Local football fans would definitely be familiar with Malaysia’s Under-19 sensation, Luqman Hakim Shamsuddin.

The 18-year-old recently picked up a nomination for the coveted 2020 Golden Boy Award presented by Italian newspaper Tuttosport.

He has been shortlisted among 80 other young football players from around the world, and only 20 players will make it to the final nomination round via public voting.

The winner will be ultimately be chosen by a panel of 40 journalists from various countries and publications.

Rising star

According to The Star, the Kota Bharu native made a name for himself in the local football circuit when he became the top scorer at the 2018 AFC Under-16 Championships by scoring five goals in only two matches.

Luqman then ended up being signed by Belgian Jupiter League club KV Kortrijk, which is owned by Malaysian businessman Tan Sri Vincent Tan.

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The Golden Boy award was first introduced in 2003 and has seen superstar players such as Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Mario Gotze and Joao Felix taking home the award.

Luqman will be facing some stiff competition for a chance to bag the award from Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho (England) and Erling Haland (Norway), Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood (England), Barcelona’s Ansu Fati (Spain), and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (England).

Let’s all help vote for Luqman so that he’ll make it to the top 20. Click here to vote for him (listed as player number 32).

All the best, Luqman, Malaysia is rooting for you!