Faiz is the first Malaysian to win, let alone be nominated for, an award from the world football governing body.

He received his award during the 2016 FIFA Awards event held in Zurich, Switzerland, last night.

Speaking in English during his brief acceptance speech, he thanked God, his family, the Penang Football Association and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

“Honestly, it would never have crossed my mind that I would be at this level and be able to stand with world-class players.

“I would like to say thank you to my team, my coach, my family, my father, my mother and all the people who voted for me. Thank you very much,” he said

Playing for Penang, Faiz scored the goal with a free-kick in the 4-1 victory against Pahang in a Super League Match at the City Stadium in George Town on Feb 16 last year.

Faiz’s spectacular swerving free-kick had received more votes than the two other shortlisted nominees, namely Brazil’s Marlone, 24 and Venezuela’s Daniuska Rodriguez.

The trophy was presented by Brazilian football legend and 2002 World Cup winner, Ronaldo.

The trio made it to the shortlist after receiving the most online votes from an initial list of 10 which included Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazilian Neymar.

The video of Faiz’s physics-defying goal has since been viewed more than 2.3 million times on FIFATV at YouTube.