Chinese football fans are showering love and money on the Singaporean goalkeeper's stall after his performance in games this week indirectly helped China reach the third round of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Singapore national team goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, 40, became an overnight celebrity on Chinese social media after Singapore lost 3-1 to Thailand on Tuesday. Sunny made enough saves to prevent China from being eliminated if Thailand had won by three goals.
Chinese fans have been queuing up to buy up food at the food stall Sunny and his wife run in Singapore, and sending money using the stall's QR payment code, which has been widely shared online.
Soccer is one of China's most popular spectator sports, but the men's national team has struggled despite millions of dollars pumped into the sport and has only qualified for the World Cup once, more than two decades ago, in 2002.
Some fans on social media said Sunny is the best of China's 12th line-up, while others are concerned that there could be tax issues with the amount of money coming in. Some fans said it was rather sad and embarrassing that China had advanced to the next round in this way, and that it shows the Chinese team would rather rely on other teams than their own players.
Food stand Dapur Hassan has quickly risen to the top of the snacks and foods category in Singapore on Chinese restaurant review app Dianping, specialising in nasi lemak, a popular rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves.
Fans have posted screenshots of transactions ranging from S$1 to S$10 (roughly 75 cents to $8) and more, with comments like “heartfelt thanks from football fans” and “love from China.”
Sunny did not respond to requests for an interview via email and on his Instagram account, but posted an announcement in Chinese on the platform on Thursday night urging people to stop sending money and warning that several QR codes had been posted purporting to be for his store.
“Thank you for your support over the past few days. It has allowed me to fully feel the enthusiasm of Chinese fans,” he wrote. “I ask for rational support. Please stop sending me money via the internet.”
Hu Tin, The Associated Press
