Former Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia is spearheading a historic Malaysian football team who are currently on a world record 113-game unbeaten run in his new role as CEO of Johor Darul Ta'zim
Johor Darul Ta'zim's players celebrate with the trophy after winning against Kuching City in the opening football match of the Malaysia Super League at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, in Malaysia's Johor state on August 21, 2026.
Johor Darul Ta'zim is currently on a 113-game unbeaten run(Image: Getty )
Former Liverpool favourite Luis García is leading a groundbreaking Malaysian football club currently enjoying a world record 113-match unbeaten streak. García hung up his boots in 2016 following a 19-year playing career that saw him turn out for the likes of Barcelona, Atlético Madrid , Panathinaikos and the Merseyside giants.
The attacking midfielder secured his place in Anfield folklore by netting the controversial ghost goal against Chelsea that propelled Rafael Benítez's side into the Champions League final. He subsequently featured for the full 120 minutes of the Istanbul showpiece, as the Reds mounted their legendary fightback against AC Milan from 3-0 behind, ultimately triumphing on spot-kicks.
The 48 year old is now making his presence felt in the boardroom, serving as chief executive of hugely successful Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta'zim. He previously held ambassador positions with his two former employers Liverpool and Barcelona, while also working as a pundit for ESPN and beIN Sports.
However, in March 2025, García surprisingly accepted the position with the Malaysian powerhouse. Under García 's stewardship and with former Watford boss Xisco Muñoz in the technical area, Johor Darul Ta'zim are presently enjoying a world record run of 113 league fixtures without defeat.
They netted an impressive 117 goals across 24 Malaysia Super League outings last term, shipping merely 10 and registering a single draw. They've already established a three-point advantage at the summit this campaign and have yet to be breached after five matches, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Garcia explains that his remit is to expand the sport throughout the region and enable the club to challenge Saudi Arabian sides in the Asian Champions League. And for any sceptics questioning their global standing, the Malaysian champions managed to hold Chelsea to a stalemate during pre-season.
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Luis Garcia is currently invovled with Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta'zim
Liverpool, England - January 21: Pundit and former Liverpool player Luis Garcia during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Liverpool FC and LOSC Lille at Anfield on January 21, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)(Image: Getty )
The former Spain international told the Daily Mail: "[The role] sort of came out of nowhere. After playing, I had done ambassadorial work for Liverpool and Barcelona, and been working for ESPN.
"But I always wanted to look into the business side of football. I had been in meetings and was interested in that side of the game. I flew to Malaysia to meet with His Royal Highness and then it was very quick.
"From that opportunity, I understood his vision, the work he is behind, the journey they have been through since 2012 and what he wants to achieve with Johor Darul Ta'zim.
"The amount of work, commitment and determination to make Johor Darul Ta'zim the biggest club in south-east Asia is incredible.
"You can see it straight away, winning the league 12 times in a row, reaching the Asian Champions League quarter-final last year. We are like a European club based in Malaysia, the mentality is exactly the same.
"The academy is run by coaches made in Spain. It has been perfect for me - I am extremely happy and grateful and looking forward to where we can take the club in the future."