KUALA LUMPUR – Lim You is fast emerging as one of the breakout stars of the 2026 Srikandi Merdeka Cup after the 14-year-old fired Malaysia’s Under-17 women’s team into the semi-finals with a stunning seven-goal haul against Saudi Arabia.
The United States-based teenager was at the heart of Malaysia’s 9-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia at the Super Soccer Arena in Kudus, Indonesia, yesterday, producing a ruthless display built on the power, precision and composure of her left foot.
Lim You opened the scoring in the eighth minute before adding two more goals in the 22nd and 27th minutes.
She continued her scoring spree after the interval, finding the net in the 57th, 75th, 83rd and 85th minutes, with one of those goals coming from the penalty spot.
Her seven-goal haul made her the first Malaysian women’s footballer to score seven goals in an official international match.
Several of her goals came from outside the penalty area, highlighting the quality of the left foot she has been developing since childhood.
Speaking during an online press conference with reporters today, Lim You revealed that her father played a key role in developing her technique.
“Since I was little, my dad has been training my left foot a lot because not a lot of people are left-footed and it’s just like a speciality,” she said.
“I’m lucky to be left-footed.”
Despite producing one of the most remarkable individual performances in Malaysian women’s football, Lim You was quick to credit her teammates for creating the opportunities that allowed her to flourish.
“For the seven goals, it’s not all down to me because my teammates got me the ball and I just helped finish the play,” she said.
Her performance has already sparked comparisons among fans, with some likening the effectiveness of her left foot to that of former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
However, Lim You appears unfazed by the sudden attention, admitting there is some pressure ahead of the semi-final against Thailand but insisting she remains excited by the challenge.
“Honestly, a bit. But football is a game I really enjoy,” she said.
“I’m excited every single time I step onto the pitch, no matter the opponent.
“So I’m just excited to play at a different level.”
Her emergence is particularly significant given her connection to Malaysia.
Born in Taiwan, Lim You moved to the United States with her family when she was just eight months old. Both her parents were born and raised in Malaysia, while she now lives in Washington.
She returns to Malaysia every two to four years and stays with relatives in Johor during her visits.
Representing Malaysia for the first time has also required her to adjust to a different environment, particularly because of the language barrier.
“It was a little difficult at first because of the language barrier. I don’t really know Malay,” she said.
“But I’m really grateful to be a part of this team and for this experience with them.”
Lim You’s arrival has coincided with an impressive campaign for Malaysia, who finished second in Group A on goal difference after collecting four points, level with Hong Kong.
The 9-0 victory was made even more impressive by the fact that Malaysia played with 10 players after N. Dishanna was sent off.
Thailand now await in the last four, with Lim You’s emergence giving Malaysia another attacking weapon as they chase a place in the final.
For the teenager, however, the focus remains simple: enjoy her football and appreciate the support that has followed her breakthrough performance.
“I would like to say thank you, everyone, for the support. I’m really grateful to everyone in Malaysia,” she said. – August 19, 2026