Champion footballer Abdullah Karim talks of the best moment of his life

PANANIA’s Abdullah is called the “Messi” of powerchair soccer. The 17kg, 26-year-old took the title of being the world’s best at the 2017 World Cup. He tells his story and why he’s not resting on his laurels.

Panania’s Abdullah Karim has been named the world's best powerchair soccer player. Picture: Angelo Velardo

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Abdullah Karim is 26, weighs just 17kg, and is the best powerchair football player in the world.

The Panania athlete, who has been described as the “Messi” of powerchair football, was part of Australia’s team in the 2017 Powerchair Football World Cup, held in July in the United States.

The sport is a modified version of football for electric wheelchair users where two teams of four compete on a basketball court.

Karim plays for Western Sydney Wanderers, and said winning the most valuable player at the 2017 World Cup was the greatest moment of his life. Picture: David Swift

The Poweroos finished fourth but Karim’s form did not go unnoticed and he won most valuable player.

Months later, Karim, who was born with severe scoliosis and limb deficiency, is still coming down from the high.

“It doesn’t really sink in at all,” he said.

“I’m still thinking about it and wondering how the hell I got it. It was the single best moment of my whole life.”

Barcelona's Lionel Messi with the ball against Sevilla's Steven N'Zonzi during the Spanish league football match on the weekend. He’s often spoken about as the best in the world. Picture: Josep Lago/AFP Photo

But Karim says the title is no excuse to rest on his laurels. He has just returned from representing NSW at the national powerchair championships at Mt Druitt, where Queensland snatched a 5-3 extra-time victory from NSW.

He is now focused on getting Western Sydney Wanderers into a good position for the 2018 club championships.

Karim moved to the Wanderers from Sydney FC in 2016 and said the club has become “family”.

The Wanderers have won the last two club championships and the club’s community engagement manager Josh Hunter said a large part of this is because of Karim.

“Abdullah has been inspirational in helping our team to secure their second consecutive championship,” he said.

“His individual recognition at the national championships is a clear reflection of his world-class ability on the field.”