WATCH: This Footless Soccer Goalie Will Totally Blow Your Mind

A 30-year-old Indonesian has overcome a birth defect that left him footless and missing half a leg to become a highly skilled goalkeeper. And he’s become a huge sensation in the process, drawing tons of fans to his matches.

Eman Sulaeman, who trained relentlessly over the years to hone his soccer skills and adapt to his disabilities, first drew widespread attention in 2016 when he played for the Indonesian team at the Homeless World Cup in Glasgow. He ended up being named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

“It was unreal. My first time ever being abroad and I was named the best goalie,” Sulaeman said. “People with disabilities like me and poor people can all unite without being looked down upon or stigmatized.”

Sulaeman’s success at home and abroad may provide hope to other that Indonesia will increase its support of disabled athletes, as a government sports agency spokesperson noted “our disabled athletes have extraordinary skills and they have opened our eyes that if they’re given equal opportunities, they can achieve anything.”

As for Sulaeman, he hopes to play in the Paralympic Games in the future. Meanwhile, he coaches soccer at several local schools and has established a sports community in his hometown.

Check out the video above, via Arab News.

[image via screengrab]

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Follow Justin Baragona on Twitter: @justinbaragona

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