A free-kick taken at the City Stadium in George Town during a 2016 match between Penang FA and Pahang FA earned Malaysian footballer Mohd Faiz Subri global recognition. This specific goal secured him the FIFA Puskás Award in 2017, marking the first time an Asian player received the honor for scoring the best goal of the calendar year.
Early Development and Youth Career
Born on 8 November 1987 in Ayer Hitam, Kedah, Faiz is the third of five children. He attended Sekolah Kebangsaan Tengku Laksamana and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Permatang Bonglai for his primary and secondary schooling. He later transferred to Sekolah Menengah Teknik Arau in Perlis. His professional journey in football commenced in 2006 when he joined the Kedah youth team.
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In 2009, Faiz signed with the FAM League club Tambun Tulang, where he recorded six goals across 14 appearances. He transitioned to the Malaysia Super League in 2010 to play for Perlis for two seasons before moving to T-Team. Throughout his career, he represented multiple clubs, including Kelantan FA in 2013, where he scored in an AFC Cup match against SHB Da Nang. During his 2014 season with Terengganu FA, he made 14 appearances before relocating to Penang FA. He later played for Kuala Kangsar FC in 2021 and returned to Penang for a second spell in 2022.
Playing Style and International Duty
Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder, Faiz also fills roles as a winger and striker. Coaches often utilize his pace, long-range shooting ability, and passing range during matches. He frequently takes charge of set-pieces for his squads. His international career included call-ups to the Malaysia national team in 2012 and 2013 under K. Rajagopal, though he did not earn a cap. He returned to the national squad in August 2015 under coach Dollah Salleh following consistent performances with Penang.
Honours and Recognitions
Faiz holds several titles including the 2013 Malaysia FA Cup with Kelantan FA and promotion to the Malaysia Super League with Penang FA in 2015. His individual accolades include the 2016 PFAM Player of the Month for February and a FAM Special Award. In 2017, he was awarded the Companion of the Ahli Cemerlang Semangat Jerai Kedah, and in 2025, he received the Community Service Medal in Penang.
Fast facts
- Full name: Mohd Faiz bin Subri
- Born: 8 November 1987, Ayer Hitam, Malaysia
- Primary Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Notable Achievement: Winner, 2016 FIFA Puskás Award
- Religion: Islam
- Citizenship: Malaysia
Questions readers ask
What is Mohd Faiz Subri best known for?
He is recognized for winning the 2016 FIFA Puskás Award for a free-kick goal scored against Pahang FA.
Which international award did he win?
He won the FIFA Puskás Award in 2017 for the best goal of the year, becoming the first Asian player to do so.
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