|m=1.70|precision=0}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asia.eurosport.com/football/safiq-rahim_prs198944/person.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201232525/https://asia.eurosport.com/football/safiq-rahim_prs198944/person.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 December 2017|title=Safiq Rahim - Player Profile - Eurosport Asia|access-date=1 December 2017}}</ref> | position = Midfielder | currentclub = | clubnumber = | youthclubs1 = Bukit Jalil Sports School | youthyears1 = 2003–2004 | clubs1 = Selangor | years1 = 2006–2008 | caps1 = 20 | goals1 = 0 | clubs2 = KL PLUS | years2 = 2009 | caps2 = 10 | goals2 = 2 | clubs3 = Selangor | years3 = 2010–2012 | caps3 = 76 <!--League apps for 2010, 2011 and 2012 only--> | goals3 = 19 | clubs4 = Johor Darul Ta'zim | years4 = 2013–2018 | caps4 = 108 | goals4 = 24 | clubs5 = Melaka United | years5 = 2019–2020 | caps5 = 31 | goals5 = 4 | clubs6 = Johor Darul Ta'zim | years6 = 2021–2025 | caps6 = 41 | goals6 = 2 | nationalyears1 = 2004–2006 | nationalteam1 = Malaysia U20 | nationalcaps1 = 5 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = 2007–2010 | nationalteam2 = Malaysia U23 | nationalcaps2 = 26 | nationalgoals2 = 5 | nationalyears3 = 2007–2022 | nationalteam3 = Malaysia | nationalcaps3 = 81<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mamrud |first1=Roberto |title=Safiq Rahim - International Appearances |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/malay-srahim-intl.html |website=RSSSF |access-date=2 February 2023 |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204185456/https://rsssf.org/miscellaneous/malay-srahim-intl.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | nationalgoals3 = 16 | medaltemplates = {{medalTeam|Malaysia under-23}} {{MedalCompetition|Sea Games}} {{MedalGold|Sea Games 2009|Football}} {{medalTeam|Malaysia}} {{MedalCompetition|Asean Football Championship}} {{medalW|AFF Suzuki Cup 2010|2010}} {{medalRU|AFF Suzuki Cup 2014|2014}} | club-update = 16 April 2025 | nationalteam-update = 8 June 2022 }}
'''Safiq bin Rahim''' (Jawi: صفيق بن رحيم; born 5 July 1987) is a Malaysian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. He is also a former member of the Malaysia national team.
Safiq has played for Selangor, KL PLUS, Melaka United and Johor Darul Ta'zim. He was the part of Johor Darul Ta'zim squad which won the AFC Cup in 2015 and also the part of Selangor squad which won the 2010 Malaysia Super League.
Safiq has been named in the Malaysia national squad for three major tournaments: the 2007 AFF Championship, 2010 AFF Championship and 2014 AFF Championship. In the 2010 AFF Championship, he was a part of Malaysia's under-23 squad which won the AFF Championship title. He was also a part of Malaysia's senior squad which won the 2010 AFF Championship title.
Safiq has been honoured with the Football Association of Malaysia National Football Awards for the Best Midfielder Award for 2011 and 2012 as voted by the public. He also was voted as the best Malaysian footballer in 2015 by Goal.com. He was voted as the best Malaysian footballer in 2016 and 2017 by FOX Sports Asia. He also was awarded as 2015 AFC Cup Most Valuable Player.
Safiq was named in the Malaysian Squad of the Year 10 times from 2006 to 2016. He was named in the AFF Squad of the Year 3 times from 2012 to 2014.
== Early life == Safiq bin Rahim was born in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan and grew up in Selangor.<ref name="Safiq 2006 article" /><ref name="BH news" /> His passion towards football began when he was a kid. At first, his parents did not approve of him being a professional footballer as they wanted him to focus on academics. As a result, he entered SMK Seksyen 11 (Sekolah Sukan Selangor) and Bukit Jalil Sports School from 2003 to 2004 to further his studies.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 November 2017 |title=Safiq Rahim Berjaya Merangkul Semua Kejuaraan Dalam Karier Bolasepaknya |url=https://semuanyabola.com/safiq-rahim-berjaya-merangkul-semua-kejuaraan-dalam-karier-bolasepaknya |access-date=30 November 2017 |publisher=Semuanya BOLA |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131407/https://semuanyabola.com/safiq-rahim-berjaya-merangkul-semua-kejuaraan-dalam-karier-bolasepaknya/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=1 November 2014 |title=Safiq idam lengkap trofi |url=http://www1.hmetro.com.my/node/5695 |access-date=30 November 2017 |publisher=Harian Metro |archive-date=31 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831104201/http://www1.hmetro.com.my/node/5695 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Club career== ===Selangor=== Safiq was promoted to the Selangor first team in the 2006/2007 season. Under Dollah Salleh, he made his debut on 27 December 2006 in a 3–1 defeat against Negeri Sembilan which he came in as a substitute.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081120053907/http://selangorfc.com/berita/v5/arkib/2006/12/papar/n-sembilan-3-selangor-1-liga-super.html N Sembilan 3 Selangor 1 (Liga Super)] - selangorfc.com, 27 December 2006.</ref> In his first season with Selangor, he was nominated as the Most Promising Player for the 2007 FAM National Football Award.<ref>[https://blis4.bernama.com/index.php?mod=articles&opt=la&cid=2&scid=11&aid=2318958 Anugerah: Wira Pestabola jadi pilihan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625024249/https://blis4.bernama.com/index.php?mod=articles&opt=la&cid=2&scid=11&aid=2318958 |date=25 June 2023 }} - Berita Harian, 4 September 2007.</ref><ref>[https://malaysiafootball-dimos.blogspot.com/2008/07/anugerah-bola-sepak-kebangsaan-2008.html Anugerah Bola Sepak Kebangsaan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625024248/https://malaysiafootball-dimos.blogspot.com/2008/07/anugerah-bola-sepak-kebangsaan-2008.html |date=25 June 2023 }} - malaysiafootball-dimos.blogspot.com</ref> In the 2007/2008 season, Safiq secured his place in the starting eleven of Selangor's first team, helping Selangor finished 4th in the Malaysia Super League and runners-up in both Malaysia FA Cup and Malaysia Cup. In the 2008 Malaysia President Cup final, Safiq's only goal gave Selangor U-21 a 1–0 win over Perak U-21.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 August 2008 |title=Piala Presiden 2008 — Selangor vs Perak |url=http://www.seladang.net/2008/08/piala-presiden-2008-selangor-vs-perak-final-result |access-date=30 November 2017 |publisher=Seladang.net |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614051909/http://www.seladang.net/2008/08/piala-presiden-2008-selangor-vs-perak-final-result/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===KL PLUS=== On 19 September 2008, Safiq signed a contract with newly promoted club KL PLUS after he turned down the Football Association of Selangor's offer to extend his contract.