Welsh football legend Craig Bellamy made a special appearance in Hong Kong on Friday (Mar 13) as the guest of honor at the draw ceremony for the 2026 HKFC Standard Chartered Priority Private Soccer Sevens, sharing his first impressions of the city’s football enthusiasm.
The annual Hong Kong Football Club Soccer Sevens tournament will take place from May 22 to May 24 at the Hong Kong Football Club. The event will once again bring together teams from leagues around the world, alongside local representatives including the Hong Kong, China men’s representative team, which will compete for the title.
Bellamy, who previously played in the English Premier League for clubs including Newcastle United, Liverpool and Manchester City, attended the draw ceremony held at the Hong Kong Football Club.
The former Wales international said his first visit to Hong Kong had left a strong impression, particularly the passion local fans show for football.
“People kept asking me for autographs,” Bellamy said. “Although I know the love for football here shouldn’t surprise me, I was still amazed by the enthusiasm. Some fans were wearing jerseys I hadn’t seen for a long time. It made me feel very welcome and special.”
Bellamy also said he had long been curious about Hong Kong and found many aspects of the city intriguing, including the football pitch at the Hong Kong Football Club being located in the middle of the racecourse.
Looking ahead to international football, Bellamy expressed hope that more Welsh players would appear on the Premier League stage in the future, while noting that the upcoming European qualifying playoffs for the World Cup later this month would be a crucial fixture.
Hong Kong drawn against West Ham
In the men’s tournament, the Hong Kong, China men’s representative team was drawn into Group A, where they will face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, English Premier League club West Ham United, and the HKFC Captain’s Select.
The competition will also feature last year’s champion AZ Alkmaar and runner-up Brighton & Hove Albion, along with Leeds United, Aston Villa, Scottish giants Rangers, and Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos.
Local Hong Kong Premier League sides Eastern and BC Rangers will also take part in the tournament.
In the women’s competition, defending champion Kitchee was drawn into Group B, where they will once again face Wrexham AFC, whom they met in last year’s final.
Draw results
Men’s Tournament
Group A
- Hong Kong, China Representative Team
- AZ Alkmaar
- West Ham United
- HKFC Captain’s Select
Group B
- Hong Kong Football Club
- Brighton & Hove Albion
- Leeds United
- Singapore Football Club
Group C
- Eastern
- Aston Villa
- Larne F.C.
- Singapore Cricket Club
Group D
- BC Rangers
- Rangers
- Yokohama F. Marinos
- Yau Yee League Select
Women’s Tournament
Group A
- TSL FC
- Hong Kong Football Club
- Urawa Reds Ladies
- Eastern Thunder
Group B
- Kitchee
- Wrexham AFC
- HKFC Captain’s Select
- HKFA Select
marco.lam@singtaonewscorp.com
