Christian Abad
Christian Abad Amat | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 5, 2006 Spain |
| Occupation | Professional footballer |
| Years active | 2013– |
| Known for | Goalkeeper for Johor Darul Ta'zim |
Christian Abad Amat (born 5 August 2006) is a professional footballer from Spain who occupies the position of goalkeeper for Malaysia Super League club Johor Darul Ta'zim.
Muro
Originating from Muro de Alcoy, Alicante, Abad initiated his football journey with the local team Muro in 2013, where he played until 2016. At ten years old, he transitioned to the youth academy of Valencia, progressing through their ranks up to the under-15 category. In his concluding season with Valencia, he gained additional experience by training on loan with nearby club Alcoyano.
Elche Ilicitano
Abad became part of the Elche Ilicitano youth system in 2021. Throughout the 2022–23 Liga Nacional Juvenil campaign, he featured in 22 out of 29 fixtures, conceding only 13 goals and registering the lowest goals-against average (0.6) among goalkeepers in their first year. His performance was instrumental in leading the team to clinch their inaugural group championship.
Johor Darul Ta'zim
At 17 years old, on 29 July 2024, Abad secured his initial professional contract with reigning Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim. The club regards him as a promising long-term prospect, with potential to challenge established goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi for the starting position.
International career
In March 2025, Abad was included in Malaysia's preliminary squad of 27 players ahead of the third round of qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. He participated in centralized training sessions held in Johor Bahru prior to Malaysia's opening qualifier against Nepal. Although neither the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) nor Johor Darul Ta'zim officially confirmed his eligibility, media outlets speculated about his status as a heritage player.
Style of play
According to his coach at Elche Ilicitano, Abad is a dependable goalkeeper known for his proficiency in one-on-one scenarios, commanding presence both aerially and on the ground, astute game reading abilities, and swift tactical adaptability.
Personal life
Born in Spain, Abad possesses Malaysian heritage.
Honours
Johor Darul Ta'zim
- Malaysia Super League: 2024–25
- Malaysia FA Cup: 2024
- Malaysia Cup: 2024–25
External links
- Short description with empty Wikidata description
- Articles without Wikidata item
- 2006 births
- Living people
- Spanish men's footballers
- Spanish people of Malaysian descent
- Men's association football goalkeepers
- Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C. players
- Spanish expatriate men's footballers
- Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Malaysia
- Expatriate men's footballers in Malaysia
- Malaysia Super League players
- 21st-century Spanish sportsmen