KUALA LUMPUR: Fancy a second Malaysian Fifa Puskas Award winner?
It could turn into reality as winger Sean Selvaraj's long-range effort for Negri Sembilan against Selangor was endorsed by FAM today for submission for the 2022 Puskas Award.
During the Super League match at MBPJ Stadium on July 31, Sean scored the winning goal in the 88th minute after his club clawed back from 2-0 down.
It was not the fact he scored the deciding goal that made headlines but how his powerful shot from 30m beat Selangor goalkeeper Samuel Somerville.
The stunning goal made waves worldwide, with Fifa posting the clip on Twitter alongside two other international goals, with the caption "Could any of these goals be a Puskas contender?".
"It is the best goal I have scored in my career. I was like, 'Wow', what a beautiful goal when I watched it again on TV," said Sean of his goal against Selangor.
However, the 26-year-old does not want to predict his chances of emulating Faiz Subri's 2016 win.
"I am not very sure of winning it. Many other great goals will be nominated too. Let's hope we make it.
"It is not only for me but for Malaysia, my club, family and friends.
"But to top it off, I hope to one day play for Harimau Malaya. That is my biggest dream," added the former national youth player.
In 2016, Penang winger Faiz created history by becoming the first Malaysian to win the Puskas Award.
Faiz's swerving free-kick from 35 metres against Pahang in a Super League match was judged as the most beautiful goal of that year.
