In 2016, Singaporean goalkeeper Hassan Sunny earned international recognition when The Daily Telegraph ranked him as the 18th best goalkeeper in the world. This was a remarkable achievement, as he was the only Southeast Asian and the only goalkeeper on the list who had never played in a European league. The ranking placed him among football’s elite, alongside world-class goalkeepers like Manuel Neuer, David de Gea, and Gianluigi Buffon.
At the time of this recognition, Hassan was playing for Army United in the Thai Premier League. His consistent performances in both club and international matches had earned him a strong reputation as a dependable and skilled shot-stopper. Before moving to Thailand, he had already made history by becoming the first goalkeeper to win the S.League Player of the Year award in 2014 while playing for Warriors FC.
Hassan was initially shocked and thought it was a prank when he saw the ranking. In an interview, he admitted, “When I first saw the link on Facebook, I thought it was a belated April Fool’s joke. After all, you can’t trust everything you see online.” However, the accolade was genuine and showcased his talent to a global audience.
His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers in Singapore and Southeast Asia, proving that dedication and skill can earn international recognition, even without playing in Europe’s top leagues.