17-6-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singapore’s loss in the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifier against Thailand unexpectedly catapulted local goalkeeper Hassan Sunny into the limelight. His remarkable performance, which included a staggering 11 saves, indirectly paved the way for China’s advancement to the next round, earning him the moniker “King of Football of the people” from adoring Chinese fans.
This newfound fame sparked an unprecedented wave of admiration, with Chinese supporters swarming Hassan’s family’s nasi padang stall and even transferring money through the establishment’s QR code in a heartwarming gesture of support. Riding this surge of popularity, the goalkeeper embarked on a remarkable journey to Shanghai during the Hari Raya Haji long weekend, where he was warmly welcomed by his newfound legion of fans.
Trailed by an entourage of devoted admirers, Hassan made appearances at three CapitaLand malls in the bustling metropolis. Puah Tze Shyang, the chief executive officer of CapitaLand’s investment arm in China, expressed the company’s pride in serving as a bridge between the two nations, stating, “We have always been a bridge between the two countries.”
With an impressive portfolio of 284 properties in China and marking its 30th anniversary in the country this year, CapitaLand seized the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to Hassan during his family vacation. “When we found out Hassan planned to take a family holiday for the long weekend, we invited him to experience Shanghai and meet some of his new fans,” Puah remarked.
Despite CapitaLand’s decision not to publicize Hassan’s tour, his presence did not go unnoticed by the eagle-eyed fans. Word quickly spread across social media platforms, and the newly minted star found himself trailed by at least 20 devoted followers, eager to secure his autograph and capture cherished moments with him through photographs.
The scenes that unfolded were truly remarkable, with Hassan graciously meeting fans, signing footballs, and even serving nasi lemak at a food cart specially set up for him. Embracing the infectious energy of his admirers, he even took to the field, engaging in friendly matches with some of his newfound supporters.
Amidst the whirlwind of attention, Hassan revealed that he has yet to receive any sponsorship offers from Chinese entities. While the Chinese-founded cryptocurrency exchange HTX announced his appointment as “chief safeguarding officer,” the goalkeeper acknowledged that discussions are still ongoing.
Regarding the influx of funds through his nasi padang store’s QR code, Hassan made the prudent decision to halt the payments after learning about a potential scam involving fake QR codes circulated through videos. He reassured his supporters that he plans to donate the funds to various charities soon.
Despite the buzz surrounding potential sponsorships and the doors opened by his newfound celebrity status, Hassan remained grounded, savoring the present moment with humble gratitude. “I’ll come visit again, but I’m enjoying the experience and loving the love,” he remarked.
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