Hassan Sunny

In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Abdullah Sunny is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Hassan. The word "bin" or "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.

Hassan Sunny

Hassan playing for Army United in 2015
Personal information
Full name	Hassan bin Abdullah Sunny [1]
Date of birth	(1984-04-02) 2 April 1984 (age 39)
Place of birth	Singapore
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) [2]
Position(s)	Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team	Albirex Niigata (S)
Number	18
Youth career
2000–2002	National Football Academy
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2003	Geylang United	31	(0)
2004–2005	Young Lions	43	(0)
2006–2007	Geylang United	52	(0)
2008–2011	Tampines Rovers	77	(0)
2012–2014	Warriors	55	(0)
2015–2016	Army United	54	(0)
2017	Home United	19	(0)
2018–2019	Army United	54	(0)
2020–2022	Lion City Sailors	51	(0)
2023–	Albirex Niigata (S)	19	(0)
International career‡
2004–	Singapore	113	(0)
Medal record Men's football Representing   Singapore Sea Games Nakhon Ratchasima 2007 Football Asean Football Championship Winner Tiger Cup 2004 2004 Winner AFF Championship 2007 2007
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 7 May 2023 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23 March 2023

Hassan bin Abdullah Sunny (born 2 April 1984) is a Singaporean professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Singapore Premier League club Albirex Niigata (S), whom he captains and the Singapore national team. ^[3] He is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Southeast Asia and also Singapore's history.

In 2016, UK based The Daily Telegraph ranked him #18 on its list of the world's top 20 goalkeepers. ^[4] He admitted to The Straits Times that he originally thought that it was a late April Fools joke. ^{[5] [6] [7]}

Hassan is the first and only player in the Singapore Premier League history to win the four league titles with four different clubs.

Club career

Along with Baihakki Khaizan, Shahril Ishak and Khairul Amri, Hassan was in the pioneer batch of the National Football Academy in 2000. ^[8]

Hassan has previously played for S.League clubs Tampines Rovers, Geylang United, Young Lions, Warriors and Lion City Sailors.

According to an interview he gave in November 2007, Hassan only started playing football competitively when he was 11, captaining his school, May Primary School. He later went on to represent Braddell Secondary School football team as well.^{[ citation needed ]}

Hassan started playing football as a midfielder, only switching to playing as a goalkeeper due to an asthma attack he suffered when he was 12. He also quipped that his happiest football memory was that, back in 1999, he scored the winning goal from the halfway line in a game that ended 2–1. ^{[9] [10]} joined the Eagles from the Singapore U-18 team and quickly cemented his spot in the first team, earning an S.League Young Player of the Year nomination for his confident performances and knack for pulling off blinding saves.^{[ citation needed ]}

Tampines Rovers

In 2008, he joined Geylang International's bitter rivals, Tampines Rovers. He helped the club to win the 2011 S.League and the 2011 Singapore Community Shield.

Singapore Armed Forces (also known as Warriors)

In December 2011, Hassan joined SAFFC, after four years of service as Tampines Rovers' first-choice goalkeeper.

His brilliant performances in the 2014 S.League season helped the Warriors win the S.League title. ^[11] He also became the first goalkeeper to win the S.League Player of the Year award in 2014. ^[12]

Army United

Hassan joined Army United. for the 2015 Thai Premier League season. He made his debut in a 1–0 win over Royal Thai Navy. ^[13] After a series of games in good form Hassan excelled in a surprising 1–0 away win at Suphanburi, handing the latter side their first home defeat of the 2015 season as well as giving Hassan man-of-the-match award. After the game, Suphanburi player Jakkaphan Pornsai said Hassan's performance was the main reason Suphanburi lost the match. ^[14] In November 2015 Hassan signed a new two-year contract with the club. ^[15] He excelled so much so that British newspaper The Telegraph placed him 18th in their list of top 20 goalkeepers worldwide in 2016. In December 2016 after the relegation of Army United from Thai League 1, Hassan Sunny was released from the team, ending two years of service at the Thai club. ^[16]

Home United

Following his release from the Thai League side, Hassan signed for S.League side Home United. ^[11]

Gainare Tottori trials

On 10 February 2017, Hassan linked up with Japanese third-tier (J3) club, Gainare Tottori, to get a taste of professional football in Japan. He played for Gainare in two friendlies during the brief stint. A snowstorm delayed the team's arrival at Osaka from their Gainare base some 200 km away by several hours, however, despite minimal preparation, Hassan did not appear affected and he played about 70 minutes of the Tottori 3–3 draw with top-tier South Korean side Incheon United at the J-Green Sakai training facility. Hassan added he was encouraged by the positive feedback he received from head coach Ryuzo Morioka and the club's goalkeeper coaches. ^{[17] [18]}

Return to Army United

After the end of 2017 S.League season, Hassan re-signed for Army United and will play for them in the 2018 Thai League 2 season. He made his second debut for the club in the club's season opener against Nongbua Pitchaya on 10 February 2018, facing off against another Singaporean goalkeeper, Izwan Mahbud, who was also making his debut. ^[19]

Back to Home United (now known as Lion City Sailors)

After 2 seasons with Army United, Hassan penned a 2-year deal with the new privatised club, Lion City Sailors.

