Jessica, let’s start with the basics — who is Jessica Susanne Mailu beyond the football field?
Beyond football, I see myself as someone who values hard work, discipline, and balance. Football is a big part of who I am, but it’s not the only thing. Off the pitch, I’m someone who enjoys learning new things, spending time with loved ones, and always finding ways to grow as a person. I believe that being a good footballer also means being a good human being, so I try my best to live with humility and kindness while chasing my dreams.
You’re proudly Sabahan. Which part of Sabah did you grow up in, and what makes Sabah such a special place that everyone should experience?
I was born and raised in a small district called Kiulu, a beautiful place surrounded by rivers, green hills, and the warmth of a close-knit community. Life there was simple but meaningful. It shaped my values and taught me to appreciate small blessings, like the peace of nature and the joy of community. Later on, I moved to Sabah Sports School for secondary school, which opened so many doors for me in sports. What makes Sabah truly special, to me, is the combination of its breathtaking natural beauty, its rich culture, and the genuine kindness of its people. It’s the kind of place that stays in your heart forever.
Take us back to the beginning of your football journey. How did you first get into the sport, and was football always your first love?
I first kicked a ball seriously when I was about 10, in a 7-a-side village competition. My sister, cousin, and I joined just for fun but we ended up loving it. From that day, I felt something different. Football really became my first love and it’s stayed with me ever since.
Growing up in Sabah, what were some of the challenges and sacrifices you had to face to pursue football seriously?
Honestly, one of the toughest challenges was financial. I only had one cheap pair of boots that kept tearing, and I would sew them up again and again just to make them last. Sometimes I even had to borrow from teammates. On top of that, there were mental struggles — staying motivated when times were hard, dealing with pressure, and keeping my focus. But all those struggles shaped me. They taught me resilience and gave me even more reason to fight for my dreams.
Who have been the biggest influences or role models in your career — both on and off the pitch?
I’d say my biggest influences are myself and my family. I’ve always pushed myself to grow, to keep moving even when things felt impossible, and that inner drive is what keeps me going. At the same time, my family has been my anchor — their unconditional love and support have carried me through my toughest days. They’ve believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Can you share one of your proudest or most memorable moments as a footballer so far?
One of my proudest moments is reaching the leagues I had once written down in my notebook years ago. I still remember how one of my teammates made fun of me for writing those dreams down in a training report book. Instead of feeling discouraged, I told myself, “I’ll prove them wrong. ” That moment stuck with me, and it became a source of motivation. Every time I ticked one dream off that list, I felt proud of not just achieving it, but also of staying true to my younger self. It’s a reminder that believing in yourself, even when others don’t, can take you far.
Women’s football in Malaysia is growing — how do you see your role in inspiring the next generation of young girls to play the sport?
It’s such an honor to be part of the growth of women’s football in Malaysia. When I was younger, women’s football didn’t get much media attention, and some people didn’t take it seriously. Things are changing now, and I’m proud to contribute to that change. I want to be someone young girls can look at and say, “If she can do it, maybe I can too. ” My message to them is simple: believe in yourself, work hard, stay disciplined, and don’t let anyone make you feel like your dream is too big. If you love this game, chase it with all your heart.
Outside of football, what are some passions or hobbies that keep you balanced and happy?
Outside of football, I love spending time outdoors. Hiking and fishing are my favorite hobbies. Being out in nature gives me peace of mind — it’s where I can reset, reflect, and recharge. After spending so much time in high-pressure environments, nature reminds me of the beauty of simplicity. It keeps me grounded and helps me appreciate the little things in life, like fresh air, quiet moments, and the company of people I care about.
What’s one thing about you that your fans might be surprised to know?
A lot of people are surprised when they find out that I’m actually shy and quiet at first. I don’t immediately open up around new people, and sometimes I even come off as reserved. But once I feel comfortable, my real personality comes out — and honestly, I can be very loud and playful! laughs I love making people laugh, and I enjoy connecting with others once that initial wall is down.
Looking ahead, what are your dreams and goals — both for your own career and for the future of women’s football in Malaysia?
Looking ahead, my personal dream is to continue growing in my career, to stay faithful to the journey, and to hopefully become the LWN champion this year. But my goals go beyond just myself. I want to see women’s football in Malaysia rise even higher, with more support, more recognition, and more opportunities for young girls everywhere. My dream is that the next generation will have fewer obstacles and more doors open to them. If my journey can help even a little in making that happen, I’ll consider it one of my biggest achievements.
