Theyab Awana, the UAE footballer who became a YouTube sensation after his back-heeled penalty kick, has died at the age of 21 following a car accident.
He was killed as he drove from a training session in Al-Ain to the capital Abu Dhabi on Sunday night.
"Theyab Awana has passed away on Sunday night after a horrible traffic accident on Sheikh Zayed Road in Abu Dhabi," the UAE Football Association confirmed in a statement on Monday.
"God blesses his soul and wholehearted condolences to his family, friends and fans."
Awana came to the attention of the world's media and won many plaudits with his cocky penalty against Lebanon in July.
Instead of conventionally striking the ball he twisted around and backheeled the ball into the corner of the net.
His actions were seen as being insulting towards the opposition and he was immediately substituted by then coach Srečko Katanec.
Yet the fans didn't agree. Instead the YouTube clip of his penalty went viral. More than 1.2 million people have since viewed it.
Watch the video of his back-heeled penalty
Also see:
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| Theyab Awana became internet sensation with this audacious backheel penalty Photo: YouTube |
He was killed as he drove from a training session in Al-Ain to the capital Abu Dhabi on Sunday night.
According to reports, Awana died instantly when the car he was driving collided with a lorry. His brother, who was also in the vehicle, is now in intensive care.
"Theyab Awana has passed away on Sunday night after a horrible traffic accident on Sheikh Zayed Road in Abu Dhabi," the UAE Football Association confirmed in a statement on Monday.
"God blesses his soul and wholehearted condolences to his family, friends and fans."
Awana came to the attention of the world's media and won many plaudits with his cocky penalty against Lebanon in July.
Instead of conventionally striking the ball he twisted around and backheeled the ball into the corner of the net.
His actions were seen as being insulting towards the opposition and he was immediately substituted by then coach Srečko Katanec.
Yet the fans didn't agree. Instead the YouTube clip of his penalty went viral. More than 1.2 million people have since viewed it.
Watch the video of his back-heeled penalty
Also see:
