After a knee injury ended his professional career, the former Harimau Malaya left-back began a new chapter as a barista and entrepreneur.
Today, he runs Twenty One Café in Meru here, having turned his interest in coffee into a thriving business.
Nazirul retired from professional football in 2024 at age 31 after suffering a serious knee-cartilage injury while playing for KL City FC. As his contract had ended the year prior, he found himself without any income.
The Kuala Kangsar native, who also previously played for Sabah FC and Japan’s FC Ryukyu, helped his wife sell curry noodles and laksa while figuring out his next move. Soon, he discovered a new interest: coffee.
Starting small, he launched the brand “Street 21 Coffee” at a modest spot on Jalan Carlos in Canning Garden, selling beverages while learning more about the craft from YouTube tutorials and advice from friends.
He later sold coffee from a van, starting work at 7.30am and going from one location to another in Ipoh.
The routine was tough, but it paid off: by working daily for six months, he was able to buy better coffee-making equipment and expand his business.
Nazirul’s efforts eventually led to the opening of Twenty One Café in January. The outlet, which operates daily from 4pm to midnight, is named after the jersey number he wore throughout his football career.
Despite not having formal barista certification, he has invested close to RM100,000 into the café.
The father of two admits he misses life on the football pitch, but says running a business has brought a different kind of fulfilment.
“I do miss playing and I still follow local football. But when I think about the challenges I faced before, it makes me want to give my full commitment to what I’m doing now,” he said.
He also hopes younger footballers will learn from his experience: professional football has a limited career span, and players should plan for life after the game.
“We only have contracts for a certain period,” he advised, “so when our playing career ends, we should already have an idea of what we want to do next.”
Follow Twenty One Café on Instagram.
Twenty One Café
Pusat Perniagaan,
38, Jalan Meru Impian B5,
Halaman Meru Impian,
30020 Ipoh, Perak