<ref>{{cite web |date=4 December 2009 |title=KL PLUS FC |url=https://malaysiafootball-dimos.blogspot.my/2009/12/kl-plus-fc.html |access-date=30 November 2017 |publisher=Malaysiafootball |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030819/https://malaysiafootball-dimos.blogspot.my/2009/12/kl-plus-fc.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/other-sport/2008/09/19/kl-plus-fc-beef-up-side-by-signing-selangor-duo|title=KL Plus FC beef up side by signing Selangor duo|newspaper=The Star Online|date=19 September 2008|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201182836/https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/other-sport/2008/09/19/kl-plus-fc-beef-up-side-by-signing-selangor-duo/|url-status=live}}</ref> Safiq contribute 2 league goals against Pahang<ref>[https://www.goal.com/en/match/plus-v-sri-pahang/57zauwz3qu38ygc7rau88ek0l PLUS v Pahang] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625024247/https://www.goal.com/en/match/plus-v-sri-pahang/57zauwz3qu38ygc7rau88ek0l |date=25 June 2023 }} - goal.com, 20 June 2009.</ref> and Kuala Muda Naza.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid068SiCexv6bpm1GCNse9djZCQx7ZnZCjJPowmjgCHMgWBnbbq9FWewRXCzDY2CBMfl&id=89786026107 PLUS FC] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705054717/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid068SiCexv6bpm1GCNse9djZCQx7ZnZCjJPowmjgCHMgWBnbbq9FWewRXCzDY2CBMfl%26id%3D89786026107 |date=5 July 2023 }} - 2 August 2009.</ref> At the end of 2009 season, Safiq left KL PLUS and returned to Selangor.
===Return to Selangor=== On 1 December 2009, it was announced that Safiq signed with Selangor for a second stint from KL PLUS. He was handed the number 8 jersey ahead of the 2010 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://faselangor.my/berita/barisan-selangor-2010|title=Barisan Selangor 2010|date=3 December 2009|access-date=30 November 2017|publisher=Football Association of Selangor|archive-date=30 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030121521/http://faselangor.my/berita/barisan-selangor-2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Safiq made his season debut for Selangor in a 1–2 win over Negeri Sembilan in the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Cup at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium. On 19 January 2010, he scored his first goal for Selangor in a 4–0 win over Pahang. On 23 February 2010, Safiq made his AFC Cup debut in a 0–0 draw against Vietnamese Becamex Bình Dương at Shah Alam Stadium. He scored his first AFC Cup goal in a 5–0 win over Maldivian Victory SC on 6 April 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/04/06/asia/afc-cup/selangor-fc/victory-sc/904890|title=Selangor vs. Victory - 6 April 2010|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624180557/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/04/06/asia/afc-cup/selangor-fc/victory-sc/904890/|url-status=live}}</ref> Safiq has scored 9 goals in all competitions during his season debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stadium.my/football/41223/5-pemain-terbaik-selangor-yang-berpindah-ke-johor-darul-taazim|title=5 pemain terbaik Selangor yang berpindah ke Johor Darul Ta'azim|date=13 December 2016|publisher=Stadium.my|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-date=19 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219175522/https://stadium.my/football/41223/5-pemain-terbaik-selangor-yang-berpindah-ke-johor-darul-taazim/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww1.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2011&dt=0504&pub=kosmo&sec=sukan&pg=su_02.htm|title=Selangor kembali temui rentak|work=Kosmo Online |date=4 May 2011|publisher=Kosmo! Online|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624040254/http://ww1.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2011&dt=0504&pub=kosmo&sec=sukan&pg=su_02.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=0530&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Sukan&pg=su_01.htm|title=Selangor terlalu kebal|publisher=Utusan Online|date=30 May 2010|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624045603/http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=0530&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Sukan&pg=su_01.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> He was part of the Selangor team that won the 2010 Super League Malaysia and the 2010 Malaysia Charity Shield.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://faselangor.my/berita/selangor-juara-liga-super-2010|title=Selangor Juara Liga Super 2010|date=31 July 2010|publisher=Football Association of Selangor|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-date=27 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727035516/http://faselangor.my/berita/selangor-juara-liga-super-2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=0109&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Rencana_Sukan&pg=rs_04.htm|title=Piala Sumbangsih|date=9 January 2010|publisher=Utusan Online|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624050315/http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=0109&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Rencana_Sukan&pg=rs_04.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In the 2011 season, Safiq his season first appearance in a 0–2 defeat to Kelantan in a Malaysia Charity Shield match on 29 January 2011. Safiq played as a starter before being substituted with Fitri Shazwan in the 46th minute of the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/01/29/malaysia/super-league/selangor-fc/kelantan-fc/1070059|title=Selangor 0–2 Kelantan|publisher=Soccerway|date=29 January 2011|access-date=1 December 2017}}</ref> Safiq scored his first goal of the season on 12 March 2011, in an away match against Negeri Sembilan. The match ended in a 2–1 victory for Selangor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/03/12/malaysia/super-league/negeri-sembilan/selangor-fc/1073263|title=Negeri Sembilan 1–2 Selangor|publisher=Soccerway|date=12 March 2011|access-date=1 December 2017}}</ref> He added his second goal of the season on 16 April 2011 against Perak in a 1–0 home win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/04/16/malaysia/super-league/selangor-fc/perak/1073298|title=Selangor 1–0 Perak|publisher=Soccerway|date=16 April 2011|access-date=1 December 2017}}</ref> Overall Safiq has scored 11 goals in all 2011 season competitions and made 26 league appearances with 23 times as a starter.
