‘It means everything’: Mabil’s remarkable journey so far after winning Danish league title

From facing uncertainty as a South Sudanese refugee to breaking through the Hyundai A-League and representing the Socceroos, Awer Mabil has an inspirational story and he has now added another feat to it.

The 24-year-old sealed the Danish Superliga title with FC Midtjylland after scoring the third goal in their 3-1 victory over second-placed FC Copenhagen.

Mabil’s strike sealed the club’s third title in six years and his first since joining in 2015.

Speaking after the game, the Socceroos attacker acknowledged everyone who has helped him along the way and tried to describe the feeling of lifting the title.

“It's (the feeling) hard to describe. It's emotionally charged, but it's good emotion, so it's just about enjoying it,” he said.  

WATCH: Mabil scores and wins Danish league title

“It's always nice to score and it makes it even better to win a championship. I'm really grateful for the amazing team we have.

‘’Nothing would happen without this team, these coaches and these fans, so we all deserve this moment.

“It was my (late) sister's birthday a couple of days ago. It's also for her.’’

The title win only adds to his remarkable story.

After growing up in a refugee camp in Kenya, Mabil and his family moved to Australia in 2006 in search of a better life.

He began his footballing journey with Campbelltown City in the NPL South Australia before his talent was recognised by Adelaide United.

After two successful years with the Reds, including an FFA Cup win, Mabil secured a move to Denmark.

However, his start to life in the Nordic country was far from easy.

He was loaned out to fellow Danish Superliga outfit Esbjerg fB to allow him to get more game time and on his debut, he was sent off before eventually being relegated with the side.

On his return to Midtjylland, Mabil was loaned out again.

Awer Mabil
Mabil in Socceroos camp

This time to Portugal in the Primeira Liga with Paços de Ferreira where he scored three times in 26 league appearances before being relegated again.

And it was these experiences that only strengthened his hunger for success.

‘’It means everything. I have been relegated two times and now I am a champion,’’ he said following his first Danish league title.

Mabil scored on his Socceroos debut in 2018 in a resounding 4-0 victory over Kuwait and he continues to make a big impact within the national team.

He also contributed to Australia’s enthralling 3-2 victory over Syria in the final group stage match at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup with a stunning top corner strike.

WATCH: Mabil scores on Socceroos debut
Thomas Deng and Awer Mabil
Thomas Deng and Awer Mabil after making their Socceroos debuts together

Mabil has now turned his attention to European footballs premier club competition as Midtjylland look to make their mark on the UEFA Champions League.

After sealing top spot on the Superliga table through an unassailable 17 point lead with four matches to play, they will enter the Champions League second qualifying round.

Mabil is determined to make sure they get through.

"It is a dream to play in the Champions League and we will do everything to play in the Champions League, so that is our next goal," he said.

“I’m here now and I want to be here next season because I want to play the Champions League.”

WATCH: Mabil scores stunning goal for Socceroos