Former professional football superstar Khalil Popal embarks on latest career chapter

Former    professional footballer Khalil Popal is gearing up for the next chapter in his rags-to-riches life story.

Former    professional footballer Khalil Popal is gearing up for the next chapter in his rags-to-riches life story.

The Afghan refugee, who arrived in Blacktown from war-torn Kabul aged 12 in 2001, built up a career as a professional footballer after being signed by Greek first-division side Panthrakikos.

His playing days included stints in South America and Thailand, and national selection with the Australian beach soccer team.

But an injury in 2013 curtailed Khalil’s football career and inspired his return to Blacktown to follow another dream.

“Football has given me the opportunity to travel the world and achieve things I never thought were possible,” he said.

“Ever since I moved to Blacktown, it has been my true home and I want to be able to give back to the community.”

Khalil Popal was the first Afghan-born player to take the field in a top European league when he played for Panthrakikos in the Greek first-division.

Popal is now pursuing a building career, but a football academy is also on the agenda for the man who was one of the first Afghan-born players to take the field in a top European league.

“I’m in the final stages of launching a football academy at Glenwood,” he said. “Even though I’m no longer playing professionally my passion for the game is as strong as ever.

Khalil Popal wants to share his experiences with young players by opening a football academy.

“I want to share my experiences with young players, and especially refugee kids.”

Meanwhile, Popal said he had not shut the door on a potential return to the Beach Socceroos line-up.

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“I always catch up for a kick with the boys in the team, and the coaches know what qualities I offer,” he said.

”There isn’t any major competitions at the moment, but I will be ready to go.”