During a match against Balestier Khalsa on 8 August 2021, Hassan was substituted after suffering an injury from a collision with teammate Jorge Felipe. The collision ultimately led to Šime Žužul opening the score for the Jaguars though the Sailors were able to salvage a point through Stipe Plazibat. He went on to win the 2021 Singapore Premier League title with the club. On 19 February 2022, He helped LCS win the 2022 Singapore Community Shield. During the club 2022 AFC Champions League group stage campaign, He kept 3 clean sheets in 6 matches. At the end of the season, He left Lion City Sailors after 3 season at the club.

Albirex Niigata Singapore

On 16 December 2022, Albirex Niigata Singapore announced the signing of Hassan on a 2-years contract until 2024. Its his 6th club in the Singapore Premier League. On 8 June 2023, Hassan signed a 1-year contract extension until 2025. In his first season at the club, he won the 2023 Singapore Premier League title thus becoming the first and only player in the league history to win the league titles with 4 different clubs which also leads him to win the Golden Gloves with 9 clean sheets in the league.

International career

A graduate of the National Football Academy, in February 2004, two months shy of turning 20, Hassan made his international debut for Singapore against India after a superb debut season with Geylang United in 2003.

With midfielder Shahril Ishak, defender Baihakki Khaizan and winger Muhammad Ridhuan, he is part of the 'NFA Gang of Four', the quartet which has played together since their early teenage years and earned senior international honors in 2003.

He kept goal for the U-23 team that participated in the 2003 South-East Asian Games in Vietnam, before joining the Young Lions for the 2004 S.League season.

His first appearance in a Lions shirt came in August 2003 when the young keeper replaced Rezal Hassan at half-time in a friendly against the Japan Olympic team.

He had to wait until 18 February 2004 for his first cap for Singapore though, which came against India in a World Cup qualifier.

He has been a regular fixture in the national team, though only as a substitute for Lionel Lewis. However, due to his poor performances in the Merdeka Cup in 2007 with the Under-23 team, he was dropped for the friendly against UAE and Jasper Chan was called up in his place.

His fine display at the 2007 SEA Games helped the Singapore Under-23 squad win the bronze medal – their first SEA Games medal since 1995.

He performed extremely well in a World Cup Qualifier match against Saudi Arabia, but Singapore lost the match 2–0.

On 28 July 2008, Hassan played the first half as part of a Singapore Selection side in a friendly match against the Brazil Olympics Team and made outstanding saves against Diego and Alexandre Pato 's shots, letting in only three goals.

Hassan won his 75th cap for the Lions in early September 2018 against Mauritius. ^[20]

Media headlines in Indonesia and Singapore for his renowned performances

Hassan was selected for the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup that took place in December 2021, featuring in all of Singapore's games and making 20 saves throughout the entire tournament. On 25 December 2021, Hassan made 11 saves for the Lions against Indonesia but got sent off in the 118th minute of extra time after a last man tackle of Irfan Jaya. The Lions lost 4–2 in the end but Hassan received applause from both home and away fans for his heroic duties. He was voted in "Team of the Tournament" for his superb performance in the entire tournament.

On 24 September 2022, 18 years and 218 days on from that World Cup qualifier against India in Goa on his International debut, he came full circle by earning his 100th cap against the same opponents in the 2022 VFF Tri-Nations Series.

Others

Singapore Selection squad

Hassan was selected as part of the Singapore Selection squad for The Sultan of Selangor's Cup held on 6 May 2017. ^[21]

Style of play

During his time with Army United in Thailand, Hassan earned a reputation as a talented goalkeeper, who possessed significant athleticism, as well as strong reflexes, shot-stopping abilities, distribution and as well as his foot-work, positioning between the posts. He has also stood out for his penalty-saving abilities. In spite of his reserved character, he has been highly regarded for his strong personality, calm composure under pressure, ability to organise his defence and leadership from the back throughout his career, as well as his reading of the game.

Personal life

In October 2021, Hassan together with his family, opened a Nasi Padang stall, Dapur Hassan, in Tampines, Singapore. ^[22] On 22 August 2023, he opened his second stall outlet at 144 Tampines Street 12 while his flagship stall presently sits at 872C Tampines Street 86.

