Southeast Asia is ready to take center stage as Manchester United face off against the ASEAN All-Stars in the Maybank Challenge Cup 2025 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Wednesday night.
More than just a marquee matchup, the event is being hailed as a celebration of ASEAN pride, unity, and football culture on a global stage.
The clash, hosted in Malaysia’s national stadium, features an all-star cast from both sides.
Manchester United is bringing a near-complete squad, led by the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Højlund, and Matthijs de Ligt.
Backing them are top-tier goalkeepers Andre Onana, Altay Bayındır, and Tom Heaton, along with defenders Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans.
The midfield unit includes Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Manuel Ugarte, while the attack is powered by Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and teenage sensation Chido ObiMartin.
Opposing them is the ASEAN All-Star Team — a specially assembled selection of Southeast Asia’s top talents and national team leaders.
Among the standout names are Malaysia’s Muhammad Azam Azmi Murad, Muhammad Adib Abdul Raop, Muhammad Haziq Nadzli, Declan Lambert, and Sergio Ezequiel Aguero, along with regional captains Amani Aguinaldo (Philippines), Mo Kan (Cambodia), Bounphachan Bounkong (Laos), and Do Duy Manh (Vietnam).
Representing both their nations and the spirit of regional unity, the ASEAN squad brings together youth, experience, and leadership.
Julian Kam, FIFA Match Agent and CEO of ProEvents Group, described the match as more than just a friendly.
“This isn’t just about watching Manchester United live, it’s about making history,” said Kam.
“The Maybank Challenge Cup embodies the power of football to unite, inspire, and elevate Southeast Asia on the global stage.”
The match, organized in partnership with Maybank, is designed to showcase the strength and cultural richness of the ASEAN region through the lens of sport.
It symbolizes how football can break down barriers and foster deeper connections among neighboring nations.
Major General Khiev Sameth, President of the ASEAN Football Federation, emphasized the significance of the occasion.
“The Maybank Challenge Cup is a powerful symbol of regional unity and a celebration of ASEAN’s growing football culture,” said Sameth.
“Bringing Manchester United to Southeast Asia to face an ASEAN All-Star team is not only historic, it’s a step forward in strengthening the bonds between our nations through the beautiful game.”
With Malaysia playing host to this landmark event, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is placing the country at the center of ASEAN’s sporting aspirations.
“Hosting Manchester United in Malaysia for the Maybank Challenge Cup is a proud moment for the Football Association of Malaysia,” said FAM President Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub.
“This match is more than just a game — it is a reflection of our region’s passion, talent, and unity through football. We are honoured to be at the heart of this historic celebration of ASEAN pride.”