On 30 June 2011, Indonesian club, Persib Bandung announced that they would give him a contract for the 2011–12 Indonesia Super League season, which he later chose to reject.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.inilah.com/news/detail/1654862/wow-kapten-timnas-malaysia-siap-berkostum-persib|title=Wow, Kapten Timnas Malaysia Siap Berkostum Persib|publisher=Inilah.com|date=30 June 2011|access-date=30 June 2011|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201081950/http://m.inilah.com/news/detail/1654862/wow-kapten-timnas-malaysia-siap-berkostum-persib|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/id-ID/news/1643/eksklusif-wawancara-khusus/2011/07/20/2582107/eksklusif-safiq-rahim-indonesia-batu-loncatan-menuju-asia|title=EKSLUSIF - Safiq Rahim: Indonesia Batu Loncatan Menuju Asia|publisher=Goal Indonesia|date=20 July 2011|access-date=1 December 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201081348/http://www.goal.com/id-ID/news/1643/eksklusif-wawancara-khusus/2011/07/20/2582107/eksklusif-safiq-rahim-indonesia-batu-loncatan-menuju-asia|url-status=live}}</ref>
In August 2011 after the 2011 Malaysia Cup campaign ended, Safiq was given a three-week trial from the Welsh club, Cardiff City with the help of the Cardiff owner, Chan Tien Ghee who is also a Malaysian,<ref>[http://www.goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2011/08/27/2638237/malaysia-captain-safiq-rahim-set-for-cardiff-city-trial Malaysia captain Safiq Rahim set for Cardiff City trial] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201081419/http://www.goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2011/08/27/2638237/malaysia-captain-safiq-rahim-set-for-cardiff-city-trial |date=1 December 2017 }} Retrieved at 27 August 2011 from Goal.com</ref><ref>[http://kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2011&dt=0827&pub=Kosmo&sec=Sukan&pg=su_01.htm Safiq ke Eropah (MALAY)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008221348/http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2011&dt=0827&pub=Kosmo&sec=Sukan&pg=su_01.htm |date=8 October 2011 }} Retrieved at 26 August 2011 from ''Kosmo! Online''</ref> along with fellow Malaysian Safee Sali.<ref>[http://www.arena.my/Arena/ArenaBolaSepak/ArenaBolaSepakArticle/tabid/447/Default.aspx?newsId=174975 Safee sambut tawaran percubaan dua minggu di Cardiff (MALAY)]{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Retrieved at 7 September 2011 from Arena.my</ref> Safiq officially underwent his three-week trial began on 24 November 2011 and ended on 11 December 2011.<ref>[http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/football-news/2011/11/22/malaysia-captain-safiq-rahim-given-three-week-trial-at-cardiff-city-91466-29820057/ Malaysia captain Safiq Rahim given three-week trial at Cardiff City] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125042608/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/football-news/2011/11/22/malaysia-captain-safiq-rahim-given-three-week-trial-at-cardiff-city-91466-29820057/ |date=25 November 2011 }} Retrieved at 23 November 2011 from WalesOnline.co.uk</ref><ref>[http://www.arena.my/Arena/ArenaBolaSepak/ArenaBolaSepakArticle/tabid/447/Default.aspx?newsId=192977 Safiq: Usaha keras yang berbaloi]{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Retrieved at 1 December 2011 from Astro Arena</ref>
On 24 October 2011, Safiq refused to undergo a trial with the Indonesian, Arema-Pelita club.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Xxxxx |url=http://www.seputartimnas.com/2012/10/fokus-untuk-timnas-malaysia-safiq-rahim.html?m=0|title=Fokus Untuk Timnas Malaysia, Safiq Rahim Tolak Arema-Pelita|work=Seputar Timnas |date=24 October 2012|access-date=1 December 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201081720/http://www.seputartimnas.com/2012/10/fokus-untuk-timnas-malaysia-safiq-rahim.html?m=0|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 30 November 2011, Safiq was honoured with the FAM National Football Awards for the Best Midfielder Award, as voted by the public.<ref name="abk2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.seladang.net/2011/11/anugerah-bola-sepak-kebangsaan-100-plus-2011|title=Anugerah Bolasepak Kebangsaan 100Plus 2011|publisher=Seladang.net|date=30 November 2011|access-date=1 December 2011|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201182754/http://www.seladang.net/2011/11/anugerah-bola-sepak-kebangsaan-100-plus-2011/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
For the 2012 season, Safiq scored his first goal of the season in his season debut match in a 2–2 draw against Negeri Sembilan on 10 January 2012 at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/01/10/malaysia/super-league/negeri-sembilan/selangor-fc/1244461|title=Negeri Sembilan 2–2 Selangor|publisher=Soccerway|date=10 January 2012|access-date=1 December 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131915/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/01/10/malaysia/super-league/negeri-sembilan/selangor-fc/1244461/|url-status=live}}</ref> He continued his good form with the winning goal in a 1–0 win over Perak the following week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/01/14/malaysia/super-league/selangor-fc/perak/1244528|title=Selangor 1–0 Perak|publisher=Soccerway|date=14 January 2012|access-date=1 December 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201182109/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/01/14/malaysia/super-league/selangor-fc/perak/1244528/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 18 February 2012, Safiq scored twice in a 0–4 win over Shahzan Muda for the FA Cup match in Temerloh Mini Stadium. On 25 August 2012, Safiq scored the first goal in a 2–2 draw against Pahang for the Malaysia Cup group stage match. Three days later, in the Malaysia Cup campaign, Safiq scored a winning goal through a penalty kick in the 80th minute of the match. As Selangor advanced to the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup, Safiq's other goal came in a 1–3 win over Johor FC on 25 September 2012 in the first leg. Safiq concluded his 2012 season with 10 goals in all competitions.
