Faisal Halim: From Acid Attack Victim to the Player Who Eliminated CAHN from Southeast Asia's C1

Some goals do more than decide a match; they mark a turning point in a person's life. Faisal Halim’s two goals against Hanoi Police at the 2025/26 ASEAN Cup were such moments: significant not only for Selangor professionally but also as a milestone ending the darkest chapter in the Malaysian striker’s career.

Against an organized and experienced opponent like Hanoi Police, Selangor needed a breakthrough moment. Faisal delivered not once, but twice. It was not just an offensive display of skill but a powerful statement: he is still here, still capable and skilled enough to make a difference despite everything that once pushed him to the brink of losing his career.

Rewinding to May 5, 2024, a day that left an unforgettable mark. In Kota Damansara, Faisal Halim was doused with acid right after leaving a shopping mall. This sudden and senseless attack shocked Southeast Asian football. He suffered severe fourth-degree burns on his face, neck, shoulders, arms, and chest, requiring intensive treatment for 10 days and multiple surgeries to repair the damage. When the physical pain eased, the psychological trauma remained the hardest to overcome.

Large scars on his face—on his nose, behind his ear, and a long streak from his forehead down across his cheek to his chin—branded Faisal as the “scarred man” in the harshest way. His life changed so dramatically that he couldn’t even smile normally when greeting others. For a player, the fear of losing his playing ability, confidence, and the threat of career-ending can be even heavier than the stitches.

In June 2024, Faisal appeared before the media for the first time since the incident. He admitted to being physically and mentally hurt but importantly declared he would not give up football. That determination marked the start of a quiet, steadfast recovery journey, where every training session tested his limits and every match examined both his physical and mental strength.

Just two months later, Selangor confirmed Faisal was fit to play again. On August 11, 2024, he returned to the field amidst prolonged applause from the stands. By October 2024, Faisal played his longest match since the acid attack (74 minutes) in the AFC Champions League Two, a crucial sign that his condition was stabilizing and his confidence returning.

Not only at club level, in March 2025 Faisal was recalled to the Malaysian national team nearly a year after the incident. By June 2025, he was included in the squad preparing for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. These milestones showed that although the scars remain, Faisal’s career was not “frozen” as many had feared.

Then, the brace against CAHN became a beautiful symbol of his rebirth. It helped the V.League representative exit the regional competition early while Selangor advanced. Above all, that performance earned the respect of Malaysian fans and neutral viewers alike, showcasing a player who overcame adversity through sheer resilience.

His scars do not make Faisal Halim ugly; on the contrary, they have turned him into a symbol of determination. The brace against CAHN is, in the fullest sense, a declaration that he has returned—not just to play, but to continue his career with the spirit of a warrior.