Although the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 is drawing to a close, the city's football fever remains at its peak. Tonight at 7:30 pm, the Kai Tak Stadium will host the grand finale – the first-ever overseas edition of the North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal, having splurged over £200 million in this summer's transfer window to assemble a title-chasing squad, may debut their most anticipated new signing, Viktor Gyökeres, in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Tottenham's lineup features Asian superstar Son Heung-min as their marquee player. With rumors swirling that the Korean forward is set to join Major League Soccer (MLS), this Asian tour could mark his last dance in a Spurs jersey.
With these two major storylines, tonight's sold-out Kai Tak Stadium is poised to become the centerpiece of global football and another showcase of Hong Kong's status as the "City of mega events." (Live broadcast on Viu TV Channel 99 and Now TV Channel 630 at 7:30 pm.)
Following the electric atmosphere of Liverpool vs. AC Milan, Kai Tak will once again be packed to capacity tonight as Premier League giants Arsenal and Tottenham clash in this historic overseas North London Derby. Arsenal, runners-up in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, have again invested heavily this summer, spending over £200 million to sign six new players: Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Except for Madueke (who did not join the tour), all new signings – alongside key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard – have traveled to Hong Kong, demonstrating the squad's full commitment.
The £64 million-rated Gyökeres is undoubtedly the spotlight of Arsenal's Hong Kong roster. The Swedish striker, seen as the final piece in Arsenal's title puzzle, will wear the club's iconic No. 14 jersey (previously donned by legend Thierry Henry) and is expected to make his debut for the Gunners tonight, likely becoming the new darling of Arsenal fans. Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gyökeres will definitely have a chance to play.
15-year-old prodigy set for possible debut
Gyökeres, a two-time Primeira Liga Golden Boot winner and Player of the Year during his time in Portugal, isn't the only attraction. Arsenal's 15-year-old prodigy, Max Dowman, has also drawn significant attention and could earn playing time tonight.
While Tottenham's squad may lack Arsenal's star power, they boast Son Heung-min, Asia's football icon. At every public training session and fan event, Son's No. 7 jerseys dominate the crowd. The 33-year-old, visiting Hong Kong for the second time, expressed his hope to enjoy the tour and deliver a strong performance tonight. With reports suggesting his imminent move to MLS side LAFC, many fans are eager to catch what might be his final appearance in a Spurs shirt.
As the first overseas North London Derby and with the star power of both Premier League clubs, tickets for this highly anticipated clash sold out instantly. Kai Tak Stadium is set to replicate the "wall-to-wall" spectacle of Liverpool vs. AC Milan, cementing its status as "Hong Kong's home ground" and reigniting football mania.
Two hours before yesterday's open training session, crowds had already gathered at Kai Tak Sports Park, with long queues at merchandise stores and ticket gates. Fans waved Arsenal scarves and held up player placards to cheer for their team. Among them was Ms. Lin from Jiangmen, who became an Arsenal fan because the team "inspired her" and had "increasingly handsome players."
"I became a fan about five or six years ago during a low point in my life. Watching their matches gave me motivation, and I fell in love with the club. Plus, Arsenal has been signing more good-looking players lately!" she said, holding a banner of defender Ben White.
Admiring Ben White's playing style
Ms. Lin admitted she was drawn to White's calm demeanor and "Zen-like" approach to the game.
Despite Arsenal's Champions League semifinal exit (1-3 aggregate to PSG) and missing out on the league title last season, Ms. Lam believes the team can challenge for silverware next season: "If they don't win anything, Arteta might get sacked. They were so close to the UCL final last year – I hope they can make up for it next season."
Notably, Hong Kong Women's League top scorer Anke Leung Hong-kiu also attended Arsenal's training session. She praised Gyökeres' physicality and finishing, saying, "I followed him at Sporting CP – his strength and shooting will be a huge asset upfront."
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Kwok Ching-him, Cheung Fa-yi; English Editor: Darius)
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