Career statistics

Club

As of match played on 16 September 2023

Club	Season	S.League		Singapore Cup		Singapore League Cup		Asia		Total
		Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Geylang International	2003	31	0	-	-	-	-	—		31	0
	Total	31	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	31	0
Young Lions	2004	??	0	-	-	-	-	—		??	0
	2005	??	0	-	-	-	-	—		??	0
	Total	43	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	43	0
Geylang United	2006	??	0	-	-	-	-	—		??	0
	2007	??	0	-	-	-	-	—		??	0
	Total	52	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	52	0
Tampines Rovers	2009	28	0	-	-	-	-	—		28	0
	2010	30	0	6	0	-	-	—		36	0
	2011	13	0	0	0	-	-	7	0	20	0
	Total	71	0	6	0	0	0	7	0	84	0
Warriors	2012	4	0	0	0	-	-	—		4	0
	2013	24	0	1	0	0	0	6	0	31	0
	2014	25	0	1	0	-	-	—		26	0
	Total	53	0	2	0	0	0	6	0	61	0
Club	Season	Thai League T1		Thai FA Cup		Thai League Cup		Asia		Total
Army United	2015	26	0	-	-	-	-	—		26	0
	2016	28	0	-	-	-	-	—		28	0
	Total	54	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	54	0
Club	Season	S.League		Singapore Cup		Singapore League Cup		Asia		Total
Home United	2017	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Total	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Club	Season	Thai League T2		Thai FA Cup		Thai League Cup		Asia		Total
Army United	2018	0	0	-	-	-	-	—		0	0
	2019	26	0	-	-	-	-	—		26	0
	Total	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Club	Season	S.League		Singapore Cup		Singapore League Cup		Asia		Total
Lion City Sailors	2020	11	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	11	0
	2021	20	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	20	0
	2022	20	0	0	0	1	0	6	0	27	0
	Total	51	0	0	0	1	0	6	0	58	0
Albirex Niigata (S)	2023	19	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	20	0
	Total	19	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	20	0
Career Total		347	0	8	0	2	0	13	0	368	0

• Young Lions is ineligible for qualification to AFC competitions in their respective leagues.

Honours

Club

Tampines Rovers

• S.League: 2011
• Singapore Community Shield: 2011

Warriors

• S.League: 2014
• Singapore Cup: 2012

Lion City Sailors

• Singapore Premier League: 2021
• Singapore Community Shield: 2022

Albirex Niigata (S)

• Singapore Premier League: 2023
• Singapore Community Shield: 2023

International

• AFF Championship: 2004, 2007
• Southeast Asian Games Bronze Medal: 2007

Individual

• S.League Golden Gloves: 2009
• Singapore Premier League Golden Gloves: 2023
• S.League Player of the Year: 2014 ^[12]
• 2020 AFF Championship: Team of the Tournament ^[23]

References

1. "Announcement of squad for AFF Suzuki Cup 2014". Football Association of Singapore. 22 November 2014. Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
2. "ハッサン サニー". Albirex Niigata Singapore Official website | アルビレックス新潟シンガポール オフィシャルサイト (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 5 March 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
3. "Hassan Sunny, Latest News & Player Profile | Goal.com". Goal. 2 April 1984. Archived from the original on 25 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
4. "The top 20 best goalkeepers in the world". The Telegraph. 12 April 2016. Archived from the original on 18 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
5. "The top 20 best goalkeepers in the world". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 16 February 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
6. hermesauto (13 April 2016). "Football: Hassan Sunny thought Telegraph accolade was belated April Fool's joke". Archived from the original on 17 May 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
7. "Singapore's Hassan Sunny named one of world's top 20 goalkeepers". TODAY. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
8. "Interview With Baihakki Khaizan". FAS. Archived from the original on 3 September 2013. Retrieved 21 March 2014.
9. ""At first, i didn't like football..."". Archived from the original on 27 May 2008. Retrieved 23 May 2008.
10. "Hassan named S.League Player of the Year". ESPN.com. 9 November 2014.
11. "Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny comes Home". TODAYonline. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
12. "Awards night signals end of 2014 S.League season". S.League. 7 November 2014. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
13. Paul Murphy (16 February 2015). "Singapore keeper Sunny's Thailand debut quietens the doubters". ESPN FC. Archived from the original on 17 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
14. Paul Murphy (27 July 2015). "Sunny heroics as Army hand first TPL home loss to Suphanburi". ESPN FC. Archived from the original on 31 July 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
15. "Hassan extends Army United stay with new two-year deal". Football Channel Asia. 10 November 2015. Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
16. Paul Murphy (1 December 2016). "Singapore's Hassan Sunny released by Thailand club Army United FC". ESPN FC. Archived from the original on 4 December 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
17. "Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny relishes unexpected Japan opportunity". TODAY. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
18. Aziz, Sazali Abdul (13 February 2017). "Hassan encouraged by positive feedback from Japan game". The New Paper. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
19. "Singapore footballers make their debuts in Thai league". The New Paper. 12 February 2018. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
20. "75-cap Hassan Sunny ready for Singapore No.1 battle with Izwan Mahbud". FourFourTwo. 9 September 2018. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
21. "SINGAPORE SELECTION SQUAD FOR THE SULTAN OF SELANGOR'S CUP REVEALED – The Football Association of Singapore". fas.org.sg. Archived from the original on 28 June 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
22. hermes (28 February 2022). "Dalam sebulan Madhu hasilkan cermin mata hitam mesra alam, Berita – BeritaHarian.sg". beritaharian.sg. Archived from the original on 10 January 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
23. "ESPN's AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 Team of the Tournament". ESPN.com. 2 January 2022. Archived from the original on 28 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.

External links

• Hassan Sunny at Soccerway
• Hassan Sunny at National-Football-Teams.com
• Player profile – doha-2006.com