A Champions League-winning star with Real Madrid is set to arrive in Malaysia

Perica Ognjenovic, a former Real Madrid player, is reportedly about to make his debut as a head coach in the Malaysian national league.

According to sources from New Straits Times, Perica Ognjenovic, a former Serbian national team player who competed for Real Madrid, is said to be about to make his first appearance as a head coach in the Malaysian national league.

Currently managing FK Rudar Prijedor in the Bosnian Premier League, Ognjenovic has emerged as a strong candidate for several top clubs, as teams seek to incorporate European tactical thinking for the 2026/27 season.

Ognjenovic's journey is considered one of the unique stories in modern football. Once a promising young talent at Red Star Belgrade, he moved to Real Madrid in 1999. There, the former star born in 1977 had the opportunity to play alongside legends like Raul, Roberto Carlos and Iker Casillas, and also featured in the squad that won the Champions League in the 1999/2000 season.

For Malaysian fans, Ognjenovic is best remembered for his time wearing the Selangor jersey in 2006. At that time, he was one of the league's "blockbuster" signings and demonstrated his class with impressive performances on the wings.

After retiring in 2011, Ognjenovic gradually built his coaching career. He started with the youth teams of Red Star Belgrade, then worked with Serbia's U17 and U18 sides, before managing clubs like Zvijezda 09 and Metalist Kharkiv.

Ognjenovic is seen as a "bridge" type of coach, as he understands the local football culture and environment from his playing days, while also bringing UEFA Pro coaching standards and modern European tactical thinking.

According to reports, his ability to develop young players is a strength that has attracted interest from Malaysia. Top clubs in the country want to combine the experience of star players with the potential of local talents. His experience playing for a high-pressure club like Selangor also makes him a top candidate for teams with large fan bases.

Effendi Jagan Abdullah, currently the executive director of Action Football Asia, believes Ognjenovic's European experience will be a major advantage in Malaysia.

He stated:“I was the one who brought Ognjenovic from Europe to Selangor in 2006. He is a top professional player, with a European football background and World Cup experience.

He holds a UEFA Pro coaching license, has worked with Serbian youth teams, and managed clubs in Europe. I witnessed his dedication during his time at Selangor. I believe he will succeed if he manages a team in the national league. He is young, has a solid coaching foundation, and is always eager to achieve success.”