sevendayweekender – Faisal Halim, one of Malaysia most prominent footballers, experienced a life-altering incident 13 months ago. During a routine shopping trip with his family in Kota Damansara, an unknown assailant splashed acid on him. The attack caused severe fourth-degree burns on his face, neck, shoulders, hands, and chest. Faisal required four surgeries and spent several days in intensive care. The physical and emotional scars from the incident left him cautious and reluctant to visit public places like shopping malls. At 27 years old, he avoids outings, focusing instead on family life after training sessions. Faisal’s world shifted dramatically from a rising football star to a survivor dealing with trauma and recovery.
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A Football Career Interrupted at Its Peak
Just three months before the attack, Faisal achieved the highlight of his career. Notably, he scored a memorable goal for Malaysia in a thrilling 3-3 draw against South Korea at the Asian Cup in January 2024. Demonstrating his exceptional skills, Faisal skillfully maneuvered past top defenders and the goalkeeper to score from a difficult angle. Consequently, this goal marked his 13th in 21 appearances for Malaysia between September 2022 and January 2024. At that time, Faisal was undoubtedly the standout player for both Selangor FC and his national team. Having started his professional journey at 17 with Penang and subsequently moving to Selangor in 2023, his career seemed destined for greatness. However, fate intervened, dramatically altering his path.
Overcoming Physical and Mental Struggles
The acid attack severely impaired Faisal’s speech and movement, forcing him to stay away from football for over two months. During his hospital stay, he battled flashbacks and emotional lows. Faisal admits he struggled to smile and feared he might never return to football. Support from fans and loved ones played a crucial role in his recovery. Unable to hold his phone, his wife read out messages from supporters, boosting his morale. He credits the prayers and encouragement from all over Malaysia for giving him the strength to fight on. Despite moments of doubt, Faisal’s determination to play again grew stronger every day.
Return to the Pitch and Inspirational Comeback
By July 2024, Faisal began intensive recovery and personal training with Selangor FC. Exactly 90 days after the attack, he was back on the bench for a Malaysian FA Cup semi-final. His return was challenging, and he no longer held his previous status as a guaranteed starter. However, Faisal remained optimistic, emphasizing his readiness and desire to contribute on the pitch. Selangor’s head coach, Katsuhito Kinoshi, praised Faisal’s resilience and mental strength, highlighting his potential to inspire fans and teammates alike. His journey from trauma to comeback has become a symbol of hope for Malaysian football.
Faisal’s Remarkable Revival and Future Ambitions
In March 2025, Faisal marked his full return by scoring a hat-trick against Kelantan Darul Naim. He celebrated his first post-recovery goal with Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous ‘siu’ gesture, thrilling fans. His performance helped Selangor secure a dominant 7-0 victory. This resurgence earned him a national team call-up, and he played as a substitute in Malaysia’s 2-0 Asian Cup qualifier win over Nepal. Australian coach Peter Cklamovski praised Faisal’s intensity and skill, welcoming him back to the national squad. Malaysia is currently fighting to qualify for the Asian Cup, with Faisal eager to play a key role. His coaches and supporters believe he will regain his influence and continue to elevate Malaysian football.
