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https://scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2051465/malaysias-mohamad-faiz-subri-beats-lionel-messi-and-neymar-fifa Football
Malaysia’s Mohamad Faiz Subri beats Lionel Messi and Neymar to Fifa shortlist
Winner of 2016 Puskas Award announced in February with Brazil’s Marlone and Venezuela’s Daniuska Rodriguez also nominated
Mohamad Faiz Subri is congratulated on his goal. Photo: thestar.com.my
Malaysia’s Mohamad Faiz Subri has beaten the likes of Neymar and Lionel Messi to secure a place on Fifa’s shortlist for top three goals of the year.
The midfielder’s cracker of a free kick for Penang state in the Malaysian Super League in February was reminiscent of the swerving thunderbolt by Brazil legend Roberto Carlos against France in 1997.
Footage of the 29-year-old scoring a viciously swerving goal from around 35 yards has gone viral, making him a sensation in football-crazy Malaysia.
“This is something I will never forget and it motivates me to improve my game further,” Faiz said.
Watch: Mohamad Faiz Subri’s goal
“Football brings people together and football supporters here are of many races, Chinese, Indians and Malays, and they voted for my goal.”
A total of 10 Fifa Puskas Award 2016 finalists, chosen from thousands of goals scored around the world between September 2015 and September 2016, were revealed last month.
Fifa announced that Brazil’s Marlone and Venezuela’s Daniuska Rodriguez were joining Faiz on the shortlist.
The winner will be announced on January 9 in Zurich.
“It’s not time for partying yet,” Faiz said. “Let’s wait till January 9.”
Watch: Marlone’s goal
Watch:Daniuska Rodriguez’s goal