Maldives national football team facts for kids
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Nickname(s) | The Sea, Red Snappers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Association | Football Association of Maldives (FAM) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Confederation | AFC (Asia) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sub-confederation | SAFF (South Asia) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Head coach | Ali Suzain | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Captain | Ali Samooh | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Most caps | Imran Mohamed (110) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Top scorer | Ali Ashfaq (58) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home stadium | National Football Stadium | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FIFA code | MDV | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FIFA ranking | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 152 ![]() |
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Highest | 124 (July–August 2006) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 183 (August–September 1997) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elo ranking | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 192 ![]() |
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Highest | 163 (23 March 2011) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 209 (13 June 2001) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First international | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Saint-Pierre, Réunion; 27 August 1979) |
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Biggest win | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Male, Maldives; 3 December 2003) |
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Biggest defeat | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Damascus, Syria; 2 June 1997) |
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SAFF Championship | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 11 (first in 1995) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Champions (2008, 2018) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AFC Challenge Cup | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 2 (first in 2012) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Third place (2014) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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The Maldives national football team represents the Maldives in international football games. It is managed by the Football Association of Maldives (FAM). This team is part of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The Maldives team has had great success in the SAFF Championship. They won this important tournament in 2008 SAFF Championship, beating India 1–0 in the final. They won their second title in 2018 SAFF Championship, again defeating India.
Contents
About the Maldives Football Team
History of Success
The Maldives national football team, also known as "The Red Snappers," has grown a lot over the years. They have become a strong team in South Asian football. Their journey includes many exciting matches and big wins.
Early SAFF Championship Games
The SAFF Championship is a major tournament for South Asian teams. Maldives first joined in 1997. In the 1997 South Asian Football Federation Gold Cup, they reached the final but lost to India. They showed great potential, drawing against strong teams like Bangladesh and India.
In 1999 South Asian Football Federation Gold Cup, Maldives topped their group. They won a bronze medal after beating Nepal. This showed they were becoming a team to watch.
Big Wins and Finals
The 2003 South Asian Football Federation Gold Cup saw Maldives make history. They won a match 6–0 against Bhutan, which was a record at the time. Ali Shiham scored the team's first hat-trick in the tournament. They reached the final again but lost to Bangladesh in a penalty shootout.
In 2005 South Asian Football Federation Gold Cup, Maldives broke their own record. They won 9–1 against Afghanistan. Ibrahim Fazeel and Ahmed Thoriq both scored three goals. They reached the semi-finals but lost to India.
Winning the SAFF Championship
The year 2008 SAFF Championship was a huge moment for Maldives. They played very well throughout the tournament. They beat Pakistan and Nepal in the group stage. In the semi-final, they defeated Sri Lanka.
In the final, Maldives faced India, a very strong team. With only three minutes left, Mukhthar Naseer scored the winning goal. This gave Maldives their first-ever SAFF Championship title! It was a historic day for Maldivian football. The team scored nine goals and only let in two during the tournament. Ali Ashfaq was named the Best Player.
More SAFF Championship Highlights
In 2009 SAFF Championship, Maldives reached the final again. They played India and the game went to a penalty shootout. Unfortunately, they lost, but they showed great skill. Ahmed Thoriq was one of the top scorers in this tournament.
The 2013 SAFF Championship was another memorable event. Maldives set a new record by winning 10–0 against Sri Lanka. Their captain, Ali Ashfaq, scored an amazing six goals in that match! He also became the tournament's all-time top scorer. Maldives reached the semi-finals but lost to India.
Second SAFF Championship Title
Maldives won the 2018 SAFF Championship (also known as the SAFF Suzuki Cup). They had a tough start, drawing with Sri Lanka and losing to India. But they won a coin toss to get into the semi-finals! They then beat Nepal 3–0.
