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Faiz Subri of Malaysia wins FIFA Puskas award, meets Sir Alex
Faiz Subri catapulted Malaysia to one of its biggest sporting achievements after he clinched the FIFA Puskas award for goal of the year at the 2016 FIFA Football Awards in Zurich on Monday night.
He became the first Asian player to win the prestigious prize, and would rub shoulders with his heroes Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Penang forward's astonishing, physics-defying free kick in a Malaysia Super League game last February topped the global votes with 59.46 percent, ahead of Corinthians' midfielder Marlone 22.86 per cent, and Venezuela female star Daniuska Rodriguez with 10.01 percent.
The goal was the second scored by Faiz in Penang's 4-1 victory over Pahang on Feb. 16.
"Honestly, it never crossed my mind that I would be able to stand here for the best, world-class goal of 2016," said Faiz in his acceptance speech in Bahasa Malaysia.
"I would like to thank the Penang Football Association, the Professional Footballers Association Malaysia, FAM, my family, my father, my mother, and everyone who voted for me."
Faiz's humble reaction to his victory was a memorable part of a glittering awards' ceremony that honoured football's biggest global identities.
After his historic triumph was announced by three-time World Player of the Year Ronaldo Luis Nazario of Brazil, Faiz cut a sheepish figure as he slowly made his way to the stage.
Decked in a dapper, black tuxedo, the diminutive winger flashed a huge smile as he took out his mobile phone in search of his acceptance speech.
It was quite the wait as he scrolled through his device, prompting German host Marco Schreyl to quip, "Do you need some help?"
