Non-league star who smashed Jamie Vardy's transfer record makes debut for new club

The highlights of the non-league star who obliterated Jamie Vardy's transfer record have impressed fans after Abdul Abdulmalik got his dream move.

Vardy is easily the biggest success story of a player who came through the lower echelons of English football, playing for Stockbridge Park Steels and then Halifax Town.

He then stepped up to Fleetwood Town in the Conference, now the National League, before joining Leicester City for a fee of £1million in 2012.

READ NEXT: Jamie Vardy's transfer record finally broken after 14 years as eye-watering bid accepted

Vardy made history by going on to make Premier League history, winning the title in incredible fashion with Leicester in 2016.

He also bagged a Premier League Golden Boot and played for England at a World Cup.

Record-breaking Non League star stuns fans in professional debut

But the latest sensation to come out of Non-League is Abdulmalik, who had 28 goals and assists for Boreham Wood last season as they won National League Cup and were beaten in the play-off final by Rochdale at Wembley.

He was the subject of strong interest from clubs in Europe in the summer, with fifth tier Boreham Wood rejecting two bids from Swedish side Djurgardens.

Eventually, after the Millwall academy product issued a statement on how he was desperate for the opportunity, an offer 'in excess' of £1.5 million was accepted.

The 23-year-old made his debut for his new club on Thursday, with Abdulmalik coming off the bench in a 7-1 rout over Haninge in the Swedish Cup.

One compilation of his performance racked up a whopping 2.7 million viewers. The left winger was greeted by huge cheers when he entered the fray in the 61st minute and lit up the second half with a series of incredible dribbles.

Abdulmalik got fans off the edge of their seat by displaying frightening pace and skill to constantly take on players. His exciting and positive cameo was enough to convince many that his career may well continue to progress if he continues in the same vein.

One fan on X wrote: "He needs European football, and I guarantee he'll be in the big leagues."

A second said: "Mad how no British team took a punt on him because from the clips flying around he looks class."

A third added: "Such a sharp footballer. Just looks a different level, I know it’s against weaker opposition but I am so intrigued to see how he gets on."

READ MORE: Jamie Vardy blocked from making Burnley debut against Wrexham due to little-known rule

Abdul Abdulmalik's tough journey to make professional debut

There are plenty of gems plying their trade outside of league football in England and Abdulmalik is a prime example. He represented England at Under 17 level and progressed through the age group at the Millwall academy.

He was a part of the Under 21 side which won consecutive Professional Development League titles but did not make a first-team appearance for the club.

Abdulmalik was released in July 2024 and went straight into Non League, where he already had experience after a loan spell with Wealdstone.

He shone at Boreham Wood and was named in the National League Team of the Season last term.

Having faced rejection earlier in his career, Abdulmalik is now a professional footballer and it looks like he may well be on the up.