10 Fun Facts About Hassan Sunny: The Serendipitous Hero To China

Ardent World Cup fans have likely heard of Hassan Sunny by now. The 40-year-old goalkeeper is currently being hailed as "China's Hero" after Singapore's thrilling match against Thailand on June 12. Here's a closer look at what caused this unexpected admiration and some fun facts about the man himself.

What Caused Hassan Sunny to Be Hailed as China's Hero?
Singapore's goalkeeper Hassan Sunny played a crucial role in keeping China's World Cup dreams alive with a stellar performance against Thailand. China was on the brink of elimination after losing 1-0 to South Korea. Thailand needed a three-goal victory against Singapore to knock China out. Despite Thailand's win, Hassan's heroic 11 saves kept the score to 3-1, allowing China to advance thanks to a better head-to-head record.

Dapur Hassan & China's Gratitude
Chinese fans, grateful for Hassan's efforts, discovered his Nasi Padang stall, Dapur Hassan, and flocked to it. Located in a coffee shop in Block 144 Tampines Street 12, the stall saw unprecedented business, selling out by 1:30 PM. Chinese nationals even sent money to Hassan's business via Alipay as a token of appreciation, using the digits "520," which is a homophone of "I love you" in Mandarin.

GOALKEEPER: 10 Fun Facts About Hassan Sunny

Goalkeeper's Idols
Hassan's favorite goalkeepers are Manuel Neuer and Joe Hart. Their styles and achievements have inspired him throughout his career.

Old Is Gold
At 40 years old, Hassan Sunny is the oldest player in the Singapore National Football Team, which has an average age of 26.3 years old. His experience and resilience continue to be invaluable to the team.

Asthma-Made Hero
Hassan didn't start as a goalkeeper. Initially a midfielder, he switched positions after an asthma attack at age 12, showing that sometimes challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Little Hassan's Passion
Hassan's passion for football ignited in 1995. At 11, he captained his school, May Primary School. Although he only joined his first club in 2003 at 19, he has since accumulated over 21 years in his club career.

Keeps Getting Better
Hassan's flagship stall is located at 872C Tampines Street 86. The stall flooded by grateful Chinese netizens is actually his second, opened at 144 Tampines Street 12 after business boomed.

Every League Title
Hassan is the first and only player in Singapore Premier League history to win four league titles with four different clubs, showcasing his versatility and skill across teams.

Exceptional Performance Recognized
In 2014, Hassan became the first goalkeeper to win the S.League Player of the Year award, a testament to his outstanding abilities.

Pulling My Leg?
In 2016, The Daily Telegraph ranked him #18 on its list of the world's top 20 goalkeepers. Initially, Hassan thought it was a belated April Fools joke, reflecting his humility and surprise at the recognition.

Endearing Nickname
Hassan was dubbed "Superman" by Thai fans for his superb performances while playing for Thai football club Army United, highlighting his international appeal and talent.

Reminiscence
One of Hassan's happiest football memories dates back to 1999 when he scored the winning goal from the halfway line in a 2-1 victory, a rare and thrilling achievement for a goalkeeper.

Wrapping Up the Hassan Sunny Spectacle
Hassan Sunny's journey from a young football enthusiast to an international hero and beloved food stall owner is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and unexpected opportunities. If not for the asthma attack he suffered when he was young, we may not have had the chance to witness the performance of this extraordinary goalkeeper. From saving China's World Cup dreams to serving delicious Nasi Padang, Hassan Sunny continues to win hearts both on and off the field. Here's to the serendipitous hero whose legacy will be remembered for years to come.