It’s not easy winning a FIFA award, what more if you’re not from one of countries which dominate the football rankings such as Brazil, England, Argentina, or the such.
In November 2016, when Mohd Faiz Subri was shortlisted for the 2016 FIFA Puskás Award for his physics-defying free-kick, it seemed like it was fairly impossible for a Malaysian to win the award. But he created history when he became the first Asian and Malaysian to snag the award, garnering neraly 60% of the total votes.
Not only is the whole nation of Malaysia proud of him, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have decided to award the footballer with RM150,000 as a form of appreciation.
However, the reward will come in the form of incentives, and he will receive RM100,000 from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and RM50,000 from the FAM.
The Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, was extremely happy for Faiz’s win. He said, “On behalf of the government I would like to congratulate Mohd Faiz for winning the award. It was a historic moment for Malaysian football and the first by a Malaysian.”
In winning the award, the Kedah-born player also made it into the Malaysia Book of Records as the first Malaysian to win a FIFA award. Upon arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) after the award ceremony, Faiz made sure to thank everyone for voting for him.
“I wish to thank everyone for supporting me and voting for me. This win is for football in Malaysia,” expressed the attacking midfielder.
Faiz plays for the Penang Football Association (FA) and his legendary goal was made last year in a match against Pahang FA. The goal subsequently helped his team win against their opponent 4-1.
Source: The Hive Asia.
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