Muhammad Ridhuan bin Muhammad, born on May 6, 1984, in Singapore, is a retired footballer who played primarily as a right-back, though he also showcased his versatility in various other positions including defensive midfielder, winger, and striker. Ridhuan is widely recognized for his dynamic playing style, speed, and dribbling ability, making significant contributions to both his domestic clubs and the Singapore national team over the years.

Early Beginnings and Youth Career

Ridhuan’s football journey began at the Milo Soccer School, where his talent was first nurtured. He later became part of the pioneering batch of the National Football Academy in 2000, an initiative aimed at developing young football talent in Singapore. It was here that Ridhuan honed his skills and began to attract attention for his impressive performances, particularly his quick feet and dribbling skills.

Club Career

Young Lions (2003–2006)
Ridhuan’s professional career began with the Young Lions, a team that served as a platform for emerging football talents in Singapore. Playing for the Young Lions from 2003 to 2006, he appeared in 79 matches and scored six goals, showcasing his potential in the domestic league.

Tampines Rovers (2007–2009)
In 2007, Ridhuan moved to Tampines Rovers, one of the top clubs in the Singapore Premier League. Under the guidance of head coach Vorawan Chitavanich, he continued to develop his game and became a key player for the Stags. During his time there, Ridhuan played 77 games, scoring 10 goals, and established himself as one of the top performers in the league.

Arema Malang (2009–2014)
In 2009, Ridhuan took a bold step in his career by moving to Indonesia, signing with Arema Malang, one of the top clubs in the Indonesian Super League. Ridhuan made a significant impact, helping Arema secure the 2009–10 Indonesian Super League title. His flair and contributions in the attacking third made him a fan favorite, earning him the nickname “R6,” a tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo’s “CR7.” In 2013, he was loaned to Putra Samarinda for a short stint before returning to Arema for the remainder of his time in Indonesia.

Return to Singapore: Geylang International & Tampines Rovers (2014–2015)
Ridhuan’s journey saw him return to Singapore in 2014, where he played for Geylang International and later rejoined Tampines Rovers for a brief period. However, after the 2015 season, he announced his retirement from football, seeking a career outside of the sport in the oil and gas industry.

Warriors FC (2016–2017)
Despite his retirement, Ridhuan made a comeback to the Singapore Premier League in 2016, joining Warriors FC. His performances were instrumental in the team’s successes, and he contributed significantly with four goals and six assists in all competitions. He continued to play for Warriors in 2017, showcasing his resilience and passion for the game.

Borneo Samarinda (2018)
In 2018, Ridhuan briefly moved back to Indonesia to sign with Borneo Samarinda for a short-term contract, participating in a local tournament. However, his time in Indonesia was short-lived, and after the conclusion of his contract, he decided not to return to Warriors FC, marking the end of his playing career.

Tanjong Pagar United (2021)
In 2021, Ridhuan made a surprising return to the Singapore Premier League by signing with Tanjong Pagar United, though he only played four matches before announcing his retirement once more. His final season in football came after a hiatus of several years, marking the end of his illustrious career as a player.

Managerial Career

After retiring as a player, Ridhuan shifted his focus to coaching. In December 2021, he joined the coaching staff of Tanjong Pagar United, where he took on the role of managing the U15 team, continuing his involvement in the football world through mentoring and developing young talent.

International Career

Ridhuan’s talent was not only recognized in the domestic leagues but also on the international stage. He made his debut for the Singapore national team in 2003 at the age of 19. He was part of the squad that won the AFF Championship in 2004 and 2007. Although he didn’t feature prominently in every match, Ridhuan played a crucial role in Singapore’s successes during these tournaments, particularly in 2007 when the team successfully defended their title. Throughout his international career, Ridhuan earned 68 caps and scored three goals for Singapore.

Personal Life

Outside of football, Ridhuan has been involved in entrepreneurship. He runs a home-based barber service called 1E_Xpress, where he has attracted several former teammates as clients, including prominent figures such as Baihakki Khaizan, Khairul Amri, Noh Alam Shah, and Shahril Ishak. Ridhuan also attended Hong Kah Primary and Secondary School in Singapore.

Legacy and Impact

Muhammad Ridhuan is celebrated for his versatility on the field, his dedication to the sport, and his leadership in both domestic and international football. From his early days in the National Football Academy to his time with various clubs across Singapore and Indonesia, Ridhuan’s career is a testament to his resilience, skill, and passion for the beautiful game. As a coach, he continues to inspire the next generation of footballers, passing on his knowledge and experience.

Honours
Club:

• Arema Malang
  • Indonesian Super League: 2009–10
• Warriors FC
  • Singapore FA Cup: 2017

International:

• Singapore
  • AFF Championship: 2004, 2007

This article provides a snapshot of Muhammad Ridhuan’s extensive career in football, both as a player and as a coach, underlining his importance to Singaporean football and his lasting legacy.