Table of Contents
- For Sakariya Abdi Hassan, the path to international football began with an unexpected phone call
- The young Somali-born forward received an invitation to represent Somalia while playing for AFC Sudbury
- Despite his love for football, he never imagined that his career would lead to the international stage
For Sakariya Abdi Hassan, the path to international football began with an unexpected phone call while playing for non-league side AFC Sudbury.
The young Somali-born forward received an invitation to represent Somalia, something he says changed his entire life.
Born in the Netherlands and raised in England from the age of seven, Sakariya spent years at Leyton Orient, QPR, and Tottenham football academies.
Despite his love for football, he never imagined that his career would lead to the international stage.
Currently playing for Wealdstone in the National League, Hassan also took part in the Baller League. The National League is a fast-paced six-a-side tournament backed by YouTuber KSI.
Why is Sakaria Abdi Hassan Famous?
But it’s his role with Somalia’s national team, the Ocean Stars that recently changed his life. Since receiving that first call-up to play for Somalia, he’s earned 10 caps and scored twice.
Sakariya Abdi Hassan, a Dutch born Somali plays for AFC Sudbury. Photo/Suffolk News
He became the team’s star after helping him raise the Ocean Stars profile, a team that has long struggled to gain footing in the international football stage.
Somalia ranks 200th in the world, making it one of Africa’s lowest-ranked national sides. The team hasn’t won a match in six years and currently sits at the bottom of its World Cup qualification group.
Still, Sakariya Abdi Hassan remains optimistic. He’s seen progress firsthand. The team is no longer suffering heavy defeats, and international fixtures are now more frequent.
What used to be a once-a-year gathering has evolved into regular appearances during every international break.
Somalia’s football journey has a so not rosy history. Civil war kept the Ocean Stars from playing at their home stadium in Mogadishu since 1986.
Sakariya, and fellow team members long for the day they will play at home. For now, the team plays its “home” matches in neighboring countries like Djibouti, with only a few hundred fans in attendance.
Can Somalia Qualify for AFCON?
Despite the challenges, Sakariya Abdi Hassan believes Somalia can qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) within the next decade.
While winning the tournament may be a distant goal, reaching the finals is a realistic target according to the AFC Sudbury player.
Sakariya Abdi Hassan, a Dutch born Somali plays for AFC Sudbury. Photo/Suffolk News
He also hopes his story will inspire young Somali players—both in Somalia and across the diaspora—to pursue football seriously.
Football holds a special place in Somali culture. It’s the most popular sport, played by children of all backgrounds and watched passionately across the country.
That enthusiasm extends to Somali communities abroad, especially in the UK. Sakariya Abdi Hassan says the support from British-based fans is overwhelming.
There are watch parties and social media buzz every time the national team plays. When he scored for Somalia, his phone was flooded with messages and unending calls.
He described it as an overwhelming experience of love. He realised that fellow Somali fans had a lot of faith in him.
One standout moment for Sakariya Abdi Hassan was a draw against Guinea in World Cup qualifier match.
Somalia held their own against a team featuring Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy. For Sakariya, it was a reminder that the Ocean Stars are ready to compete on the international stage.
Young players like Abshir Adan and Andreas Ali, who play for Phoenix Next Gen in Bristol, see him as a role model.
His rise to AFC Sudbury sells them hope that they can become anything they want as long as they put in the work.