In the final, they faced India again. Ibrahim Mahudhee scored the first goal, and Ali Fasir scored the second. Maldives won 2–1, claiming their second SAFF Championship title! Their goalkeeper, Mohamed Faisal, was named the best player of the tournament.
Recent SAFF Championship Games
Maldives hosted the 2021 SAFF Championship. They won against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka but did not make it past the group stage. In the 2023 SAFF Championship, they also exited in the group stage.
Asian Cup and World Cup Journeys
Maldives has not yet qualified for big tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or the AFC Asian Cup. However, they have had some impressive results. In the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, they drew 0–0 with strong team South Korea. They also beat Vietnam 3–0. Their biggest loss was 0–17 to Iran in 1997.
Team Spirit and Home Ground
Media and Supporters
All Maldives national team matches are shown on Television Maldives. They are also broadcast on Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu Radio Live. The team has many passionate supporters. In 2008, about 500,000 Maldivian fans, including the former president, watched the SAFF Championship final. When the team won, they received a huge welcome back home.
Home Stadium
The team's home ground is the National Football Stadium in Malé, Maldives. It is used for many football matches, including international games. The stadium can hold about 11,850 fans.
Team Kits
The Maldives home kit is red, which is the national color. It stands for the bravery of the nation's heroes. The current home kit has a bright red jersey, dark red shorts, and bright red socks. The away kit is blue and teal. Sometimes, they use an all-white or all-dark green or all-black third kit.
Kit supplier | Period |
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2011–2015 |
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2015–2019 |
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2019–2024 |
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2025–present |
Recent Matches and Schedule
This section shows the team's recent match results and upcoming games.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2024 Matches
13 November 2024 Friendly | Bangladesh ![]() |
0–1 | ![]() |
Dhaka, Bangladesh |
18:00 BST (UTC+6) | Fasir ![]() |
Stadium: Bashundhara Kings Arena Referee: Virendha Rai (Bhutan) |
16 November 2024 Friendly | Bangladesh ![]() |
2–1 | ![]() |
Dhaka, Bangladesh |
18:00 BST (UTC+6) | Fasir ![]() |
Stadium: Bashundhara Kings Arena Referee: Virendha Rai (Bhutan) |
2025 Matches
19 March 2025 Friendly | India ![]() |
3–0 | ![]() |
Shillong, India |
19:00 UTC+5:30 |
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Stadium: JLN Stadium Referee: Prajwol Chhetri (Nepal) |
25 March 2025 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification | Philippines ![]() |
4–1 | ![]() |
Capas, Philippines |
19:00 UTC+8 | Stadium: New Clark City Athletics Stadium Attendance: 3,334 Referee: Daniel Elder (Australia) |
5 June 2025 Friendly | Singapore ![]() |
3–1 | ![]() |
Bishan, Singapore |
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Stadium: Bishan Stadium Referee: Razlan Joffri Ali (Malaysia) |
10 June 2025 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification | East Timor ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Darwin, Australia |
16:00 UTC+9:30 | Stadium: Territory Rugby League Stadium Attendance: 1,048 Referee: Songkran Bunmeekiart (Thailand) |
9 October 2025 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification | Tajikistan ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Dushanbe, Tajikistan |
--:-- UTC+6 | Stadium: Pamir Stadium |
14 October 2025 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification | Maldives ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Malé, Maldives |
20:00 UTC+8 | Stadium: National Football Stadium |
18 November 2025 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification | Maldives ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Malé, Maldives |
20:00 UTC+8 | Stadium: National Football Stadium |
2026 Matches
31 March 2026 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification | Maldives ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Malé, Maldives |
--:-- UTC+5:30 | Stadium: National Football Stadium |
Team Management
Coaching Staff
The team has a dedicated coaching staff to help players perform their best.
Coaching History
Many coaches have led the Maldives national team over the years. Some have been from the Maldives, while others have come from different countries.
