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Hariss Harun: A Legacy of Leadership and Excellence in Singaporean Football

Hariss Harun: A true leader on and off the field, shaping the future of Singaporean football

Hariss Harun is a highly respected professional footballer and former captain of both the Singapore national team and the Singapore Premier League club Lion City Sailors. Widely recognized for his exceptional leadership, versatility, and technical skills, Hariss has made significant contributions to football in Singapore and beyond, with a career spanning several prestigious clubs and international competitions.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Hariss Harun’s football journey began at a young age when he made his professional debut in the Singapore S.League with the Young Lions in 2007, at just 16 years old. His impressive performance caught the attention of the Football Association of Singapore, leading to a training opportunity at FC Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy. This formative experience played a key role in shaping his footballing style and approach.

Despite a major setback in 2008 when he suffered a serious knee injury that sidelined him for nearly a year, Hariss bounced back stronger. He was awarded the S.League Young Player of the Year in 2010, marking his return to form and establishing him as a rising star in Singaporean football.

LionsXII and Move to Johor Darul Ta’zim

Hariss made a pivotal move in 2012, joining LionsXII, Singapore’s representative team in the Malaysian Super League (MSL). His time with the team was marked by notable successes, including a strong second-place finish in his debut season. Hariss also made history with his first career hat-trick during a dominant 9-0 victory over Sabah in 2012.

In 2013, Hariss moved to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), one of the top football clubs in Malaysia, where his career truly flourished. At JDT, Hariss won multiple domestic titles, including the Malaysia Super League in 2014, 2015, and 2016. He was also instrumental in the club’s continental success, helping JDT win the AFC Cup in 2015, making history as the first Singaporean player to do so. Hariss’s stint at JDT also included a brief loan spell at CE L’Hospitalet in Spain’s third division in 2017, making him the first Singaporean to play in the Spanish football system, though his time there was cut short due to registration issues.

Return to Singapore: Lion City Sailors

Hariss returned to Singapore in 2021, signing a long-term contract with Lion City Sailors, a new powerhouse in the Singapore Premier League. In his first season with the club, Hariss captained them to the 2021 Singapore Premier League title, marking the Sailors’ first-ever championship victory. He continued to lead the team to success, securing the Singapore Community Shield in 2022 and helping the club qualify for the prestigious AFC Champions League for the first time.

Hariss’s leadership on and off the field played a key role in the Sailors’ success, and in 2023, he captained the team to victory in the Singapore Cup, further cementing his legacy as one of the nation’s top footballers. His performance in the 2023–24 AFC Champions League group stage was particularly notable, as he set a new record for the most appearances by a Singaporean player in the competition.

International Career

Hariss Harun has been a central figure for the Singapore national team since making his debut in 2007 at just 16 years old. Over the course of his career, he has earned more than 130 international caps and scored 11 goals. He has represented Singapore in numerous regional competitions, including the ASEAN Football Championship (formerly known as the AFF Suzuki Cup) and the AFC Asian Cup.

In addition to his technical abilities, Hariss is known for his leadership qualities. He captained the national team through key matches, including a historic 0-0 draw with Japan in 2015, and he reached a milestone of 100 international caps in 2019. His passion and commitment to the national team have made him one of the most respected football figures in Singapore.

Personal Life and Ventures Beyond Football

Off the field, Hariss is deeply committed to personal growth and family life. He is a graduate of Nanyang Polytechnic with a diploma in Sport & Wellness Management. In 2014, Hariss married his longtime partner, Syahirah Mohamad, and the couple has since started their family.

In addition to his football career, Hariss has ventured into the property industry as a real estate agent, beginning in 2023. His success in football and his drive to excel in various aspects of life serve as an inspiration to many young athletes.

Legacy and Impact

Hariss Harun’s career is a testament to the values of hard work, resilience, and leadership. He has made an indelible mark on both Singaporean club football and the international scene, serving as a role model for aspiring players. Hariss’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers, particularly those from Singapore, to aim for excellence both on and off the field.

Career Honors and Achievements

  • LionsXII
    • Malaysia Super League: 2013 (Runner-up)
  • Johor Darul Ta’zim
    • Malaysia Super League: 2014, 2015, 2016
    • AFC Cup: 2015
    • Malaysia Cup: 2019
    • Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Cup: 2016
  • Lion City Sailors
    • Singapore Premier League: 2021
    • Singapore Cup: 2023
    • Singapore Community Shield: 2022

Through his career, Hariss has showcased leadership, resilience, and consistency, contributing to the success of every team he has been a part of. Whether playing for club or country, he has left a lasting legacy as one of the finest footballers Singapore has produced.

Conclusion

Hariss Harun’s remarkable journey in Singaporean football stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication, leadership, and passion for the sport. From his early days at the youth level to becoming a pivotal figure in the national team, Hariss has not only excelled on the field but has also inspired a generation of aspiring footballers. His commitment to both club and country, along with his ability to lead by example, has cemented his legacy as one of Singapore’s finest footballers. As his career continues to evolve, Hariss Harun remains a symbol of excellence and resilience, both as a player and a leader.

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