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FORMER national footballer Mohammad Gopi Rizqi has found unexpected success in selling corn juice (air jagung) in his hometown of Kampung Api-Api this Ramadan.
The 36-year-old, who is currently not playing football after the M3 League 2024 season concluded, initially began selling the refreshing drink just to fill his spare time and earn some pocket money ahead of Aidilfitri, Bernama reported in an exclusive.
However, the demand for his drink has far surpassed expectations, with sales now exceeding 150 packs daily.
“Alhamdulillah… Rezeki itu ada,” said Gopi, expressing his gratitude. “At first, selling these drinks was just a way to pass time during Ramadan and earn a little extra money for Eid. But after the overwhelming response, I am considering continuing this business after Raya as a source of income.”
When Gopi first started, he sold only about 30 packs of corn and lotus seed drinks on the first day. But after his story went viral on social media, his sales have exploded, leaving him with little time to manage the demand. "Now, I’m not just busy packing the drinks, but I also have to entertain customers and take pictures with them,” he added.
Inspired by the success of popular comedian and entrepreneur Amir Raja Lawak, who also sells corn juice, Gopi is now contemplating his future in business. As a footballer in the later stages of his career, he understands the importance of planning for life after sports.
“I never expected this kind of attention,” Gopi shared, recounting a surprise phone call from Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the Crown Prince of Johor and owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), his former club.
"I received a call from Tunku Ismail last Thursday, asking me to come to Johor Bahru the following day to meet him. I was shocked and touched that TMJ (Tunku Ismail) still remembers me after all these years. I last played for JDT in 2017, and to be honest, I feel proud and emotional that he still recognizes me,” Gopi said.
The unexpected surge in popularity of Gopi’s corn juice has even drawn fans from far and wide. Zafarullah Abdullah, 42, from Gelang Patah, Iskandar Puteri, made a special trip just to buy a pack of his favourite drink and meet the former footballer.
"I’m so happy to meet Gopi in person. I didn’t expect to chat with him and take a selfie. I’ve only seen him play on the field before," said Zafarullah.
Similarly, Ruslee Ishak, 52, from Tanjung Piai, expressed his joy at meeting his former football hero. “It’s not every day you get to meet a football star. I never imagined I’d be able to chat and take photos with him,” he added.
Gopi’s football career spanned several clubs, including Pahang (2010-2015), Selangor (2016), Johor Darul Ta’zim (2017-2018), Melaka United (2018), Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) (2019), and a second stint with Pahang (2020).
He also proudly represented Malaysia in the national team, Harimau Malaya, from 2012 to 2015.
With the success of his business, Gopi is now seriously considering whether to continue selling the refreshing drinks beyond Ramadan, potentially transforming his small venture into a sustainable income stream for the future.
The determination of former Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) player caught the attention of the Crown Prince of Johor and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) owner Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
The owner of JDT personally met with Gopi yesterday (March 8), and the meeting was shared on the official Instagram account of the Crown Prince of Johor (@hrhcrownprinceofjohor). – March 9, 2025