P.D. Sirisena (1988)
Miklós Temesvári (1991–93)
Victor Stănculescu (1993–96)
Rómulo Cortez (1996–97)
Vyacheslav Solokho (1999-2001)
Jozef Jankech (2001–03)
Manuel Gomes (2004)
Yordan Stoykov (2005–07)
Jozef Jankech (2008)
István Urbányi (2009–10)
Andrés Cruciani (2010–11)
István Urbányi (2011–13)
Ali Nashid (2013–14)
Drago Mamić (2014)
Velizar Popov (2015)
Ismail Mahfooz (2015)
Ricki Herbert (2015–16)
Ismail Mahfooz (2016)
Darren Stewart (2016–18)
Petar Segrt (2018–19)
Martin Koopman (2020–21)
Ali Suzain (2021)
Francesco Moriero (2021–2023)
Ali Suzain (2024–present)
Players
Current Squad
These are the players who were part of the squad for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification match against the Philippines on March 25, 2025.
Caps (games played) and goals are correct as of March 25, 2025, after the match against the Philippines.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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1 | GK | Hussain Shareef | 5 September 1998 | 15 | 0 | ![]() |
18 | GK | Iyan Abdul Aleem | 29 January 1994 | 8 | 0 | ![]() |
22 | GK | Mohamed Yaameen | 8 October 2005 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
55 | GK | aminath moosa | 9 November 2000 | 4 | 1204 | ![]() |
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2 | DF | Ali Samooh (Captain) | 5 July 1996 | 46 | 1 | ![]() |
4 | DF | Hussain Sifaau | 4 February 1996 | 38 | 1 | ![]() |
14 | DF | Haisham Hassan | 21 July 1999 | 32 | 0 | ![]() |
3 | DF | Ahmed Numaan | 10 November 1992 | 28 | 0 | ![]() |
6 | DF | Ahmed Aiham | 23 March 1998 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
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10 | MF | Hamza Mohamed | 17 February 1995 | 63 | 7 | ![]() |
17 | MF | Ibrahim Mahudhee | 22 August 1993 | 41 | 5 | ![]() |
23 | MF | Hussain Nihan | 6 July 1992 | 36 | 1 | ![]() |
8 | MF | Ibrahim Aisam | 7 May 1997 | 29 | 2 | ![]() |
5 | MF | Mohamed Irufaan | 24 July 1994 | 18 | 0 | ![]() |
21 | MF | Mohamed Naim | 7 October 1996 | 13 | 0 | ![]() |
19 | MF | Ahmed Rizuvan | 4 June 1995 | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
16 | MF | Ibrahim Usamaa Majeed | 28 November 1998 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
13 | MF | Mohamed Nizam | 11 June 1994 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
12 | MF | Nisham Mohamed Rasheed | 31 January 1999 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
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7 | FW | Ali Fasir | 4 September 1988 | 75 | 14 | ![]() |
9 | FW | Naiz Hassan | 10 May 1996 | 47 | 10 | ![]() |
11 | FW | Hassan Raif Ahmed | 30 January 1998 | 17 | 3 | ![]() |
15 | FW | Hassan Nazeem | 24 May 2001 | 8 | 1 | ![]() |
20 | FW | Muzdhan Hassan | 4 May 2006 | 4 | 0 | Unknown |
Recent Call-ups
These players have also been called to the squad in the last year.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
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DF | Hassan Shifaz | 11 August 1992 | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Abdulla Looth Ibrahim | 8 February 2005 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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Player Records
These tables show the players with the most games played and the most goals scored for the Maldives national team.
