Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny has revealed that he received money from Chinese football fans after his impressive performance in a World Cup qualifying match against Thailand. His 11 saves helped China advance to the next round.
China faced slim chances of progressing in the Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after a 1-0 loss to South Korea in Seoul. To advance, China needed Thailand to defeat Singapore by at least three goals in Bangkok. Thailand did win 3-1, but Hassan’s 11 saves ensured that China remained second in Group C, allowing them to move to the next stage.
In an interview with Singapore’s state broadcaster CNA, Hassan shared that a payment QR code from his family’s food stall, Dapur Hassan, had been circulated online. Chinese fans used this code to transfer money to him. “I did enjoy it for a while. I was like, ‘oh OK, money coming in,'” Hassan said on Thursday. However, he expressed concerns about the legality and sustainability of these transfers, stating, “I think we have to stop somewhere.”
Dapur Hassan, located in the eastern suburbs of Singapore, has seen an influx of Chinese fans since Hassan’s performance against Thailand. This surge in visitors was so significant that local reports mentioned the stall ran out of food on Thursday. Hassan’s family has been surprised by the attention, especially his daughters, who remarked on seeing his face everywhere.
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