===Johor Darul Ta'zim=== After his contract with Selangor expired on 30 November 2012, Safiq was set to join Johor Darul Ta'zim for the 2013 season. On 1 December 2013, he signed a one-year contract with an option for another year with the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-my/news/3896/malaysia/2012/11/01/3494561/johor-set-to-sign-safiq-rahim|title=Johor set to sign Safiq Rahim|date=1 November 2012|access-date=2 December 2017|publisher=Goal|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131741/http://www.goal.com/en-my/news/3896/malaysia/2012/11/01/3494561/johor-set-to-sign-safiq-rahim|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.astroawani.com/sports-news/safiq-sign-johor-next-season-455|title=Safiq sign Johor next season|publisher=Astro Awani|date=1 November 2012|access-date=2 December 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201132045/http://english.astroawani.com/sports-news/safiq-sign-johor-next-season-455|url-status=live}}</ref> It was reported that Safiq was among the highest-paid local players with a monthly salary of RM 70,000 (around US$17,000).<ref>{{cite news |date=13 April 2015 |title=Malaysian football: So much money, so little to show |newspaper=New Straits Times |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/malaysian-football-so-much-money-so-little-show |access-date=1 December 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201132002/https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/malaysian-football-so-much-money-so-little-show |url-status=live }}</ref> Safiq made his debut and scored in the opening match of the 2013 Malaysia Super League against Pahang. In 2015, he was named club captain and was part of the squad that won the 2015 AFC Cup. On 31 November 2015, he captained the side for the final, playing the full 90 minutes and being voted man of the match in a 1–0 victory against FC Istiklol at Pamir Stadium. Safiq was named as the 2015 AFC Cup's Most Valuable Player and lauded his Johor Darul Ta’zim teammates after the club became the first from Malaysia to claim a continental title.<ref name="AFC MVP">{{cite web |date=31 October 2015 |title=JDT skipper Safiq Rahim named AFC Cup Final MVP |url=http://www.the-afc.com/afc-cup-2015/jdt-skipper-safiq-rahim-named-afc-cup-final-mvp |access-date=30 November 2017 |publisher=AFC Official website |archive-date=20 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920041204/http://www.the-afc.com/afc-cup-2015/jdt-skipper-safiq-rahim-named-afc-cup-final-mvp |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 14 December 2015, Safiq signed a new four-year contract with Johor Darul Ta'zim until 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stadium.my/football/25928/safiq-rahim-signs-new-four-year-deal-with-johor-dt|title=Safiq Rahim signs new four-year deal with Johor DT|date=14 December 2015|publisher=Stadium.my|access-date=2 December 2017|archive-date=19 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219175514/https://stadium.my/football/25928/safiq-rahim-signs-new-four-year-deal-with-johor-dt/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 2 November 2018, Safiq leaves Johor Darul Ta'zim after six seasons. According to club owner, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim described Safiq, who signed from Selangor back in 2013, as one of his best players as he helped the Southern Tigers achieve success in both domestic and international competitions. He added in his latest Facebook post, ''“In my sincere opinion, he (Safiq) has been the most successful player at Johor Darul Ta’zim and has helped the Southern Tigers achieve our goals. The most successful player, the best captain in the history of JDT and a great player who has not only contributed to JDT, but also to Selangor and the national team”''. Then, Tunku Ismail said the door would always be open for Safiq to return in the future. Safiq won multiple trophies with JDT, including five straight Super League titles since 2014, the 2015 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup, the 2016 FA Cup and the 2017 Malaysia Cup. He also won the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation title with the national senior squad as well as the gold medal with the under-23 squad in the 2009 Laos SEA Games.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/football/2018/11/03/safiq-leaves-jdt-after-six-seasons|title=Safiq leaves JDT after six seasons|date=2 November 2018|newspaper=The Star Online|access-date=4 January 2019|archive-date=5 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105094213/https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/football/2018/11/03/safiq-leaves-jdt-after-six-seasons/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Melaka United=== On 10 December 2018, Safiq joined Melaka United for the 2019 Malaysian league season. He signed a one-year contract for a Malacca-city-based club, alongside his national teammate, Razman Roslan and also Felda United's former captain Shukor Adan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://semuanyabola.com/safiq-rahim-diumumkan-pemain-baharu-baharu-melaka-united|title=Safiq Rahim Diumumkan Pemain Baharu Baharu Melaka United|date=10 November 2018|publisher=Semuanya BOLA|access-date=4 January 2019|archive-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211010226/https://semuanyabola.com/safiq-rahim-diumumkan-pemain-baharu-baharu-melaka-united/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/news/former-jdt-and-malaysia-captain-safiq-rahim-joins-melaka-united|title=Former JDT and Malaysia captain Safiq Rahim joins Melaka United|date=10 November 2018|publisher=Four Four Two|access-date=4 January 2019|archive-date=4 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104180108/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/news/former-jdt-and-malaysia-captain-safiq-rahim-joins-melaka-united|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Return to Johor Darul Ta'zim === Safiq returned to Johor Darul Ta'zim in February 2021 after playing for two seasons with Melaka United.[3] On 3 July 2023, Safiq came off the bench and scored his 50th Malaysia Super League goal in a 6–1 win over Kuala Lumpur City.
