PETALING JAYA: On the field, Faisal Halim is a bundle of energy with his breathtaking runs, dribbling and ability to set up teammates with his crosses, passes and set-pieces.
But off the pitch, the 26-year-old is known for his affable character and he has great chemistry with the staff of the national team.
On social media, some of the staff members changed their profile photos, by posting photos of them with him, like team manager Datuk Kamarul Ariffin Mohd Shahar and physio S. Sivanasvaran.
Sivanasvaran said that if Faisal scored against South Korea, he would change his profile photo to that of Faisal’s.
“As a challenge with Faisal, I agreed to change my profile photo with him for a week if he scores and he did so against South Korea,” he said.
“Thank you to FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) for allowing me to work with the team for the Asian Cup.”
In the 3-3 draw against the Taegeuk Warriors, Faisal was the first goal scorer for Malaysia in the 51st minute.
His goal was a beauty as the tiny player (1.58m) scored from an acute angle into the far bottom corner despite being blocked by centreback and “Korean monster” Kim Min-jae. The goal was hailed by the international media.
Faisal is one of the most endearing personalities in the Malaysian dressing room as he mingles well with everyone and loves cracking a joke or two to liven up the atmosphere.
Faisal even wanted to repay a fan’s sacrifice by gifting him a motorcycle once he returned to Malaysia.
He wanted to meet Derrick Gan, who went viral on social media for his emotional celebration and who later revealed that he sold his motorbike to enable him to fly to Doha to watch Malaysia play.
With his performance on the pitch and demeanour off the pitch, Faisal is becoming a fan favourite in Malaysian football and it is hoped that the pint-sized player will continue being a source of inspiration with his actions.
