SINGAPORE, July 26: Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal still feels like he is living a dream after finally getting the chance to represent Malaysia at senior international level.
The 27-year-old, who rose to prominence as a YouTube sensation before becoming the first Malaysian goalscorer in Major League Soccer (MLS), made his long-awaited Harimau Malaya debut in Malaysia’s 2-1 victory over Myanmar in Yangon on Saturday in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026.
Based in the United States, Wan Kuzain answered the call from interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe for his first senior Malaysia call-up before entering the match as a second-half substitute.
Born in Carbondale, Illinois, to Malaysian parents, Wan Kuzain developed his football dreams in the United States. His father previously represented state teams in football, while his older brother, Wan Kuzak, helped introduce him to Malaysian football fans through videos posted on YouTube.
“I’m super, super, super excited,” said Wan Kuzain after making his Harimau Malaya debut. I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since I’ve been here. It’s a dream come true. It means everything and more.”
His journey began at a young age after he followed his father and older brother to local football matches and constantly looked for opportunities to play. “Whenever my dad was playing, I would be out there as a little kid, three or four years old, just trying to get someone’s attention on the sideline, kicking a ball with anyone,” he said. “I have an older brother, Wan Kuzak, and whenever he had games, I would be a nuisance too.”
As Wan Kuzain began to make an impression in youth competitions, his brother started uploading short videos of him on YouTube for family and friends back home in Malaysia.
The videos soon went viral, attracting the attention of Malaysian football fans and officials. “We wanted to just show our family and friends who couldn’t see my games in America, and the next thing, it’s blowing up,” he said. “Fast forward to almost 20 years later, we are making a debut. I’m so excited.”
Wan Kuzain credits his time with St. Louis Scott Gallagher Academy, one of the most prestigious youth academies in the United States, for helping build the foundations of his football career.
His parents made significant sacrifices to support his development, regularly driving several hours to and from training. “St. Louis Scott Gallagher isn’t anywhere near close to where I grew up. It’s about two hours away,” he said.
“So, from the age of 10 to 17, my parents drove me two hours to practice, two hours back, and then you want to add two more hours of waiting for me. That’s a six- or seven-hour round trip that most Malaysian parents wouldn’t do. My parents have sacrificed a lot.”
“I’ve had one of the best football educations I probably could have had in America or in the world. I’ll try to use all that they’ve taught me in moments like this.”
The left-footed player, who can operate in a variety of attacking positions, is now hoping to make his mark in front of the Malaysian fans when Harimau Malaya host Laos in their Group B match at Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium on Tuesday. “I’m excited to play live in front of the country and show everyone what they maybe haven’t seen, or only seen on video,” said Wan Kuzain.
“I think I’m versatile and one thing I want to be associated with is that I’m dynamic. When I’m on the field, I can make a difference.”
Malaysia have won the ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ once, in 2010, while defending champions Vietnam and seven-time winners Thailand have dominated the regional tournament over the past two decades. As the competition celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, Wan Kuzain believes Malaysia should dream of repeating its historic triumph. “I know we’ve won it. I’ve seen replays and seen the goals,” he said. “But I mean, why not replicate it? I think growing up in America, you’re always told to go for it. And that’s one thing I want to bring to the team.”
The Malaysian international also revealed that golf legend Tiger Woods was one of his sporting idols growing up. Wan Kuzain said Woods’ mixed heritage and achievements inspired him to believe that he too could break barriers and inspire the next generation.
“If there are guys who look very similar to me or have the same background as me, if they can do it, why can’t I?” he said. “That’s what I want to do for the next generation. If Wan Kuzain can do it, why can’t I? Why can’t I be the next Malaysian kid?”
For now, his focus remains on helping Malaysia secure a second win over Laos and making the most of his opportunity with the national team. “I’m excited to represent my country, a country that’s known me since I was nine, 10 years old when those viral videos came out,” said Wan Kuzain.
“I’m excited to play and defend the badge, defend the flag and put a good foot forward.”
