'It's hard to explain': Awer Mabil's inspirational secret to success

“There's ups and downs in life. It’s just about how you are and how you come back from it."

On an exclusive Instagram Q & A session, Socceroos winger Awer Mabil offered fans a special insight into his life, reflecting on an extraordinary rise to the top. 

From matching up against some of the world's best in last season's UEFA Champions League to representing his nation at an AFC Asian Cup, Mabil has enjoyed quite the journey.

WORLD CUP HUB UPDATE 2022

But he never could have done it without the support of his mother Agot Dau Atem.

Agot, who featured in the Socceroos Generations of Australians series, not only started her son’s journey to the national team, but she supported his dreams to represent the Green and Gold.

From her sacrifices to help her son reach his potential to the love and support needed to prosper, Mabil spoke glowingly of his mum in the Socceroos recent Instagram Q&A.

“My biggest inspiration is not a footballer. It's my mother, so shout out to all the single mothers out there,” Mabil said during the Instagram Q&A.

“My mum has inspired me a lot, and she continues to do so.”

WATCH: Generations of Australians - The Mabils

With 16 caps and an AFC Asian Cup adventure already chalked up, Mabil has become a mainstay in the Socceroos set up in recent years.

The Kenyan-born flyer has scored four goals in his 16 caps for his nation and will figure as a key piece when the Socceroos pick up where they left off in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ qualifying.

Despite his achievements so far, Mabil will never understate just how much it means to pull on the Green and Gold.

“Playing for the Socceroos, it's hard to describe but it means a lot because you're representing so many people,” Mabil explained.

“Every time you go out there, it's an honour. You never know when it could be your last time so playing for the Socceroos really means a lot to me and my family, because I know it’s a way for us to give back to Australia.

“The country gave us a new adventure in life, and I'm really thankful for that. It means a lot to me and my family so I just hope I can work hard to make sure I represent Australia to the best of my abilities and deliver for the country.”

Mabil, who achieved a childhood dream by helping Danish club Midtjylland qualify for the group stage for the UEFA Champions League last year, also offered his advice to aspiring young footballers.

“Usually, I go by three things. Hard work, discipline, and remaining humble. These are my key mottos to life,” he said.

I work hard when I want to achieve something, or when I want to develop a skill, and I remain disciplined. I keep working hard at it, until I start to get my result.

“Once I start getting my result, I remain humble because I'm not going to let anything change me. I’m always looking to improve.

“Also, there's ups and downs in life. It’s just about how you are and how you come back from it. There might be a coach who doesn't like you, but you should never let that stop you because there are many people out there.

“Football is a lot about opinions so just remain humble, remain disciplined and work hard.”

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