==International career== ===Youth=== Safiq started his international career with Malaysia U-20 team at aged 17 under K. Rajagobal. He has participated in 2004 AFC Youth Championship which Malaysia has lost 0–3 to China PR in the quarterfinal. Safiq also was part of the team which qualified for the 2006 AFC Youth Championship in India which they were finished at the bottom place of the group stage.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/my/features/safiq-rahim-pengumpul-pingat-kapten-paling-berjaya-di-era-bola-sepak-moden-malaysia|title=Safiq Rahim, Pengumpul Pingat: Kapten paling berjaya di era bola sepak modern Malaysia|magazine=FourFourTwo|date=1 December 2017|access-date=2 December 2017|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708074514/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/my/features/safiq-rahim-pengumpul-pingat-kapten-paling-berjaya-di-era-bola-sepak-moden-malaysia|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Malaysia U-23=== Safiq was called up by Malaysia U-23 national coach K.Rajagobal for 2009 Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane, Laos. He scored 3 goals to assist the national U-23 sides to win the gold medal for the first time after 20 years since the team won it in 1989.
===Senior=== Safiq has represented Malaysia since 2005. He earned his first full international cap against Myanmar in the 2007 ASEAN Football Championship in January 2007 at age 20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/report?cc=4716&league=AFF.CHAMPIONSHIP&id=212285|title=Malaysia 0–0 Myanmar|date=14 January 2007|access-date=2 December 2017|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=2 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202102830/http://www.espn.com/soccer/report?cc=4716&league=AFF.CHAMPIONSHIP&id=212285|url-status=live}}</ref> Since then, he only made appearances with the under-23 national team. He scored his first international senior goal in an unofficial friendly match against Zimbabwe on 12 July 2009.
Safiq scored twice from a free kick in a friendly against Singapore on 8 and 12 June 2012 consecutively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/06/08/world/friendlies/singapore/malaysia/1284939|title=Singapore 2–2 Malaysia|publisher=Soccerway|date=8 June 2012|access-date=2 December 2017|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831035318/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/06/08/world/friendlies/singapore/malaysia/1284939/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/06/12/world/friendlies/malaysia/singapore/1284942|title=Malaysia 2–0 Singapore|publisher=Soccerway|date=12 June 2012|access-date=2 December 2017|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831041048/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/06/12/world/friendlies/malaysia/singapore/1284942/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 October 2012, he scored another goal, again from a free kick in a 3–0 win over Hong Kong.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/10/16/world/friendlies/hong-kong/malaysia/1394975|title=Hong Kong 0–3 Malaysia|publisher=Soccerway|date=16 October 2012|access-date=2 December 2012|archive-date=30 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830211653/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/10/16/world/friendlies/hong-kong/malaysia/1394975/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 27 January 2015, FIFA.com has published an article about his expertise in taking a free kick after skippering his side to a runners-up finish in 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup. Safiq who also the top-scorer during the tournament has scored 5 goals from set pieces.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 January 2015 |title=Safiq: Set pieces require confidence |url=https://www.fifa.com/live-scores/news/y=2015/m=1/news=safiq-set-pieces-require-confidence-2511847.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202100521/http://www.fifa.com/live-scores/news/y=2015/m=1/news=safiq-set-pieces-require-confidence-2511847.html |archive-date=2 December 2017 |access-date=1 December 2017 |publisher=FIFA.com}}</ref>
On 12 July 2016, Safiq announced his retirement from international football via his football club's website and Facebook page. He retired from national team alongside fellow club teammate, Aidil Zafuan.
On 29 March 2017, Safiq announced to come back from retirement after club owner Johor Darul Ta'zim FC became the new president of FAM and also to contribute his experience and skill he gathered from his club for his national team. Once he made a comeback, the national team became more spirit with a short pass, (tiki-taka) playing style.
On 10 October 2017, Safiq was shown a straight red card 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying match away to Hong Kong for stamping on Daniel Cancela. Malaysia lost the match 0–2.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espnfc.com/report?gameId=479587|title=Safiq Rahim red card as Malaysia lose again in Asian Cup qualifying|date=10 October 2017|author=Nicolas Anil|website=ESPNFC|access-date=8 November 2017|archive-date=8 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108151943/http://www.espnfc.com/report?gameId=479587|url-status=live}}</ref>
Safiq is also part of the Malaysian team that qualified for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. He played 2 matches against Turkmenistan and Bahrain in Third Round Group E Qualification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/34785/Malaysia_Turkmenistan.html|title=Malaysia vs. Turkmenistan 2022-06-08|publisher=National Football Teams.com|accessdate=16 June 2022|archive-date=5 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705054709/https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/34785/Malaysia_Turkmenistan.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/34849/Malaysia_Bahrain.html|title=Malaysia vs. Bahrain 2022-06-11|publisher=National Football Teams.com|accessdate=16 June 2022|archive-date=5 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705055209/https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/34849/Malaysia_Bahrain.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
====2010 AFF Championship==== Safiq was selected by Malaysia to captain the Malaysian team in the 2010 AFF Championship co-hosted by Indonesia and Vietnam. Safiq made all 7 appearances throughout the tournament. It was the first time in history that Malaysia won the AFF Championship title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/29/10/malaysia-wins-2010-aff-suzuki-cup-aggregate|title=Malaysia wins 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup on aggregate|publisher=ABS CBN News|date=29 December 2010|access-date=2 December 2017|archive-date=2 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202102847/http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/29/10/malaysia-wins-2010-aff-suzuki-cup-aggregate|url-status=live}}</ref>
====2012 AFF Championship==== Safiq made his first 2012 AFF Championship in a 0–3 defeat to Singapore in their group stage first match on 25 November 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.affsuzukicup.com/news/malaysia-0-singapore-3|title=Malaysia 0 Singapore 3|publisher=AFF Suzuki Cup|date=25 November 2012|access-date=3 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006070124/http://www.affsuzukicup.com/news/malaysia-0-singapore-3|archive-date=6 October 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 28 November 2012, Safiq scored the opening goal with a free kick in 1–4 win over Laos.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.affsuzukicup.com/news/laos-1-malaysia-4|title=Laos 1 Malaysia 4|publisher=AFF Suzuki Cup|date=28 November 2012|access-date=3 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203015500/http://www.affsuzukicup.com/news/laos-1-malaysia-4|archive-date=3 December 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
====2014 AFF Championship==== On 19 November 2014, Safiq was named in the Malaysia squad for the 2014 AFF Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mstar.com.my/sukan/bola-sepak/2014/11/19/dollah-umum-pemain-piala-suzuki|title=Dollah Umum Senarai Akhir 22 Pemain Ke Piala AFF Suzuki 2014|publisher=mStar|date=19 November 2014|access-date=3 December 2017|archive-date=3 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203231444/http://www.mstar.com.my/sukan/bola-sepak/2014/11/19/dollah-umum-pemain-piala-suzuki/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 November 2014, Safiq scored one goal in a 2–3 defeat to Thailand. He scored the match first goal in the 28th minute before Adisak Kraisorn made an equaliser 2 minutes before the half time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.affsuzukicup.com/news/thailand-3-malaysia-2|publisher=AFF Championship|title=Thailand 3 Malaysian 2|date=26 November 2014|access-date=2 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129161153/http://www.affsuzukicup.com/news/thailand-3-malaysia-2|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In the final group stage match against Singapore, Safiq’s performance was noted as he statistically recorded the most passes and touches on the ball. He converted a penalty during the match despite a jeering crowd's reaction, helping Malaysia progress to the knockout stage.
