The 21 year old played in the final of the FA Vase Trophy at Wembley for Great Wakering who took on Romford.

He held the Palestine flag high in tribute to his international teammates, as it was made known by reports that the Palestine’s International Teams assistant manager was killed in a recent air strike. 

In an interview with Lewis Adams and Ben Fryer of BBC News Essex, the youngster said he knew of teammates that had lost their homes as a result of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. 

He qualified to play for the Palestine International Football Team due to his grandfather, Nofal.

Shamshoum currently has been called up for the international squad on three occasions.

Luis Shamshoum at Wembley ahead of the FA Vase Trophy Final against Romford

Great Wakering lost 3-0 in the final with Shamshoum unable to keep a clean sheet. 

He said he played the final at the home of English football with those affected by Gaza, “always close”, to his heart. 

Wakering qualified for the final of the competition after defeating Worcester City, 5-4 on penalties after the semi final ended in a 2-2 draw. 

Having entered the competition in the first qualifying round winning 5-2 at Basildon United. Their journey on the way included beating  Buckhurst Hill, St Neots Town, Downham Town, Fakenham Town, Whitchurch Alport, Highworth Town, Falmouth Town and finally Worcester. 

If the club had won in the final they would have been the first Essex side to lift the Vase trophy since Stansted in 1984.

Great Wakering and Romford line-ups at the FA Vase Trophy Final

Normally the village side attracts an average crowd of 150 people, however, they sold over 3000 tickets to the final. 

It was Shamshoum who became the local hero after saving a shot in front of a 1,500 crowd, booking his club’s trip to the final. 

Shamshoum’s former clubs include Billericay Town, Hashtag United and his final opponents at Wembley, Romford. 

In his interview with the BBC he said; “Every day I hope and pray and wish that this can end so both sides can live in peace. 

Football can bring together people from all across the world, all sides of life.”

The right footed goalkeeper is yet to make an international appearance, however if calls up to the squad continue he will look to make his first.