Most Appearances
Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Period |
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1 | Imran Mohamed | 110 | 0 | 2000–2016 |
2 | Ali Ashfaq | 98 | 58 | 2003–2023 |
3 | Akram Abdul Ghanee | 86 | 3 | 2007–2022 |
4 | Mohamed Umair | 77 | 9 | 2007–2022 |
5 | Ali Fasir | 75 | 16 | 2010–present |
6 | Ibrahim Fazeel | 72 | 22 | 2000–2014 |
7 | Ashad Ali | 65 | 3 | 2007–2021 |
8 | Hamza Mohamed | 63 | 7 | 2015–present |
9 | Mohamed Arif | 58 | 1 | 2008–2018 |
10 | Shafiu Ahmed | 53 | 0 | 2010–2017 |
Assad Abdul Ghanee | 53 | 1 | 2001–2013 |
Top Goalscorers
Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Period |
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1 | Ali Ashfaq | 58 | 98 | 0.59 | 2003–2023 |
2 | Ibrahim Fazeel | 22 | 70 | 0.31 | 2000–2014 |
3 | Ali Fasir | 16 | 75 | 0.21 | 2010–present |
4 | Ahmed Thariq | 15 | 34 | 0.44 | 2003–2013 |
5 | Ali Umar | 12 | 42 | 0.29 | 1999–2015 |
6 | Mohamed Nazim | 10 | 42 | 0.24 | 1997–2004 |
Naiz Hassan | 10 | 43 | 0.23 | 2015–present | |
8 | Asadhulla Abdulla | 9 | 45 | 0.2 | 2012–2022 |
Mohamed Umair | 9 | 77 | 0.12 | 2007–2022 | |
10 | Adam Abdul Latheef | 7 | 15 | 0.47 | 1997–2002 |
Hamza Mohamed | 7 | 63 | 0.11 | 2015–present |
Competitive Records
This section shows how the Maldives national football team has performed in major tournaments.
FIFA World Cup
Maldives has not yet qualified for the FIFA World Cup. They have participated in the qualification rounds.
FIFA World Cup | Qualification | ||||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | F | A | Pld | W | D | L | F | A | |
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Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | |||||||||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | |||||||||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 59 | ||||||||
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6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 19 | |||||||||
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8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 18 | 14 | |||||||||
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | |||||||||
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8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 20 | |||||||||
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8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 20 | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||
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To be determined | To be determined | |||||||||||||
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Total | – | 0/8 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 42 | 9 | 4 | 29 | 45 | 143 |
AFC Asian Cup
Maldives has not yet qualified for the AFC Asian Cup.
AFC Asian Cup Finals record | AFC Asian Cup qualification | ||||||||||||||
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Year | Result | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
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Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | |||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 30 | ||||||||
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6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 24 | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 | ||||||||
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AFC Challenge Cup | ||||||||||||||
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18 | 5 | 1 | 12 | 24 | 44 | |||||||||
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11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 27 | |||||||||
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To be determined | To be determined | |||||||||||||
Total | – | 0/19 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 45 | 8 | 3 | 34 | 40 | 134 |
AFC Challenge Cup
Maldives finished third in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup.
SAFF Championship
Maldives has won the SAFF Championship twice.
- *Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
- **Gold background colour indicates that the tournament was won.
- ***Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.
Asian Games
The Maldives team has participated in the Asian Games.
Asian Games record | ||||||||
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Year | Result | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | |
1951-1994 | did not enter | |||||||
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- | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | |
2002–present | See Maldives national under-23 football team | |||||||
Total | 1/13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
South Asian Games
Maldives has won a silver and a bronze medal at the South Asian Games.
Head-to-head Records
This table shows the Maldives national team's record against other countries they have played.
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Awards and Honours
The Maldives national football team has won several awards and honors.
Continental Awards
Regional Awards
- SAFF Championship
- South Asian Games
Other Awards
- SAFF Championship Fair Play Award (2): 2015, 2021
Summary of Honours
These are the official honors recognized by FIFA or related football organizations.
Senior Competition | ![]() |
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Total |
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AFC Challenge Cup | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Total | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Images for kids
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Ali Ashfaq (on right) against Bangladesh at the 2021 SAFF Championship.
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de las Maldivas para niños
- Maldives women's national football team
- Maldives national under-23 football team
- Maldives national football team results