In the first leg semi final match against Vietnam, Safiq converted another penalty but Malaysia lost 1–2. In the second leg, Safiq scored the opening goal after Malaysia received a penalty kick in the 4th minutes. In the second leg of the 2014 AFF Championship final, Safiq scored another penalty in the 7th minutes. He then scored his sixth goal of the tournament, a free kick but two late goals from Thailand resulted in Malaysia losing 3–4 on aggregate. With his 6-goal haul, Safiq became the first midfielder in the tournament's 18-year history to have picked up the Golden Boot award.
===Malaysia XI=== On 13 and 16 July 2011, Safiq captained the Malaysia XI in their matches against Arsenal and Liverpool. Malaysia XI lost 0–4 against Arsenal. Just before the stroke of half time against Liverpool, with Malaysia trailing 0–1, Safiq scored from a free-kick to equalise for Malaysia. Despite a spirited comeback, Malaysia XI went on to lose 3–6 to Liverpool.
==Personal life== Safiq is the eldest child of Rahim bin Muhd. Yatim and Aidah binti Majid.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 October 2010 |title=Safiq dilabel 'arkitek' muda negara |work=Kosmo Online |url=http://ww1.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2010&dt=1024&pub=Kosmo&sec=Sukan&pg=su_07.htm |access-date=30 November 2017 |publisher=Kosmo! Online |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041615/http://ww1.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2010&dt=1024&pub=Kosmo&sec=Sukan&pg=su_07.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He has a sister, Safiqa.
Safiq is married to Malaysian professional ten-pin bowler, Zandra Aziela.<ref>[http://beautifulnara.com/15-gambar-majlis-pernikahan-safiq-rahim-zandra-aziela-daripada-ministry-of-moment/ Majlis Pernikahan Safiq Rahim & Zandra Aziela Daripada Ministry Of Moment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203064624/http://beautifulnara.com/15-gambar-majlis-pernikahan-safiq-rahim-zandra-aziela-daripada-ministry-of-moment/ |date=3 February 2014 }} Retrieved at 3 February 2014 from beautifulnara.com</ref>
On 7 May 2024, Safiq was accosted by two individuals on a motorcycle who threatened him with a hammer and smashed his car's window. Two people were arrested, one of whom was later released.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2024 |title=Malaysian soccer player splashed with acid, two others attacked in a week of rare violence|url=https://apnews.com/article/malaysia-soccer-players-attacked-2a33aefaab5c16d05ceb128e9185dd9b |access-date=9 May 2024 |website=Associated Press |language=english}}</ref>
==Career statistics== ===Club=== {{updated|16 December 2023}}<ref>{{Soccerway|mohd-safiq-rahim/70004|accessdate=28 October 2017}}</ref><ref>[https://www.malaysianfootballleague.com/Home/Sport?&WHurl=%2Fcompetition%2Fall%2Fperson%2F603469 SAFIQ RAHIM] - Malaysian Football League.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sukangual.wordpress.com/2009/09/18/senarai-penjaring-liga-super-20092010|title=Senarai Penjaring Liga Super 2008/09|date=18 September 2009|access-date=29 November 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131705/https://sukangual.wordpress.com/2009/09/18/senarai-penjaring-liga-super-20092010/|url-status=live}}</ref> {| class=wikitable style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan=2|Club !rowspan=2|Season !colspan=3|League{{efn|Including Malaysia Charity Shield}} !colspan=2|Cup !colspan=2|League Cup !colspan=2|Continental{{efn|Including AFC Cup and AFC Champions League}} !colspan=2|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan=3|Selangor||2006–07||Malaysia Super League||3||0||2||0||2||0||colspan=2|—||7||0 |- |2007–08||Malaysia Super League||17||0||5||0||4||0||colspan=2|—||26||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total||20||0||7||0||6||0||colspan=2|—||33||0 |- |rowspan=2|PLUS||2009||Malaysia Super League||10||2||1||0||4||0||colspan=2|—||15||2 |- !colspan="2"|Total||10||2||1||0||4||0||colspan=2|—||15||2 |- |rowspan=4|Selangor||2010||Malaysia Super League||26||7||6||0||7||1||6||1||45||9 |- |2011||Malaysia Super League||26||7||4||0||10||4||colspan=2|—||40||11 |- |2012||Malaysia Super League||24||5||1||2||9||3||colspan=2|—||34||10 |- !colspan="2"|Total||76||19||11||2||26||8||6||1||119||30 |- |rowspan=7|Johor Darul Ta'zim ||2013||Malaysia Super League||18||1||4||0||7||2||colspan=2|—||29||3 |- |2014||Malaysia Super League||20||1||3||0||9||4||colspan=2|—||32||5 |- |2015||Malaysia Super League||19||7||1||0||7||4||13||4||40||15 |- |2016||Malaysia Super League||17||4||7||2||5||1||9||8||38||15 |- |2017||Malaysia Super League||21||9||4||0||7||2||9||4||41||15 |- |2018||Malaysia Super League||13||2||4||0||1||0||7||1||25||3 |- !colspan="2"|Total||108||24||23||2||36||13||38||17||205||56 |- |rowspan=3|Melaka United||2019||Malaysia Super League||21||3||1||0||8||1||colspan=2|—||30||4 |- |2020||Malaysia Super League||10||1||0||0||1||0||colspan=2|—||11||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total||31||4||1||0||9||1||colspan="2"|–||41||5 |- |rowspan=4|Johor Darul Ta'zim||2021||Malaysia Super League||13||0||colspan="2"|–||9||0||6||0||28||0 |- |2022||Malaysia Super League||14||0||4||1||4||0||3||0||25||1 |- |2023||Malaysia Super League||9||1||0||0||4||0||2||0||15||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total||36||1||4||1||17||0||11||0||68||2 |- !colspan="3"|Career Total||281||50||47||5||98||22||55||18||481||95 |}
