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Free-scoring Bergson thrives on fresh competition year after year at JDT

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 10:16 GMT by ESPN
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Bergson Breaks the Mold – A Free‑Scoring Maestro Thrives Amid Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Fresh Competition

The 2024 season has seen a new star rise in the Malaysian Super League, and it is none other than Brazilian forward Bergson. In a league that has long been dominated by a handful of top clubs, Bergson’s arrival at Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) has injected a fresh, relentless attacking dynamism that is hard to ignore. His name has become synonymous with goalscoring flair, and his performance has prompted analysts to describe him as the “free‑scoring dynamo” that JDT was craving.

A Quick Introduction to the Brazilian Forward

Bergson, 25, cut his teeth in Brazil’s Série B with Esporte Clube Vitória, where his combination of pace, technical skill, and clinical finishing made him a standout. After a brief stint in the UAE’s Pro League with Al Ain, the striker took a gamble on the Malaysian Super League in 2023, signing a two‑year contract with JDT. The move, which was announced during JDT’s pre‑season training camp in Singapore, surprised many as the Malaysian club has historically preferred to groom domestic talents.

“I was looking for a new challenge,” Bergson told ESPN during his first interview with the club. “I knew JDT was on a different level than most of the other teams in the country, and I wanted to test myself in a league that was fast, technical, and hungry for a top scorer.”

From Debut to Dominance

Bergson’s impact has been immediate. In his first 18 league appearances for JDT, he netted 17 goals and added 5 assists, giving him a goal‑contribution rate of 1.17 per game – a league‑record figure. He has also been the decisive factor in JDT’s latest 4‑0 victory over Selangor, where he scored two and set up the other two goals. The match, which aired on ESPN’s “Soccer Tonight” show, highlighted Bergson’s ability to find space in tight defenses, a skill that has set him apart from his peers.

“His instincts are incredible,” coach Rafael da Silva remarked in a post‑match interview. “He knows how to read the game, position himself, and finish chances that many players would miss.” Da Silva, who took over JDT’s managerial role in January 2024, has been quick to integrate Bergson into the club’s high‑pressing system, a tactical shift from the more patient approach of the previous season. The Brazilian’s natural pace and off‑the‑ball movement fit perfectly into Da Silva’s game plan, which relies on rapid transitions and aggressive pressing in the final third.

The Fresh Competition Factor

Bergson’s success is not limited to the Malaysian Super League. JDT has been pushing its squad further by competing in the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup (JDT won the 2023 AFC Cup, their first continental title). Bergson has showcased his abilities on the continental stage as well, scoring a hat‑trick against Thai side Bangkok United in a group‑stage clash. His performances have earned him a place in the AFC Champions League’s “Team of the Week” and a nomination for the “AFC Best Asian Player” award.

In an interview with “The Football Journal,” JDT’s sporting director, Mohamed Yusof, highlighted how the “fresh competition” offered to JDT has pushed the team to evolve. “We were never complacent,” Yusof said. “Bergson’s arrival was a catalyst. He raised the bar, and the squad responded by becoming more cohesive, more disciplined, and more competitive on both the domestic and continental fronts.”

A Club Built for Success

Johor Darul Ta’zim is not a new club in the annals of Malaysian football. Since its inception in 2004, JDT has won 10 Malaysian Super League titles and 2 Malaysia Cup trophies, making them the most decorated club in the country. They have also been a regular presence in Asian competitions, finishing as runners‑up in the 2023 AFC Cup final before winning the title the following season.

Bergson’s integration into the club’s golden generation of players – which includes seasoned striker Nashri Zulkifli and midfield maestro Ahmad Faizal – is a testament to JDT’s philosophy of blending domestic talent with overseas experience. The club’s home stadium, Larkin Stadium, has a capacity of 30,000 and is a fortress where Bergson’s goals are often celebrated by rapturous crowds. In a recent match against Perak, he scored the winning goal in the 92nd minute, turning a potential draw into a decisive victory.

The Future Ahead

Looking ahead, JDT and Bergson are targeting the double again – league champions and continental title winners – for the 2024–2025 season. Bergson himself has expressed a desire to continue building his legacy in Malaysia. “I want to keep scoring,” he said. “My aim is to become the all‑time top scorer for JDT, and I want to help the club win every competition we enter.”

The Brazilian’s personal ambition is mirrored by JDT’s vision to establish itself as a powerhouse in Southeast Asia. The club’s investment in youth development, infrastructure, and scouting networks has paid dividends, with Bergson’s success serving as a case study for the benefits of international talent infusion.

Bottom Line

Bergson’s arrival at Johor Darul Ta’zim has reshaped the Malaysian Super League’s competitive landscape. His goal‑scoring prowess, combined with JDT’s robust tactical framework and continental ambitions, has created a partnership that is both exhilarating to watch and daunting for rivals. Whether Bergson will finish the season as the top scorer, or whether JDT will lift another trophy, is a question that fans and pundits alike will eagerly follow.

In a sport where every goal counts, Bergson’s free‑scoring spree has not just added a new dimension to JDT’s attack but has also raised the bar for what Malaysian football can achieve on the Asian stage. With each match, he reminds us that a single player can indeed change the fortunes of an entire club, and in doing so, redefine the expectations of an entire league.