Baihakki Khaizan, one of the most recognizable players in Asian football, has finally decided to hang up his boots at the age of 38.

Representing Singapore with aplomb at the highest level for nearly 20 years, Khaizan is the second-highest-capped Singapore international of all time, with 140 caps to his name – second behind his former teammate Daniel Bennett.

With an esteemed career across Asian football, Khaizan’s presence is sure to be missed in the game in Singapore, but he has enjoyed some incredible high points in his 18-season professional career.

Homegrown hero

Born in 1984, Khaizan graduated from the National Football Academy in Singapore and went on to become a key figure for Geylang United and Young Lions between 2003 and 2009.

During his time with United and the Lions, he won his first cap with the Singapore national team and quickly found himself as a regular for club and country.

On the move

Having become a mainstay with the Singapore National Football League at a young age, Khaizan decided that it was time to fly the nest and look to forge a career for himself in the Indonesian Premier League.

The move to Persija Jakarta wasn’t his most successful, with spells at Persib and Medan Chiefs to follow, in a relatively quiet spell for Khaizan, but his stock among the Asian footballing fraternity remained as high as ever.

A move to Johor Darul Ta’zim II FC in Malaysia followed, which reinvigorated his career and saw him playing some of his best football. He went on to play for Warriors in his native Singapore before winding up his career in Thailand with Udon Thani and Trat.

As one of the greatest players to have ever played the game in Singapore, Khaizan has enjoyed a huge amount of success in every club he has been to, and his legacy within the game in Singapore will continue.

Next steps

Singapore isn’t blessed with sporting superstars, and consequently, Khaizan is one of the biggest sports stars in the land.

Married to actress and singer Norfasarie, Khaizan has plenty of business interests outside of the game and his growing presence in esports could see him enjoying a post-football career in the public eye.