{{notelist}}
===International=== {{updated|11 June 2022}}<ref name="MNFT">{{Cite web |url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Zz3ZaAegm8o0IbNrGyg1S8imys7-2gFG |title=Safiq Rahim International Caps & Goals |access-date=2 December 2018 |archive-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906200104/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zz3ZaAegm8o0IbNrGyg1S8imys7-2gFG/view?usp=drive_open |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NFT">{{NFT player |id=21691 |name=Rahim, Mohd Safiq|accessdate=28 November 2017}}</ref>
{| class=wikitable style="text-align: center;" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year |- !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals!!Ratio |- |rowspan=12|Malaysia |2007||1||0||0.00 |- |2009||7||0||0.00 |- |2010||9||0||0.00 |- |2011||8||4||0.50 |- |2012||15||4||0.27 |- |2013||5||0||0.00 |- |2014||13||6||0.46 |- |2015||9||1||0.11 |- |2016||1||0||0.00 |- |2017||6||0||0.00 |- |2018||1||0||0.00 |- |2022||6||1||0.16 |- !colspan=2|Total!!81!!16!!0.20 |}
====International goals==== :''As of match played 8 June 2022. Malaysia score listed first, score column indicates score after each Safiq goal.''<ref name="MNFT"/><ref name="NFT"/> {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition |- ! No. !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition |-style="background-color:#CAE6FF" | || 12 July 2009 || KLFA Stadium, Cheras, Malaysia || {{fb|Zimbabwe}} || align=center | 1–0 || align=center | 4–0 || Friendly |-style="background-color:#CAE6FF" | ||rowspan=2| 30 December 2009 ||rowspan=2| KLFA Stadium, Cheras, Malaysia ||rowspan=2| {{fb|Syria}} ||align=center | 1–0 ||rowspan=2 align=center | 4–1 ||rowspan=2| Friendly |-style="background-color:#CAE6FF" | || align=center | 2–1 |- | 1. || 9 February 2011 || Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam, Malaysia || {{fb|Hong Kong}} ||align=center | 1–0 || align=center | 2–0 || Friendly |- | 2. || 29 June 2011 || Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Malaysia || {{fb|Chinese Taipei}} || align=center | 1–0 || align=center | 2–1 || 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | 3. || 3 July 2011 || Taipei Municipal Stadium, Taipei, Taiwan || {{fb|Chinese Taipei}} || align=center | 2–1 || align=center | 2–3 || 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | 4. || 13 November 2011 || Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, India || {{fb|India}} || align=center | 1–0 || align=center | 1–1 || Friendly |- | 5. || 8 June 2012 || Jalan Besar Stadium, Kallang, Singapore || {{fb|SIN}} || align=center | 2–0 || align=center | 2–2 || Friendly |- | 6. || 12 June 2012 || Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam, Malaysia || {{fb|SIN}} || align=center | 2–0 || align=center | 2–0 || Friendly |- | 7. || 16 October 2012 || Mong Kok Stadium, Mong Kok, Hong Kong || {{fb|HKG}} || align=center | 2–0 || align=center | 3–0 || Friendly |- | 8. || 28 November 2012 || Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Malaysia || {{fb|LAO}} || align=center | 1–0 || align=center | 4–1 ||2012 AFF Suzuki Cup |-style="background-color:#CAE6FF" | || 17 March 2013 || Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam, Malaysia || {{fb|Saudi Arabia}} || align=center | 1–2 || align=center | 1–4 ||Friendly |-style="background-color:#CAE6FF" | || 9 October 2013 || Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre, China || {{fb|UAE}} || align=center | 1–3 || align=center | 1–3 ||Friendly |- | 9.|| 26 November 2014 || Jalan Besar Stadium, Kallang, Singapore || {{fb|THA}} || align=center | 2–1 || align=center | 2–3 || 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup |- | 10.|| 29 November 2014 || National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore || {{fb|SIN}} || align=center | 2–1 || align=center | 3–1 || 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup |- | 11.||7 December 2014 || Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam, Malaysia || {{fb|VIE}} || align=center | 1–0 || align=center | 1–2 || 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup |- | 12.|| 11 December 2014 || Mỹ Đình National Stadium, Hanoi, Vietnam || {{fb|VIE}} || align=center | 2–1 || align=center | 4–2 || 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup |- | 13.||rowspan=2| 20 December 2014 ||rowspan=2| Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Malaysia ||rowspan=2| {{fb|THA}} ||align=center | 1–0 ||rowspan=2 align=center | 3–2 ||rowspan=2| 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup |- | 14. || align=center | 3–0 |- | 15. || 3 September 2015 || Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam, Malaysia || {{fb|KSA}} || align=center | 1–0 || align=center | 1–2 || 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | 16.|| 1 June 2022 || National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Malaysia || {{fb|HKG}} || align=center | 2–0 || align=center | 2–0 || Friendly |- |} <small>Note:</small> <br/>{{legend2|#CAE6FF|Non-FIFA matches|border=1px solid #CAE6FF}}
