Among Malaysia’s most well-known football players, the forward was in the height of his profession when a simple shopping trip with his family 13 months ago permanently ruined his life.
Faisal was doused with acid by an unidentified assailant in a mall in the township of Kota Damansara, leaving fourth-degree burns that required four operations and many days in intensive care.
The attack damaged him emotionally as much as physically.
“So I stop going out altogether. Once training ends, I head home to spend time with my family, my wife, and son.”
He had registered the highest goal of his career for his nation just three months prior as Malaysia hosted Son Heung-min’s South Korea in January 2024.
Before finishing on the spin from a tight angle in the exciting 3-3 draw, the winger grabbed control inside the box and left Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae and goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo on the floor with his skill.
Unquestionably the best player for both his club Selangor FC and nation, Faisal’s score brought his record to 13 goals in 21 appearances for Malaysia between September 2022 and January 2024.
“There were times when I thought about not playing football any more out of anxiety. Still, I answered many calls and received a lot of messages every day. My wife used to read aloud all the fan messages as I couldn handle the phone in the hospital.
“Malaysia’s people prayed for me everywhere. It gave me greater bravery to resume playing.”
Exactly 90 days following the horrific event, Faisal started a month of recuperation and personal training with Selangor before making the bench the following month in a Malaysian FA Cup semi-final encounter.
Starting back up has not been without challenges.
Though Faisal feels the difficult years are now behind him, gone are the days when he was the first name on the Selangor and Malaysia teamsheet.
“I just want to play,” he states. “I’m confident, normal, and 100%. I am eager for play. I merely want more time on the field.
Head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi of Selangor thinks Faisal’s energetic recovery tale is inspirational.
“What Faisal has to do is present to our supporters and Malaysian football his positive and unbreakable mindset,” he says.
“He’s a great winger who, when he runs forward, has the power to truly damage teams.
“Faisal accomplishes all he does with deliberate and strong intensity. He should definitely return to the national squad at this opportune moment. He deserves it; I believe he has a narrative to share.”
Ranked 131st worldwide, Malaysia is fighting Vietnam, Nepal, and Laos to make back-to-back Asian Cups for the first time since 1980.
Having been picked in the squad for the 10 June qualifier at home to Vietnam, who top Group F on goal difference from Malaysia after one game, Faisal intends to contribute to their target achievement.
Former Serbia assistant manager Kinoshi supported him to prove his ability once he promised to “get better than before”.
“Faisal has been an important part of Selangor FC and Malaysia national team in the past and I am sure he will have that influence again at the club and international scene very soon.”
