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Ex-Lions goalkeeper Rezal Hassan suffers stroke, fundraiser launched to support 1998 Tiger Cup hero
The fundraiser is set up to help cover his medical care, rehabilitation and daily expenses.
April 21, 2026, 11:01 AM
Former Singapore national football team goalkeeper Rezal Hassan is recovering after suffering a stroke in late 2025, with teammates, fans and members of the public stepping forward to support him and his family through fundraising efforts.
The 51-year-old, who earned 60 caps for Singapore and helped the Lions win the 1998 Tiger Cup, is currently unable to work due to the aftereffects of the stroke.
A fundraiser has since been set up to help cover his medical care, rehabilitation and daily expenses.
A familiar name to many Singapore football fans
Rezal was part of a generation of players many Singaporeans grew up watching in the 1990s and early 2000s.
He was Singapore’s first-choice goalkeeper when the national team won the 1998 Tiger Cup, now known as the ASEAN Championship, keeping a clean sheet in the final against Vietnam.
He also represented clubs including Singapore Armed Forces FC, Tampines Rovers and Woodlands Wellington during his domestic career, winning league titles and the Singapore Cup.
After retiring from professional football, he continued contributing to the sport as a goalkeeper coach with clubs such as Hougang United and Geylang International, and later worked with youth players at ActiveSG Football Academy and local schools.
Stroke left him unable to continue working
According to a fundraiser set up on Give.Asia, Rezal has been unable to return to work following the stroke and is currently undergoing recovery.
The funds raised will go towards medical treatment, rehabilitation costs and living expenses for his family.
According to Berita Harian, his wife also stepped away from her school canteen business to care for him full-time.
Despite mobility limitations, Rezal is able to walk short distances without a wheelchair as he continues rehabilitation.
Football community organised charity match to support him
Members of Singapore’s football fraternity recently organised a charity match at Our Tampines Hub to raise awareness and support for Rezal.
Former national teammates including Fandi Ahmad, Malek Awab and Nazri Nasir were present at the event alongside supporters from the local football community.
The initiative was started by close friends who wanted to help him in a meaningful way during his recovery.
Sporting Tampines president Yazrul Rahman Yassin said: “If you grew up in the 90s and watched football, you would know Rezal.”
He added that the match aimed to support ongoing fundraising efforts and help the former goalkeeper recover.
Acting minister urges public to support fundraiser
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo also encouraged members of the public to contribute if they are able.
In a Facebook post, Neo wrote: “Many of us grew up watching Rezal Hassan jaga (watch over) the goal posts for Singapore with his steady pair of hands.”
He added that it was “heartening” to see teammates and friends come together at the charity match to support Rezal and his family.
“As a community, we can step forward to support his medical care, rehabilitation and day-to-day expenses.”
Neo said the fundraiser initially aimed to raise S$5,000 but has already exceeded that target.
He also referenced Rezal’s support for English club Liverpool in a message of encouragement, with Neo presumably a rival fan: “Since Rezal is a Liverpool fan, I have to reluctantly say ‘You never walk alone’.”
Fundraiser continues as recovery journey goes on
The fundraiser remains open as Rezal continues rehabilitation.
Neo added: “Every gesture counts, and together, we can uplift Rezal and his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Those who wish to support Rezal’s recovery can contribute to the fundraiser here.
Top image via David Neo/Instagram, Give Asia