==Honours== ===Club=== '''Selangor''' * President Cup: 2008 * Malaysia Charity Shield: 2010 * Malaysia Super League: 2010
'''Johor Darul Ta'zim''' * AFC Cup: 2015 * Malaysia Super League: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024–25 * Malaysia FA Cup: 2016, 2022, 2023, 2024 * Piala Sumbangsih: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 * Malaysia Cup: 2017, 2022, 2024–25
===International=== ;Malaysia U-18 * 2005 : Lion City Cup
;Malaysia U-23 * 2009 : SEA Games Gold
;Malaysia * 2010 : AFF Championship champion; * 2014 : AFF Championship runner-up
===Individual=== ====Awards==== *FAM Football Awards – Best Midfielder: 2011,<ref name="abk2011"/> 2012,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/Sukan/20121031/su_02/Mat-Yo-penyerang-terbaik-Paling-Bernilai|publisher=Utusan Online|title=Mat Yo penyerang terbaik, Paling Bernilai|date=31 October 2012|access-date=2 December 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201232804/http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/Sukan/20121031/su_02/Mat-Yo-penyerang-terbaik-Paling-Bernilai|url-status=dead}}</ref> 2015,<ref name="ABK2015">{{cite news|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/node/106304|title=JDT kuasai Anugerah Bola Sepak Kebangsaan 2015|newspaper=Berita Harian|date=18 December 2015|access-date=2 December 2017|archive-date=2 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202055503/https://www.bharian.com.my/node/106304|url-status=live}}</ref> 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.astroawani.com/berita-sukan/ahmad-hazwan-raih-dua-gelaran-pada-abk-2016-126739|title=Ahmad Hazwan raih dua gelaran pada ABK 2016|publisher=Astro Awani|date=23 December 2016|access-date=2 December 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201235256/http://www.astroawani.com/berita-sukan/ahmad-hazwan-raih-dua-gelaran-pada-abk-2016-126739|url-status=live}}</ref> *FAM Football Awards – Most Valuable Player: 2015<ref name="ABK2015"/> * AFF Best XI (2012 AFF Championship): 2012 * AFF Championship All-time XI: 2021<ref>{{cite web|url= https://ampe.vnexpress.net/news/sports/football/vietnam-national-captain-makes-aff-cup-all-time-xi-4386085.html |title= Vietnam national captain makes AFF Cup all-time XI |publisher=VnExpress|accessdate=8 December 2021|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20211208131553/https://ampe.vnexpress.net/news/sports/football/vietnam-national-captain-makes-aff-cup-all-time-xi-4386085.html |archivedate=8 December 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> * ASEAN Football Federation Best XI: 2013 * Malaysia Cup Final Best Player: 2014 * ASEAN All-Stars: 2014<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.antaranews.com/berita/433780/timnas-indonesia-menang-1-0-atas-asean-all-stars|title=Indonesian National Team Wins 1-0 Over ASEAN All Stars|work=Antara News|date=11 May 2025}}</ref> * AFC Cup Most Valuable Player: 2015<ref name="AFC MVP"/> * Goal.com The Best Malaysia XI of all time: 2020<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/amp/news/raja-bola-king-james-spiderman-safiq-rahim-best-malaysia-xi/18nvjl5zn21c1md4pjsxgh2ct|title=From Raja Bola to King James, 'Spiderman' to Safiq - The best Malaysia XI of all time|publisher=Goal|accessdate=30 May 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608035634/https://www.goal.com/en/amp/news/raja-bola-king-james-spiderman-safiq-rahim-best-malaysia-xi/18nvjl5zn21c1md4pjsxgh2ct|archivedate=8 June 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>
====Performances==== * AFF Championship Top Scorer: 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/539442/aff-suzuki-cup-top-scorers|title=AFF Suzuki Cup: The top scorers|access-date=2 December 2017|publisher=FOX Sports Asia|archive-date=2 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202052750/http://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/539442/aff-suzuki-cup-top-scorers/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [http://johorsoutherntigers.com.my/player/safiq-rahim Johor Darul Ta'zim official profile] * {{NFT player|21691}} * {{Soccerway | mohd-safiq-rahim/70004 | Safiq Rahim }} * {{FIFA player|267328}}
{{AFF Cup top scorers}} {{Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C. squad}}
Category:1987 births Category:Living people Category:Malaysian people of Malay descent Category:Footballers from Selangor Category:Malaysian men's footballers Category:Malaysia men's international footballers Category:Selangor F.C. players Category:Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C. players Category:Malaysia Super League players Category:21st-century Malaysian sportsmen Category:Men's association football midfielders Category:Footballers at the 2006 Asian Games Category:Footballers at the 2010 Asian Games Category:SEA Games gold medalists for Malaysia Category:SEA Games medalists in football Category:Melaka United F.C. players Category:Competitors at the 2009 SEA Games Category:Asian Games footballers for Malaysia Category:Malaysia men's youth international footballers Category:SEA Games competitors for Malaysia